As a homeowner, you may sometimes notice the condensation that’s forming on your windows. You start to wonder whether that’s a good or bad thing for your home. If you’re not sure whether you need to call for a house window replacement, then we’re here to explain exactly what it means for your windows and your home.
How Condensation Forms on Windows
Condensation occurs when warm and moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces. You will almost always see this happening on your window glass during a cold winter day, even if you have high-performance windows. Condensation also happens on warmer days, when warm air and water vapor come into contact with a colder surface. You can see this happening whenever you have a cold glass of orange juice. When you see it “sweating”, that’s actually the warm, moist air coming into contact with the cold surface of the glass.
Condensation is a natural occurrence, and happens more often during spring and fall. Keep in mind that a window is truly sealed if at least two layers of glass are assembled together to form an IGU, or an insulated glass unit. So, if you see condensation forming on the outside of your windows, it doesn’t mean you need a full window replacement service just yet. This actually means your window seals are in excellent condition, and it’s also a good indicator that you have good energy-efficient windows.
Condensation can also come from indoor moisture. Let’s say you usually cook 3 meals a day. That actually adds four to five pints of water into the air. Whenever you take a shower, that’s another half-pint. But regardless of when moisture comes from, it doesn’t mean you should let condensation occur, especially in places where it isn’t supposed to. Vapor pressure can actually force moisture through several materials such as wood, plaster, brick, and even cement.
How to Minimize Condensation
To reduce condensation on your windows, you must first reduce the indoor humidity of your home. This means venting your gas appliances, clothes dryers, and exhaust fans outside your home. Make sure you have good ventilation in your attic and install a vapor barrier in your crawl space as well. Whenever you’re cooking in the kitchen, run an exhaust fan to expel the moisture. You need to run the exhaust fan in your bathroom as well while bathing, showering, or until the vanity mirror is clear. If you have a forced-air furnace, they should be properly ventilated, and don’t forget to never store firewood inside your home.
When you’re looking for a reputable contractor offering excellent services on window and door replacement, you can count on Renewal by Andersen® of Boise to get the job done. Don’t hesitate and call us today at (208) 501-8361, or reach us online through our contact form.