Frequently Asked Questions

Condensation

You look at your new windows and see water dripping down them. "Oh, no!" you say, "There's something wrong with my windows!"

No, it's not your windows. Actually, it isn't uncommon to notice an increase in condensation during cold weather on the interior of new glass windows. There are reasons why this happens.

When you purchase new windows, the indoor climate of your home changes. Your old windows were not airtight and, therefore, there was an exchange of air between outdoors and indoors. Because in winter outside air is relatively dry, this exchange would cause a drop in humidity inside your home.

But now you have new windows. And new windows will reduce or eliminate this exchange of air. Activity inside the home hasn't changed, but the airtightness of your windows makes it seem like there is more moisture. In very cold conditions, this moisture can even turn to frost because the glass surface will always be colder than the wall and the heat in your room will find this cold surface. Where cold and heat meet, there will be a change.

There's a reason for this condensation. Too much water in the indoor air! If you are experiencing a humidity problem, there ways to reduce this problem and still enjoy the advantages of increasing window efficiency.

Purchase windows with warm edge spacer. Some windows still have metal spacer in the thermopane. Metal attracts the cold and, therefore, will be more prone to causing a change in humidity conduction.

Use a humidifier. It will take the excess moisture out of the indoor air.

Do not dry large quantities of wood in your basement. This adds to the level of humidity in your home.

Be sure that all bathrooms and cooking areas have proper venting systems so that humidity from showers and boiling water goes outside, and doesn't stay inside.

For a healthy exchange of air in your home, you may need to consider an air exchanger system.

Examine your heating habits. When a window is not receiving any heat or just minimal heat, there will always be the chance of more condensation. This can occur in rooms where doors are kept shut or when heat is turned very low at night. Also, keeping drapes closed when heat is on will mean that the window is not having a chance to receive any heat.

If properly controlled, condensation is not a major concern. The advantages of not losing heat, of eliminating drafty situations, and the healthy and proper control of air in your home far outweigh the small disadvantage of learning to control condensation.

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