Window condensation is a common problem many homeowners experience. Because condensation accelerates the wear and tear of wood and corrodes metallic items, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. To advance your window condensation knowledge, Renewal by Andersen® of Denver answers frequent questions we receive about it:
Why Does Window Condensation Happen?
Generally speaking, condensation occurs when moist air meets a colder surface, like the window glass on a cold winter night. The moisture in the warm air turns into liquid, causing the object to sweat. However, condensation is more of an indoor humidity problem than a window one. In fact, it could even indicate that your windows are airtight.
All homes generate large amounts of moisture with water-related household activities. Cooking three meals a day can send about four or five pints of water into the air; each shower can add another half pint. Because of vapor pressure, the moisture can penetrate through building materials, such as plaster, wood, brick, and cement. In other words, the moisture source doesn’t have to be in the same room where the condensation happens.
Is Window Condensation Bad?
Again, the condensation that happens on the outer surface of the window means good energy efficiency. It only becomes a problem when it begins to wreak havoc on items with poor water resistance.
Experienced window companies would tell you, though, that it’s a different story when double-pane units fog up inside the glass. That spells moisture infiltration caused by seal failure. In this case, your windows are no longer as energy-efficient as they used to because the insulating gas inside them is leaking out.
How Can I Minimize It?
In terms of exterior window condensation, one way to reduce it is by investing in argon-filled windows with Low-E glass. The combination of Low-E coatings and an argon gas fill renders most of the glass warm enough to prevent moisture from turning into liquid water.
But when it comes to units that have between-the-pane condensation, the sound solution is to get new ones. After all, installing replacement windows helps boost daylighting and eliminate costly, periodic maintenance.
At Renewal by Andersen of Denver, our custom-built units have the essential elements to reduce condensation. Contact us today to learn more about the advanced features of our windows. We’ll be happy to schedule your free consultation in Colorado Springs or Denver, CO, to discuss your project at your most convenient date and time.
