Preventing Interior Window Condensation

Condensation along the inner surface of the windows or window condensation is a common, window-maintenance issue. Condensation is visible in the form of small droplets of water or an easily-detectable, damp layer along the window’s interior surface. This indicates excessive humidity and poor air circulation within the house, causing retention of moisture/water-vapor. Window condensation is deemed harmful because it causes sustained seepage of moisture along the windowpanes and drywalls around the windows. If timely precautions are not taken, the moisture seepage can become invasive, threatening the structural integrity of the window panels. Mildew development is more common among walls sections around windows having chronic, interior-condensation issues. However, interior window condensation can be easily prevented by adopting the following, two measures.

1. Reducing Humidity Levels

Most urban constructions are prone to window condensation since they have negligible mechanical ventilation. This is done to raise the energy efficiency of the house which in turns helps to restrict monthly expenditure in the form of reduced, energy bills. However, in the absence of proper ventilation, moisture tends to build-up quickly. You can reduce the moisture level inside the house by:

Using Fans

Water vapor is added through a wide range of conventional household activities like washing dishes, bathing and cooking. Therefore, you need to ensure that all artificial ventilating devices are used on a regular basis. Water vapor accumulated inside the bathroom is eventually directed towards the living room if it isn't exhausted immediately. If you have bath venting fans and kitchen exhaust fans, use them more regularly. If the living room has poor air circulation, ceiling fans can also help. This increases the movement of air within the house, pushing-out the heavier, moisture-rich air. Increased air circulation also fastens drying-up the moist, window surface.

Preparing for Winter Season Condensation

Condensation become a bigger problem during the winter months, as the temperature of the window panels is typically low, causing sustained condensation throughout the day. Thus, using a dehumidifier is recommended. It is an affordable device and ensures that the humidity level inside the house is restricted. Firewood is commonly stored in homes exposed to freezing temperatures. Please understand that natural wood may appear dry from the outside but internally, it contains plant sap and moisture. Firewood stock should be covered with a plastic sheet. Ideally, it should be stored away from the main living space.

Taking Basic Precautions

If condensation has assumed serious proportions and damage to the walls is visible, you need to be more vigilant. Remove all internal plants. This is an easy way of limiting water-vapor emission. If you are using air-conditioning systems, ensure that the drainage is directed away from basement and the crawlspace. Regularly check the quality of insulation along the attic and in the crawlspace. If there is defined discoloration along the concrete linings, you need to caulk and seal them to strengthen their insulation against moisture seepage. Turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom a few minutes before using the facility, if you plan to have a steam bath. Keep the windows open during the daytime to let the sunlight enter the room’s interiors and dry-up the moisture.

2. Raising Window Temperature through Window Treatments

If the above-listed measures don’t yield appreciable results and you are still struggling with window condensation, you need to raise the temperature of the window surface. The core principle of this strategy is easy-to-understand. Condensation happens only when the temperature of the window surfaces is significantly lower than the internal air’s temperature. Thus, the internal air does not condense when it encounters window surfaces maintained within the same temperature range.

To raise the temperature of the windows, you can use easy-to-install, affordable window treatments like blinds and curtains. Such window treatments prevent the loss of heat from the window configuration. They help to retain the heat that is absorbed during the daytime. Further, they are available in various designs and can be easily matched with the room’s décor. You can also use wooden, window shutters. These are ideal for homes exposed to scorching summers. Wooden blinds/shutters are excellent in blocking-away the sun’s heat, making them ideal for maintaining cool interiors. However, wood is also an excellent conserver of heat. Thus, the temperature of the window panels is raised, making them less vulnerable to condensation. You can use heavy curtains/drapery and double-glazing window treatments. They drastically reduce the window surface area exposed to the internal, warmer air. Special window-treatment inserts are also available that create a natural barrier against window condensation. You can buy specific window treatments that are retailed for each window-type. For example, specific drapery treatments (with extensive fabric choices) are retailed for bay windows.