Are You Seeing Condensation on Home Windows? What That Moisture Is Trying to Tell You
If you’ve noticed condensation on the windows of your greater Cincinnati home, there’s too much moisture in your indoor air. Why is that important? Because too much humidity can cause moisture damage to your home. What can cause this sort of problem and what can you do to resolve it?
What Causes Condensation on the Windows?
Condensation develops due to the difference in temperature between indoor and outdoor air. When warm, moist indoor air bumps up against cooler window glass, that air cools. Warm air can hold more moisture than cooler air, so that cooling makes it release some of its moisture, resulting in window fog or larger droplets of water on the glass.
How can condensation on the windows cause damage? The moisture that collects on the glass typically drips down the window, wetting the window frames. From there it can leach into walls, rotting wood and other materials and promoting the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, the excessively humid indoor air that causes window condensation can cause moisture damage throughout the house, condensing on other surfaces to damage things like wood floors, carpets and furnishings.
Correcting the Problem
Preventing condensation on the windows and other moisture damage in your home is all about keeping indoor humidity below 50 percent. Among the most common causes of humidity above that level is poor ventilation, especially in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, so have your ventilation system checked by a professional.
An unbalanced or improperly sized HVAC system can also cause overly moist air. Sealing any air leaks in your home’s exterior can help keep moisture out, as can replacing older, single pane windows with more efficient double-pane ones.
If you need more information on preventing condensation on the windows and other moisture problems, please contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve been serving homeowners in the greater Cincinnati area since 1910.
Image via Shutterstock.com