Written by Sam on February 20, 2023. Posted in Windows

Condensations on Windows – Its Causes, Harms, & Solutions 

One of the problems property owners experience during the cold season is window condensation. If left untreated, this can cause serious problems and health dangers.  But what causes condensation, why is it bad for your health, and how can you solve the problem if you experience it at home? Check out the answers below:  The Causes 

• Excess moisture 

The excess moisture in the air that forms on cold surfaces can cause condensation which usually happens when the outside temperature is much colder than inside.  

• Water condensation 

If the temperature is more humid, the microscopic droplets of water can become more concentrated and more likely to condense on surfaces. 

• Dew point 

If the air is warm, the molecules are spaced apart which holds the moisture. But in cool air, the water molecules come together. And as they become close enough together, they merge and form a visible liquid.  You can notice dew point from the condensation on a mirror after a shower, steamed up kitchen window when cooking, and moisture on the window when drying your clothes indoors. Besides windows, condensations can also form behind blinds/curtains, large furniture leaning against a cold wall, and a fitted wardrobe on an external wall.  The Dangers 

1. Sitting water 

By not removing the sitting water on your window, you are exposing it to damage. The mould and limescale build-up can eventually damage it over time regardless if it is waterproof.  uPVC windows are built to last a very long time but they can also become vulnerable to water damage. The excessively wet seals and strong sunlight can eventually dry up and crack the material from constant expansion and contraction.  Compared to uPVC windows, wooden frames are more susceptible to damage which can lead to the peeling of paint and varnish as well as the drying and cracking of wood trims. 

1. Moulds 

Moisture and mould are among the biggest concerns when it comes to standing water. If left untreated, the mould could cause damage to uPVC and wood. It can also cause harm to your health. 

• Black moulds 

Black moulds around the wall, door, and window surfaces will not only affect the appearance of your property, but it can also cause you health hazards. The symptoms include wheezing, itching, skin rashes, stuffy nose, and red or itchy eyes.    Black moulds can also contribute to these health issues: chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic alveolitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.     There is no doubt that moulds can cause damage to your health and should be taken care of as soon as possible.  The Solution  The lack of indoor ventilation is the biggest culprit for condensation. One way to get rid of this problem is to improve the ventilation as it can help equalise the indoor and outdoor temperature on your property. In addition to improving ventilation, you can also solve condensation problems by reducing moisture and installing double or triple-glazed windows.  Your options  You can improve the ventilation of your home with the following options: 

1. PIV units -installing PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) units in areas where excessive moisture is present can help maintain the balance in your property’s humidity. It extracts the humid air from the inside while also drawing dry air from the outside.  

1. Opening windows – this traditional method of improving a home’s ventilation is essential for homes that are heated by fossil fuels. There is nothing more effective than allowing fresh air to circulate through space to remove smell and moisture in the house. 

1. Airflow system – internal airflow systems are common in new apartments. It uses a network of ducts in the ceiling to extract and exchange air between outdoors and indoors. This type of ventilation system is expensive and invasive and is not always available in older houses. 

1. Extractor fan – this is essential in bathrooms to reduce the excessive humidity produced by showers. Some extractor fans can be controlled to automatically operate if the humidity reaches a certain level. 

1. Double glazing – installing double glazing can help reduce the condensation in your property. The air gap inside the double-glazing sandwich can keep the internal pane of the glass closer to room temperature. It is enough to stop the water vapour from reaching the dew point so it won’t form a condensation in the glass. 

1. Dehumidifiers – this option is for internal spaces where you cannot open a window and there is excessive dampness and moisture. It works by extracting and collecting excess moisture from the air. It is important to keep the windows closed when using a dehumidifier as it also draws in moisture from the outside. 

Ultimate UPVC Repairs  Having trouble with the condensations on your window? Contact Ultimate UPVC Repairs for a reliable and fast solution.    

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