Dealing With Condensation On Windows

Especially in the winter seasons, condensation is a big household problem because of what is able to cause to all the windows in the house. When frost is left to accumulate on the inside of the windows during the coldest season of the year, it becomes quite a hassle but it difficult to ignore. This is bad because when the water melts, it can drip onto the floor and windowsills, to the point of damaging. Such as thing is referred to as condensation and it is caused by increased humidity in the atmosphere. It could be because of normal atmospheric conditions and other external factors like the burning of paraffin wax, washing, drying and cooking. Every time any of these activities take place, a small litre of moisture gets released into the atmosphere and it brings about the problem.

So why does condensation take place on windows? You see, when the air comes into contact with something that is non absorbent, like the window for instance, and it is of a lower temperature than the atmospheric temperature, moisture will eventually settle down on the surface, first as droplets and so forth. This phenomenon is most commonly observed during winters, and if you are not aware of what the dew point is, it is basically the temperature at which the moisture in the atmosphere is condensed into water, given a particular atmospheric pressure. Water that has underwent condensation will now be referred to as dew and the temperature at which it occurs is what is called dew point.

There is condensation during the summer season too. When the temperature outside is quite high and contains more humidity, the temperature inside of the house becomes quite cool and condensation occurs, this time on the exterior part of the window. Due to the uninterrupted use of the air conditioning inside the house, the dew point temperature outside is lower than the inside — both for homes and even your cars. Temperature difference inside and outside the house causes dew point temperature and brings about condensation on the window.

In certain parts of the Southern USA, when summer dew point reaches about 75oF, exterior condensation is surely to occur. Water droplets will begin to form in the creeks of the glass window and taint it. Since it is quite difficult to control the relative humidity of the atmosphere, you will just have to try to keep the inside of the house warm, as well, to somehow match the outside atmosphere. You can do this effectively by raising the thermostat settings and installing exterior shutters; and the provision of shades in forms of trees and roof, will also work tremendously. On the other hand, in the reverse winter conditions when the use heaters and firewood cannot be avoided, dehumidifiers will do the trick. Dehumidifiers will function to regulate the moisture inside the home, to keep it at optimum range, all the time.

Anyway, here are some other tips that you can consider for combating condensation:

1. Regulate the use of dehumidifiers; not going beyond normal settings.
2. If you live in a more humid area, keep a plant inside the house.
3. Check for leaking pipes and drainage problems that may cause moisture inside the home.
4. Check all gas appliances to make sure that they are all functioning right.
5. Provide proper ventilation for your home so there is regular circulation of air in and out.

Author : John Schofield