Window condensation is common in Canadian homes during the winter. However, if you notice condensation on your windows, you certainly shouldn’t ignore it. This moisture can damage structures in your home, and it’s a warning sign about your indoor air quality. Here’s a look at what causes condensation on windows and what you can do to prevent it.
WHAT CAUSES CONDENSATION ON WINDOWS?
When it’s cold outside, the interior surface of your windows will be cooler than the air inside your home. When warm air meets a cool surface, water vapour in the air condenses into droplets. Imagine a cold drink on a hot summer day. The same thing is happening on your windows. The areas in your home that are most prone to condensation are the kitchen and bathrooms since hot showers and cooking create warm, moist air. Over time, condensation can damage your window frames and seep into the walls, eventually rotting the drywall and insulation. Condensation can also lead to mould growth, which can adversely affect your health.
HOW CAN THIS PROBLEM BE PREVENTED?
There are a few things you can do to prevent condensation from building up on your windows: ● Adjust your humidity. Use a dehumidifier to reduce your home’s humidity level. Additionally, remember to turn on ventilation fans when taking a shower or cooking in the kitchen. You should also avoid excessively watering plants or hanging wet laundry indoors. ● Increase ventilation. Energy-efficient homes are air-tight and, therefore, have little air circulation. Open windows a crack to let in more fresh air or use fans to increase air flow. ● Install high-performance windows. Energy-efficient windows are less likely to have condensation on them because their insulation keeps the interior temperature of the glass closer to the indoor temperature of your home. Insulated windows with three or more layers of glass will prevent condensation on even the coldest days. If condensation appears between the panes of glass in a double-glazed window, this may indicate that the window’s seal is broken. In this case, you’ll need to have the window repaired or replaced.
WINDOW INSTALLATION AND REPAIR SERVICE IN NORTHWEST CANADA
All-West Glass is a one-stop-shop for all your home’s windows and doors. Whether you want bow, hopper or casement windows, our custom glass experts can install them quickly and correctly with a one-year labour guarantee. Contact us today at one of our locations in Edmonton, Fort St. John, Grande Prairie, Whitehorse or Yellowknife.