Condensation can be a very common problem in homes, especially in the winter months, and can form on windows, doors and even inside built-in cupboards and wardrobes. If left untreated, it will cause damage to window seals and frames and can create mould, mildew and damp leading to property and health damage. This blog post will look at the problems of condensation, what causes it and some tips on how to prevent it from occurring or causing issues for your home or family’s health.
What is Condensation?
Condensation is caused by warm, humid air coming into contact with the cool glass of a window or door. This temperature change causes the water vapour in the air to change into liquid water droplets on the cooler glass. Single glazing consists of one pane of glass, which more easily conducts heat and allows the inside surface of the glass to become cold when the outside temperature drops.
Double or triple-glazed windows and door panels have more panes of glass separated by a spacer and a vacuum which enables the inside pane to remain closer to the indoor temperature.
This additional layer reduces the likelihood of condensation forming, although it can still form, especially in rooms with household activities such as showering and bathing, cooking and drying clothes indoors as well as simply breathing! Two sleeping adults can expire up to half a litre of water in a night which is often why bedroom windows have condensation on them in the morning.
Damage Caused by Condensation
Condensation left untreated will cause damage over time to both wooden and uPVC window frames. Damp patches of condensation and bright sunlight will damage wooden frames, causing them to dry and crack and make the varnish or paint peel and crack. The eventual failure of window frames can become a bigger structural problem and also lead to a loss of energy efficiency, as warm air escapes in winter and is gained in summer. Condensation left to pool on the surface of a window frame will turn to mould which becomes a health hazard to occupants contributing to poor air quality and a musty, smelly interior.
uPVC frames can also be damaged by condensation as, when inside seals change frequently from being wet and then dry, they will expand and contract eventually drying them out and causing them to fail. The failed seals then allow moisture to enter the unit between the panes creating a fog or mist that can’t be removed and the window loses its insulating benefits.
7 Tips To Manage Condensation
Whilst you may never completely remove condensation from your home, there are various tips to help control it and ensure it doesn’t cause damage to the property or health issues for occupants.
1. Improve Ventilation
In areas of high humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms, install extraction fans that vent outside and not into the attic or other spaces. Regularly opening windows allows moisture-laden air to escape and fresh air to circulate, so open kitchen and bathroom windows when cooking and showering and even crack bedroom windows open a little at night to allow air to circulate. Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system, or new double and triple-glazed units which often contain trickle vents to allow continuous airflow.
2. Control Humidity Levels
Use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity levels, placing them in especially damp areas such as conservatories, basements or laundry areas. Many often have an economy setting to help reduce the energy needed to run them. Houseplants and flowers can be a cause of humidity, so placing them in well-ventilated areas will help prevent any issues. Some plants will absorb moisture, such as Boston ferns or peace lilies, and placing these particular plants in rooms with problem areas, such as near windows, can help to regulate humidity levels.
3. Insulate Windows
Upgrading your windows to double glazed windows will automatically create insulation with the insulating gas between the layers of glass – reducing the temperature differences and thereby the condensation – providing the most effective and long-term form of window insulation. Single-glazed windows can be cheaply and quickly insulated with an insulating window film on the inside to help with temperature maintenance.
4. Control Indoor Temperature
Maintaining a consistent temperature indoors goes a long way to reducing the likelihood of condensation forming on cooler window surfaces, rather than the peaks and troughs of temperature changes when heating is coming on and off during the day and night. Thermostatically controlling the temperature can help to keep it regulated. Curtains and blinds can also be used to help insulate windows, especially at night, although keeping them open during the day will ensure they don’t block airflow continually.
5. Reduce Moisture Sources
Where possible, dry clothes outdoors as drying clothes is always a huge contributor to internal condensation and if drying clothes indoors, use a dryer with an external vent. Cover pots while cooking or use the extractor hood to reduce the amount of steam and moisture in the air. Fix leaks promptly, whether they are from the roof, plumbing or windows as this will prevent any problems from escalating into more expensive issues to fix, as well as remove sources of moisture inside the property.
6. Use Absorptive Materials
Silica gel packs, dehumidifier bags and other readily available moisture traps are cheap to purchase and will absorb large amounts of dampness from the air. They are especially useful in areas which are hard to ventilate, such as the back of wardrobes and cupboards, preventing the build-up of condensation and mould.
7. Regular Maintenance
Regular cleaning and wiping down damp windows and frames are simple ways to remove or prevent mould or mildew which can exacerbate condensation issues. Check the seals of window and door panels to ensure they are intact and repair any gaps or cracks which could allow cold air to enter or moisture to pass through.
Make Your Home a Happy Haus
Sometimes simply replacing the double-glazed unit that has failed is enough of a solution if the frame itself is still in good condition, but it might be that the answer to your condensation and damp problems is to completely replace your door or windows.
Our expert team at Haus are on hand to offer pressure-free advice and a quote for your window replacement project. We always leave you with a quote for you to decide in your own time, so if condensation, damp, mould and failed window units are making your life miserable, get in touch today to find out how to make your home a happy haus again. Call us on 01905 701201 or email us at sales@hausinstallations.co.uk.
