How to Prevent Condensation on Windows

Ever wondered how to prevent condensation on windows and also avoid the damage it can do? This guide aims to look at the issue of condensation, the problems condensation on windows can cause and also give you proven ways of how to stop condensation not only on windows but also how to prevent condensation inside double glazed windows.

But why is condensation so prevalent and such a big problem in the UK? Let’s look at the facts.

Everest

Why do we get condensation on windows?

Condensation on windows is an extremely common problem here in the UK. Do you know why? The fact is, our climate, particularly in autumn and winter, creates the perfect conditions for window condensation to thrive. Cooler outdoor temperatures meet warmer indoor humid air which causes the damp air to condense into exterior window condensation which forms on the inside. This can trickle down and cause damage to your home, as well as cause health issues.

Why is condensation on windows bad?

There is more than one reason to stop condensation on windows. Not only does it look unsightly and lead to damage to your home, it can create damp and mould. This can have considerable impact on your health. Damp and mould can not only cause or exacerbate asthma, it can bring on allergies, bronchitis and lung disease at worst.

Alexander Windows

How to stop condensation on windows

The absolute best way to stop condensation on windows is to design various condensation prevention measures into homes at the planning stage before any foundations are even laid. Examples of things that can stop condensation on windows include things like air bricks and trickle vents. However, we know that existing homes are often the ones that suffer the most.

If you want to know how to stop condensation on windows overnight, you may need to adopt a combination of different solutions.

Improve ventilation

Ventilation is probably the single most important weapon against exterior window condensation. The reason it works is that it removes the moist air before it even gets a chance to condense and settle on cool surfaces. Here are some key ways to improve ventilation:

Install air bricks and air ventilation grills: if your property doesn’t already feature air bricks or air ventilation grills , get a local builder to fit some. Air bricks enable fresh air to replace damp air.

Open windows: if you have your windows open regularly, even in the winter months, you can really help to stop condensation on windows. Just 10 to 15 minutes daily might even be enough. If you have roof windows , these are perfect for providing insulation when opened.

Fit trickle vents: if your windows don’t already feature trickle vents, fit some retrospectively. These small and discreet vents allow a controlled flow of air into your room without actually needing to open a window.

Use extractor fans: with daily cooking and showering, kitchens and bathrooms are the two places in your home where you can dramatically reduce exterior window condensation. Installing extractor fans is a highly effective way to help expel moist air and steam and stop condensation on windows.

Mechanical extract ventilation: if you have multiple rooms that need ventilating, an MEV system runs permanently at a low level to draw out moisture-laden air via a system of ducts to a central extract fan, usually sited in the loft or hallway cupboard. The fan then ejects the moist air outside.

Banbury Guardian

Invest in a dehumidifier

Another way how to reduce condensation on windows is to simply remove the moisture from the air. Humid air coming into contact with a cold surface, such as a window pane, is what causes condensation. Dehumidifiers though are highly efficient at removing the moisture from the air to stop condensation on windows and walls forming. There are two main types of dehumidifiers you could try:

Portable dehumidifiers: these small and highly portable units can be moved from room to room and plugged in to quietly remove the moisture from the air and store it in a removable tank you can empty.

Whole-home dehumidifiers: if your whole house is prone to condensation, it could be wise to invest in a whole-home dehumidifier. This controls not only condensation, but also damp, mould growth, mildew and musty smells.

Fall Real Estate

Insulate against condensation

We’ve established that cold surfaces attract condensation and that reducing the moisture content of the air can help stop condensation on windows. An alternative way how to reduce condensation on windows is to raise the temperature of cold surfaces. You can do this by installing effective insulation.

The two popular ways how to stop condensation on windows overnight are:

Double or triple glazed windows: air is a great insulator. By separating an exterior facing pane of glass and one or more interior panes with barriers of air provides excellent insulation. Double or triple glazed window units make the inside pane warmer and reduce the likelihood of condensation forming. If you have double glazing already but you still have condensation inside double glazed windows, either you need to ventilate more or the seal between the two panes has failed and moist air is getting between the panes and condensing.

Window film: these inexpensive insulation kits are designed for single glazed windows and contain an easy to install film that can create an insulating layer on.

A&E Glazing

Avoid temperature changes

If you want a simple way how to avoid condensation on windows, try keeping your home at a consistent temperature. Stopping large fluctuations in temperature can prevent moisture in the air condensing. Here are a couple of products that can help you can do this:

Smart thermostats: these intelligent thermostats are designed to regulate the temperature of the heating in your home. They learn your schedule and keep your home consistently warm to avoid sudden drops in temperature which can lead to condensation on windows. Best of all, they are energy-efficient, too.

Heated floors: underfloor heating and heated mats are also a great way to maintain consistent temperatures and warm otherwise cold surface such as tiled or wooden floors.

Action Furnace

Dry clothes in ventilated places

Clothes that have been washed need drying, however, if it is too cold and wet to hang your washing out to dry naturally, or you have a properly ducted tumble dryer, you will probably have no choice but to dry your clothes indoors. Here are three surefire ways how to prevent condensation on windows when you are drying clothes:

Heated clothes dryers: these are energy-efficient racks that you plug in that help clothes dry faster. They are designed to heat up, dry your clothes and minimise the amount of moisture in the air. When you are not using them, they fold away for easy storage.

Laundry dehumidifiers: we’ve mentioned dehumidifiers earlier in this guide, however, some dehumidifiers have special settings dedicated to drying clothes. Simply hang out your damp clothes on a rack then position and plug in the dehumidifier close by.

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Always here to help

If you’ve any questions regarding the prevention of condensation on windows, or want any additional information about insulation and ventilation products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.

You can also explore our range of ventilation products here, or you can even visit us in branch for more information.