While moisture build-up on the interior surface of your windows, doors, and skylights can be concerning, much of the time the moisture is due to a high level of humidity in your home rather than a problem with your window. Condensation is a natural phenomenon, especially if the air in your home’s interior contains a high level of moisture. To understand exactly what condensation is and how it might affect your home, keep these facts in mind:
- Higher humidity equals more condensation. With all the factors that contribute moisture into our homes such as cooking, showers, dishwashers, dryers, and plants, the moisture content of the air can get very high. Condensation forms when this moisture-laden air comes in contact with the colder interior surfaces of the windows, doors, and/or skylights. The higher the relative humidity (the amount of water vapor present in the air) in relation to the lower surface temperature of the interior surfaces, the greater the likelihood that condensation will occur.
- Energy-efficient homes can trap moisture. While today’s homes are built as “tight” as possible to reduce the loss of energy, this can have the unfortunate side effect of trapping moisture and causing it to build up indoors. Integrated window ventilators, dehumidifiers and air exchange devices can all be used to ensure appropriate ventilation by removing this excessive moisture and lowering the relative humidity in your home. Opening windows, doors and skylights whenever possible is another way to allow interior moisture to escape.
- Exterior condensation can sometimes appear. In a cold climate, you may sometimes notice condensation on the exterior of your door or window unit. This is due to the radiant cooling of the exterior glass in high-performing windows like those from Infinity by Marvin and is not something to worry about. However, in very cold conditions, the moisture can freeze and form ice, which may affect how the unit operates. In hot, humid climates, exterior condensation can also occur, as the warm outside air meets glass cooled by interior air conditioning.
Look Out for This Warning Sign
One warning sign to look out for is condensation between the panes of glass of your window. This is an indicator that the window’s seal is broken and a window replacement may be necessary.
If you have questions about condensation or have window issues, Callen, your favorite local remodeling company, would be happy to help. Call Callen at 414)-765-2585 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation.