How Can Condensation Affect Windows?

Condensation can mean a variety of things, including that the home most likely has weak spots or problems with insulation. The windows are supposed to keep the rain out, not bring moist surfaces inside. Without properly being treated, condensation can cause issues for the rest of the home. So, it is important to find a glazing company that can prevent condensation from taking over your windows.

When condensation runs down your windows, the damage in the foreseeable future can result in expensive repairs. It won’t disappear on its own. And that’s why Prentice Glass are here to help properly install windows and use only the best glass products to prevent condensation. Find out more here from a glazing company. 

What is Condensation?

In its purest form, condensation occurs when moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface. Making it condense back into a liquid. In homes, we mainly find condensation on windows and chilled glasses. 

Condensation is particularly noticeable on glass products as the material is impervious. The water just stays there, waiting for us to wipe it off. This is why it runs downhill, as it is finding a surface to soak into. However, this is when condensation starts to cause problems. 

Is Window Condensation Bad?

Unwanted moisture in homes can lead to structural and aesthetic problems. This includes mould, wet walls and ceilings, rotting windowsills and frames. And if it isn’t addressed right away, it can be expensive to correct. According to the NHS website, people who live in homes with mould and dampness are more likely to suffer from allergies and asthma, putting babies, young children, and the elderly at risk.

There are methods for dealing with window condensation that can successfully restore the moisture balance in your home and stop further condensation on various types of windows.

Ways You Can Prevent Condensation

When it comes to condensation, most likely, issues occur due to there being too much humidity in the room and no air circulation. For this, there are certain procedures homeowners can do.

Open Windows

We’re not saying keeping your windows open all day. However, opening at least one window in each room can help bring clean air into your home and help to reduce the humidity. 

Although, this can be impractical. Especially during the colder months or if you live on a busy road. Ventilation is important, so in these cases, alternative solutions should be considered. 

Trickle Vents

Trickle vents refer to a small opening in a window, which allows outside air to enter the house. This can help achieve acceptable indoor air quality without fully opening a window. All while providing a healthy interior atmosphere and lessening the contaminated indoor air.

These trickle vents will help reduce the risk of condensation and maintain good air quality within your home. For more information on trickle ventilation, read our previous blog here. 

Double Glazing 

At Prentice, our glazing company always recommend implementing double (or sometimes even triple) glazing when possible. This is because there are additional advantages when having more glass panes in windows. Single-glazed glass is susceptible to the cold and the “dew point” is increased. That’s why there is more condensation.

However, in double glazing, these glass products use warmed glass than single glazing and condensation is reduced. The inside pane of glass in the double-glazing sandwich is kept more comfortably warm thanks to the air gap inside. This temperature difference is sufficient to prevent the water vapour from reaching the dew point and condensing on the glass.

Although this will not completely get rid of condensation, double glazing combined with other ventilation elements, will reduce it and help eliminate harmful side effects.

Our Glass London Company 

Here at Prentice, our glazing company have over 70 years of experience, with both residential and commercial projects. But, this is not all we do. Our glass specialists provide services from 24-hour emergency glazing to commercial glass projects.

For more information on our glazing services, or to receive a quote, fill in our online form here. Or, give us a call on 0208 944 9001 and speak to one of our experts today.

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