Condensation forming on windows during winter is a common problem, and if this isn’t managed correctly, it can lead to mould growth, damage surroundings, and impact health. Understanding how to stop condensation on windows is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment.
With this in mind, homeowners must understand why condensation on windows happens and how to stop condensation on windows to prevent it.
What is condensation and why does it happen?
Learning how to stop condensation on windows can significantly enhance comfort and health in your home.
Condensation occurs when water vapour in the air turns into liquid and makes contact with cold surfaces, like windows.
When warm air cools down, such as when it touches a cold window, it loses its ability to hold moisture, leading to condensation.
Water vapour can come from many different sources, including our bodies. For example, two adults in a bedroom overnight can cause 1.2 litres of condensation on windows just by breathing. Other sources of water vapour include cooking, showering, washing up, doing laundry, gas or paraffin heaters, even indoor plants and pets!
According to the Glass and Glazing Federation, residents in newer properties may face increased condensation issues since a 3-bedroom house can absorb as much as 7,000 litres of water during construction, which is released as it dries. Modern buildings, sealed with insulation, lack the natural ventilation of older homes, trapping moisture.
Why is condensation bad?
When condensation is left unmanaged, it can lead to mould growth, causing damage to paintwork, window fittings, and curtains, and the repairs can be costly. Condensation can also negatively impact your health if left untreated.
Condensation and mould
When mould spores become airborne and are inhaled, they can irritate the airways, especially if you have existing conditions such as asthma. Chronic mould exposure can increase lung inflammation, making airways more sensitive and reactive, increasing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Nasal congestion/ runny nose
If you suspect that your health issues are related to mould, especially if symptoms persist and affect your quality of life, you should visit your GP.
How to stop condensation on windows?
Early intervention with condensation will stop mould forming around windows and other areas. By improving the ventilation in your home, this will increase air flow and reduce the amount of water vapour circulating. Ventilation control tips include:
- Open windows or use trickle vents: Crack windows open or use trickle vents when cooking, showering, or drying clothes to release moisture and prevent buildup.
- Use extractor fans: Turn on kitchen hoods while cooking and ensure bathroom fans are working to remove steam and excess humidity.
- Maintenance of fans: Make sure to clean extractor fans regularly to ensure they work efficiently.
Condensation will likely occur in rooms where it’s not heated regularly. Heating and insulation tips include:
- Insulate windows: Consider window insulation kits to minimise the temperature difference between warm indoor air and cold window surfaces.
- Position radiators strategically: Place radiators under windows (if possible) to help warm the inner glass and reduce condensation formation.
During colder months, it’s understandable to worry about opening windows due to heat loss and energy bills. A solution is to open windows briefly for a few minutes to allow fresh air in without significantly cooling the room. You can also use trickle vents or open windows slightly during warmer parts of the day. For energy savings, pair this with a dehumidifier, which helps reduce condensation without the need to open windows for long periods.
Reducing moisture buildup is another essential factor to stop condensation and mould on windows. Tips to reduce excess moisture include:
- Run a dehumidifier: As mentioned, dehumidifiers effectively lower moisture levels in rooms prone to condensation, like bathrooms and kitchens. Experts at Appliances Direct say that adding a dehumidifier to your home ensures that water evaporates as your clothes dry and doesn’t reappear as condensation. A good humidity level to aim for in your home is around 50-55%; although this sounds technical, most dehumidifiers are set and forget – Just set the machine to regulate the humidity and go about your day automatically.
- Open curtains and blinds: During the day, let natural airflow and sunlight in to keep windows dry and reduce condensation.
Where you still find condensation on windows, it’s important to clean it off to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould growth. A microfibre cloth will do the job just fine, as it will prevent scratching windows, but you can also buy window vacuum cleaners if it becomes a persistent issue, such as Karcher.
Does condensation cause damage to windows?
Condensation will damage windows if water vapour gets between the panels, which means that the seal part of your glazing unit has failed. Over time, this can lead to fogging between the panes, reducing the window’s insulating properties.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to condensation, which results in mould growth, can cause rotting wooden window frames and corrosion of metal components. In extreme cases, this can weaken the window’s overall structure and reduce its energy efficiency, leading to higher heating bills.
How double and triple glazing windows help stop condensation
Double and triple glazing windows help reduce condensation by providing better insulation. These windows comprise two or three glass panes with a layer of air or gas between them, acting as an insulating barrier. This reduces the temperature difference between the inside of your home and the outer glass surface. As a result, the inner pane stays warmer, making it less likely for moisture in the air to condense on the glass. In addition, well-sealed glazing units prevent water vapour from entering between the panes, further reducing the risk of condensation and improving energy efficiency.
While double and triple glazing significantly reduces condensation, they don’t eliminate it completely, especially in homes with high humidity. If there’s poor ventilation, condensation can still form on the inside of these windows. That’s why proper airflow remains essential for preventing condensation.
If you’re having trouble with condensation and mould, get in touch with us to see if new windows would be the best option for you.
