There are many factors that contribute to the condensation of your windows, such as excess moisture in the air that usually forms on cold surfaces. This normally occurs when it’s colder outside rather than inside.

If you live in the UK and experience wet winters along with high humidity levels, then you have a higher chance of experiencing condensation on your windows. Condensation can not only cause damage to your windows, but it can also lead to mould and in the worst case, health problems.

Throughout this blog, we will be exploring what condensation is and how to prevent condensation on your windows. For more information, read on.

 

 

What is Condensation?

Condensation is the process by which water vapour becomes liquid. There are two main factors that cause condensation - if the air is cooled to its dew point or it becomes over-saturated with water.

Normally, internal condensation problems occur as there is too much humidity in the room or a lack of air circulation. The main cause of condensation is when warm air connects with a cold surface or when there is too much humidity within your home.

Condensation can cause damp surfaces, which can eventually lead to the growth of mould which appears as little black dots. Condensation on windows is down to a lack of ventilation, however, there are many things you can do to prevent condensation on windows such as improving ventilation, reducing moisture and installing double/ triple glazing.

Black Mould And Health Effects

Although condensation can ruin your windows, it also has a range of negative health effects. The main symptoms of mould are a stuffy nose, skin rashes, itching, wheezing, red or itchy eyes and in worse cases, allergic rhinitis and fungal sinusitis.

Black mould can also affect the immune system therefore triggering more serious problems such as asthma attacks. Babies and young children are at a higher risk of developing these symptoms due to their airways being much smaller.

There are many ways to deal with black mould such as fixing any sources of moisture, leaks, dampness and controlling humidity. It is important to routinely inspect your homes for any traces of mould or water damage.

 

How to Improve Ventilation In Your Home?

Improving ventilation within your home is the first step in reducing condensation. There are many different ways that you can improve the ventilation in your home such as investing in an airflow system.

There are numerous ways to combat condensation such as using a dehumidifier, air conditioner and a more cost-effective option, a fan. All of these options work by effectively ventilating your home to reduce the chances of condensation.

Airflow systems maintain air circulation and humidity balance within well-sealed properties. Another cost-effective option to help ventilate your home is opening windows. Doing this allows fresh air to circulate throughout your home to ensure thorough ventilation.

Modern-day windows have evolved drastically - they now often feature multi-point lock settings that allow you to leave your windows open securely for ventilation. This is probably the most cost-effective and easiest way to ventilate your home effectively.

 

Excess Moisture That Causes Condensation

There are many appliances and day-to-day activities that can cause excess moisture that leads to condensation - for example:

  • Showers and hot taps
  • Washing machines
  • Tumble dryers
  • Cooking, boiling pans/ kettles
  • Drying clothes on radiators

These are all factors that contribute to condensation. However, by minimising the use of these (or, of course, opening windows) you will effectively get rid of condensation.

 

Install Double Glazed Windows

Single-glazed glass is much less effective in terms of preserving heat in your home compared to double and triple glazing. This is because single-glazed windows only have one pane of glass whereas double-glazing has two.

This means that double-glazed windows are more energy efficient compared to single glazing. homes with single-glazed windows are significantly colder during the winter and too hot during the summer.

Condensation is more likely to occur on single-glazed windows as there is only one pane of glass which separates the inside of your home from the outside. Not only does condensation lead to mould, but it also reduces the lifespan of your windows.

The air inside the double glazing helps keep the internal glass pane closer to room temperature. Although double-glazing doesn’t eliminate condensation entirely, it is a lot more effective than single-glazed windows.

By investing in double-glazed windows and airflow systems, you are more likely to experience little to no condensation on your windows. Triple-glazed windows are a more expensive option as they have three panes of glass -however, they are more effective at preventing condensation.

When installing double-glazed windows, we recommend that you hire a professional to do this to ensure that it is done correctly and safely. However, if you are insisting on doing it yourself, then we strongly recommend that you invest in our suction cups.

This is to allow for the safe handling of windows to ensure that you don't damage or break the glass whilst transporting it from one place to another.

Here at GGR Glass, we offer a wide range of suction cups such as lever-operated suction cups and slap-on cups for the safe handling of your glass. But why exactly are glass lifting suction cups necessary? check out our blog to find out!

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What Are The Main Areas of Condensation In Double Glazing?

Although double-glazed windows are less likely to lead to condensation compared to single glazing, it is still a possibility. The main areas to expect condensation on your windows are:

  • The inside pane of your window
  • The outside window pane
  • Inside the ‘air gap’ between both panes of glass

Internal condensation problems occur when there is too much humidity in the room. However, low internal room temperatures cause cold surfaces which cause warm air to condense easily when they come in contact with each other.

Believe it or not, condensation can also form on the outside pane of double glazing, however, this doesn’t happen often and it is highly unlikely. If condensation was to occur on the outside of the window pane, then this is down to the external air being warmer than the temperature of the glass pane.

Finally, you can have condensation forming in the air gap between the two glass panes. This can be due to the age of the window. For example, the sealant on older and poorer quality windows will eventually start to crack therefore allowing moist air to enter the air gap.

Here at GGR Glass, we provide sealant finishing tools to smooth out the sealant's bead and allow for a smooth edge around your windows. This is to ensure that there is a waterproof and airtight seal which is essential when glazing (especially in bathrooms and kitchens).

There are many ways to combat all of these such as opening windows throughout your home to increase airflow and ventilation, as well as investing in air vents or extractor fans.