Condensation on windows and doors is a common problem that plagues the colder months of the year. It can be both frustrating and difficult to get rid of, but there are several ways to combat it and prevent your windows from constantly getting foggy. There are four main types of condensation you’ll likely experience:
1. Condensation On The Glass Of The Window
High humidity is probably the most common problem when it comes to condensation, but there are plenty of ways you can prevent it! Here’s what you can do:
(i) Improve ventilation in rooms with large windows – This will allow moisture to escape more easily instead of staying indoors where it can cause problems.
(ii) Use an anti-fog product on the windows – You can buy this at any hardware store, and it will stop condensation from forming for several weeks after application.
(iii) Just try to keep your indoor humidity at around 50% – If that’s not possible then aim for somewhere between 40-50%, keeping in mind that the lower the humidity the better when it comes to preventing condensation!
2. Formed Water Droplets
External factors are things like rain, snow, sleet, or ice that collects on the windows. Here’s what you can do to prevent this from happening:
(i) Cover your windows with insulated window film – Most hardware shops sell this inexpensively, and it’ll provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and the cold outside air. This will help prevent any formed droplets from collecting but won’t affect visibility at all!
(ii) Invest in double-glazed windows – These are much more effective at stopping the formation of water droplets. As soon as water touches a double-glazed window it forms into a practically invisible sheet that doesn’t collect into droplets again.
3. Steam Coming From Inside Your Home
Sometimes you’ll be inside and notice steam coming from your windows or doors. When that occurs, whatever you do, don’t try to wipe away what’s on your window! This will just smear the condensation around and make it worse. To prevent this type of condensation:
(i) Make sure all heating appliances are turned off – Even a heater with the lowest setting could cause problems if left running for longer than necessary, so keep an eye on them and switch them off as soon as they’re no longer needed.
(ii) Get someone to check the ventilation in your home – This means having a system whereby warm air can escape quickly and easily without being trapped and causing problems elsewhere.
4. Formed Frost On The Outside
This is the type of condensation you’ll see on the exterior of your windows or other surfaces, and it’s naturally going to be worse if the outside temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius. That said, there are a few things you can try to combat this:
(i) Prevent rain from collecting on your windows – If there’s already been some form of condensation then water droplets will cling to these easily, exacerbating the problem. If you’re able to prevent them from forming in the first place then that will go a long way towards preventing formed frost!
(ii) Try applying an anti-fog solution – There are plenty available for purchase online or at a hardware store, and they usually contain alcohol which will evaporate quickly.
(iii) Open your windows on cold, frosty nights – This will let warm air out of your home and cold air in to prevent any further condensation from forming.
Conclusion
Condensation on windows can be a nuisance, but hopefully the advice here will arm you with information to help you prevent it from occurring in the first place. To know more, check out 5 window condensation solutions to get rid of condensation in your home.
