Condensation on windows - how to prevent it?

In autumn and winter, you close the window, turn on the heating, and after a while, steam appears on the windows. It starts to condense and you have to wipe it off regularly, which is very inconvenient. Where does condensation on the windows come from? How can you prevent this phenomenon? Here are some tips.

Where does the steam on the window come from?

It turns out that the steam on the window does not appear at all because you have poor-quality joinery or because it has been damaged by use. It is a phenomenon that is related to the difference in temperatures outside the house and inside. Steam on your windows most often appears in autumn and winter, when you start the heating season, but not only. It can also build up when cooking in the kitchen, ironing in the room, or bathing in the bathroom. The fault is to be found in improper air ventilation. When the woodwork is very tight, the moisture has nowhere to escape, which is why steam appears on the window. You will notice a similar phenomenon when you take a cold bottle straight out of the fridge and it is quite hot in the room. If you put it on a table, in a while the water condenses on its surface. 

Does this mean that leaks of any kind are advisable? Certainly, the ventilation in the room should work well. It is responsible for carrying moisture to the outside. It is by no means a question of cold air in winter and unpleasant gusts coming in through the windows. However, the glazing must guarantee at least a minimum air exchange.

Steam on a window is not dangerous in itself, but an excess of it can have a bad effect on the finishing materials used. It affects the wood, it also settles on the walls or runs down the window sill. If there is too much of it, it can cause damage and unsightly stains. In addition, the steam on the window has a bad effect on the roller blinds. They become wet and mold can appear on the surface. It is worth noting that steam on the window means too much humidity, which in turn is the cause of the development of green stains on the wall in the form of mold and fungus. Check here when it is worth changing your blinds for new ones.

Ventilate the room and ensure proper humidity

It doesn't take anyone to convince you that regular room ventilation is fundamental to looking after your home. Firstly, you introduce fresh air, and secondly, the steam on the window can be significantly reduced. Even in winter, it is a good idea to carry out short ventilation of a few minutes. Of course, the heating must be turned off completely during this time. It is best to do this a few minutes before opening the windows.

Control the humidity at all times to prevent problems with excessive water vapor. The recommended value is 40-60%. Special hygrometers are used for this, which can also have a decorative function. Such information often appears on weather stations and air purifiers. The lower the humidity, the less likely it is that steam will appear on the window. However, this cannot be exaggerated. During the heating season, air that is too dry is also not recommended. It can cause coughing, runny nose and even breathing problems. A golden mean must be found between too much moisture in the air and too dry air.

In emergency situations, when something serious happens with the ventilation and you have a big problem with condensation on the windows, you can equip your home with a dehumidifier. 

Windows and window ventilators

Window joinery is often fitted with micro-ventilation. In this way, the pressure of the sash against the frame can be reduced. Air will be exchanged through a small gap and this will stop steam from forming in the window. 

The second way is to install window ventilators. These are most often fixed in the upper part of the window or in the wall. It allows excess moisture to be removed from the room without opening the window. 

However, the problem of too much dampness cannot always be solved by domestic means. The source of the problem may lie in the ventilation line or inadequacies related to the thermal insulation of the walls. It is worth tackling the problem more seriously, especially if it is not only steam on the window that appears but also mold on the walls or ice on the windows. So keep an eye on what is going on in your rooms to live in the best possible conditions on a daily basis.

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