Tackling Condensation on Windows and Doors

Condensation is a result of moisture in your home. It can appear on the inside or outside of your doors and windows when cold weather appears and the moist air in your home contacts the cooler surface of the windowpane. Depending on how cold it is, the condensation can appear as droplets of water, fogginess or even frost. The colder the temperature outside and the more humidity present inside, the more likely it is condensation will occur. If you are finding you have condensation forming on your doors and windows , there are a few ways you can tackle the issue.

ENERGY STAR® certified windows and doors : Installing energy-efficient windows and doors in your home will help avoid condensation. These products have efficiency features including:

If you do have ENERGY STAR® certified windows and doors and are still seeing condensation it could be due to a broken seal on the windows. This can occur for a number of reasons including damage to the glass as well as age. If this is the case, your windows require replacement.

Proper air circulation is required to reduce condensation. When warm air flows over the glass, it keeps the glass warm, so condensation is unable to form. This is one of the reasons you will find your heating/cooling vents are usually placed beneath windows in your home. Make sure nothing is blocking your air vents, so they are able to function properly.

Proper ventilation in your home can help remove excess moisture and humidity. The simplest way to do this is to open the windows in your room just an inch or so to release stale, humid air and allow dry air to flow into the house. This is important in the bathroom if you don’t have an exhaust fan. You should always have the window open slightly when taking a shower or bath to keep the steam from creating humidity.

You can also turn on exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen when showering and cooking. If you don’t have fans either above your stovetop or in your shower, you can look into having them installed to prevent moisture build-up on windows and walls.

An outside fresh air intake can be installed if you have a hot air furnace to help manage high-humidity interior air.

Keeping safe humidity levels in your home will reduce the odds of condensation. It will also provide a more comfortable environment when the air is not too moist. A dehumidifier can help maintain healthy humidity levels so you can avoid not only condensation but also moisture that can lead to unhealthy mold and mildew growth. You should also ensure your HRV is always on if you have one.

Contact the Door Centre for all of your door and window needs, and always check thedoorcentre.ca for our latest specials and promotions!

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