Winter is coming, the mornings and evenings are getting colder, and the air – wetter. This is often accompanied by a phenomenon we can observe on the window panes at our homes – condensation. Find out why windows fog up and whether it should be a cause for concern.
Window pane condensation is a natural physical phenomenon. It is the effect of a large temperature difference and high humidity, which often occurs in the autumn and winter. The temperature outside is then very low, while inside it is high, which causes moisture to condense on the glass. If the windows in your home fog up, note where exactly the condensation occurs.
Windows fogging up on the outside
If the window panes fog up on the outside, there is no need to worry. This occurs when “warm” glass is used and indicates its high thermal insulation performance. Moisture appears on the glazing when the temperature drops at night and begins to rise in the morning. We can then observe condensation not only on the windows, but also on cars or on the grass.
Windows fogging up on the inside
The difference in temperature is also the reason for the emergence of condensation on the inside of the window panes. This time, it may the result of insufficient ventilation. It is worth checking whether the house is not overheated or ventilated too rarely. The optimum humidity level indoors does not exceed 50%. If this level is exceeded, moisture in the form of water droplets precipitates in the coolest places.
Water vapour on the inside of the window pane can also be an indication of improper installation or lack of proper sealing. The lack of correct, i.e. tight, installation can lead to moisture precipitation in the sealing layer. After several years, this will result in a complete degradation of the seal.
However, before adopting radical solutions, it is advisable to take a few simple steps. If the windows are wooden, they need to be sealed, and if they are made of PVC – it is necessary to check the seals, carry out their maintenance, and ensure proper adjustment of the leaf pressure.
Condensation between the glass panes of the window
Condensation between the glass panes of the window means that the window has lost its insulating properties because it has become unsealed. A noble gas is placed between the glass panes, affecting their thermal insulation properties. Unsealing is a sign that the glazing unit needs to be replaced.
If the window is covered by a warranty, unsealing of the glazing unit is a significant defect in the glazing. It should be replaced by the retailer. A gradual loss of gas from between the glass panes and its replacement by natural air is a natural phenomenon, on the other hand. In such case, the windows will need to be replaced.
A few ways of dealing with glass condensation
If window pane condensation on the inside is not the result of improper installation or lack of proper sealing, there are several ways to try to avoid it:
- do not overheat the rooms, keeping the temperature
between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius;
- reduce humidity by frequently ventilating the rooms and
using moisture absorbers;
- avoid drying laundry inside rooms where the humidity
level is too high;
- use a range hood when cooking;
- move furniture away from the wall if it is
under-insulated.
