Condensation can occur inside and outside of your home. The cause is humidity, the invisible water vapor, present in virtually all air. When water vapor comes in contact with a surface that is below a temperature called the “dew point”, the vapor turns to visible droplets of liquid. This happens often to bathroom mirrors and walls as well as windows during the winter if the inside humidity level is high enough.
Unfortunately there is no such thing as a condensation-free window. Even walls will “sweat” when there are large amounts of humidity present. Windows do not cause condensation; they can only prevent moisture from escaping to the outside and create a visible surface where condensation can be noticed. If the inside of your glass surface shows condensation, you can be sure there is an excessive amount of moisture that is also collecting on your walls and ceilings. When surface condensation occurs, this does not mean your window is defective, it simply shows the unit is doing it’s job; insulating your home.
We tend to notice condensation more only on windows, mirrors, etc., because glass is often the coldest surface within a home it will not absorb excess moisture. Controlling the amount of humidity within a home is the only way to reduce interior condensation. You can do this by running the bathroom fan while taking a shower, using a dehumidifier, and by using a moisture eliminator throughout the home to draw out the excess moisture out of the air.
Windows that have condensation in between the window panes may have a broken seal which will no longer keep up with the excess moisture. This will eliminate the energy efficiency of your windows completely and there really is no easy fix. Older windows you may notice in your home may have seals held in place with caulk. This is a short-term solution because the gas in between the two panes of glass has already escaped the window and will no longer block the air transfer leaving you with drafty windows. This is where you will notice your utility bills increasing.
Most of the time your best bet to eliminate condensation in between the panes of windows is to replace your old windows with efficient replacement windows with a tight seal. When you replace your windows you will eliminate this issue entirely which should get rid of that condensation you are noticing between the glass. It is best to replace your windows as soon as possible so that you can avoid future damage to the inside of your home. Call 1-877-WINDOWS today to get a free estimate from your local South Jersey Replacement Window company!