Fog on Your Windows – Seal Failure
Seal Failure is when condensation or fog on your windows makes its way between the two panes of glass. This is rare, in fact, most of the time the condensation is either on the inside or outside of the glass. Use a cloth to clean both sides of the glass to make sure condensation is indeed on the inside.
If you experience glass breakage or seal failure, please call your local Window World TX dealer for assistance. During the call our window replacement specialist will ask for the following information:
- Name
- Phone
- Address
- Type of Window
- Date the windows were installed
Condensation on Exterior of Windows
Signs of Excessive Moisture in Your Home
Condensation on the exterior of window glass surface is completely normal and dependent upon weather conditions.
Common household condensation or “sweating” on windows is caused when excess humidity or water vapor in the air comes in contact with a cold surface such as a mirror or glass window. It turns to water droplets and is called condensation. All homes have occasional condensation.
On the other hand, excessive window condensation, frost, peeling paint, and even moisture spots on ceilings and walls can be signs of excessive condensation and potentially damaging problems in your home.
We tend to notice condensation on window and mirrors first because moisture doesn’t penetrate these surfaces. They are not the problem, merely the indicators that you need to reduce the indoor humidity of your home.
Conquering the myth. Windows do not cause condensation.
You may be wondering why your new energy-efficient replacement windows show more condensation than your old drafty ones. Well, your old windows allowed humidity to escape.
Now that your new windows create a tighter seal, the extra moisture in your home is unable to escape, therefore making you more aware of excess humidity. Windows do not cause condensation. Instead, they prevent humidity from escaping and provide an easy surface for condensation to collect.
Where does Indoor Humidity come from
All air contains a certain amount of moisture, even indoors. And many common things generate indoor humidity such as your heating system, humidifiers, cooking and showers. In fact, every activity that involves water, even mopping the floors, contributes moisture to the home.
Condensation is more likely to occur in homes where January temperatures drop below 35F because there are greater temperature extremes affecting the glass in the home.
It is very normal to experience condensation at the start of each heating season. During the humid summer months your home absorbs moisture and then perspires when you turn on the first few week of heating your home should dry out, reducing if not eliminating condensation.
You’ll notice the same during home remodeling or building. Due to the high levels of moisture in wood, plaster and other building materials, your home will temporarily sweat during the first few weeks of the heating season.
Another factor in the condensation equation is progress. With today’s modern insulation, moisture-barrier materials and airtight construction, we all enjoy a more thermally efficient home – one that blocks the cold out and traps the moisture in producing higher humidity levels and more condensation.
Six simple solutions to controlling Indoor Humidity.
- Make sure all sources of ventilation to the outside are functional and use kitchen, bathroom and laundry room exhaust fans during and after humidity-producing activities to vent excess moisture.
- Air out your home periodically. Opening windows for just a few minutes a day lets the stale, moist air escape and the fresh dry air enter without compromising your heating.
- Check your humidifier setting. Use the humidity comfort levels provided in the table to correctly set and balance the humidity level in your home.
- Be sure that all louvers in the attic or basement are open and large enough. You can even open your fireplace dampers to allow excess moisture to escape.
- If you have a large amount of house plants, try to concentrate them in one area and watch over watering.
- If troublesome condensation persists, see your heating contractor about an outside air intake for your furnace, venting of gas burning heaters and appliances, or installation of ventilating fans.
Do you have condensations or fog on your windows? Contact Window World TX to see how we can help you!
