Is Condensation a Sign That You Need New Windows?

The signs of condensation on a window can make some homeowners very concerned about the state of their windows and they wonder if it’s time to have them replaced.

Understanding Condensation

So what exactly is condensation and how or why does it form on your windows? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you decide if this is a sign that the windows need to be replaced or it’s really nothing to be worried about. In most cases, it’s typically the latter. But let’s explore further…

When condensation develops on your windows it’s merely evidence of water vapor present in your home turning into a liquid from a gas. That evidence materializes on your windows when it gets warmer inside your home as water will always seek out cooler surfaces on which to settle.

Those cooler surfaces will most often be your windows. Therefore, they will begin to show indications of condensation. But does that really mean you need to replace the windows?

Condensation as a Warning

Consider how often you notice condensation on the windows of your bathroom. You run the hot shower or a warm bath and you’re almost always going to get some level of condensation on the glass. You wouldn’t rush to replace those windows, would you?

The truth is that condensation is simply a natural reaction to temperature in the home. If you start to see other windows around the property showing signs of “sweat” then it really means that your home is properly insulated and you’ve done a superb job of preventing the warm air within from escaping to the outside.

If anything, condensation is a positive indicator that your home doesn’t currently have any leaks around your doors and windows. If it’s chilly out and you’ve turned the heat on, you should see some form of condensation on your glass and if you do not, then you may have some areas that need your attention. Your home may not be as energy efficient as you think and that costly heated air is slowly seeping out.

So in some ways, yes condensation could be a sign that you need new windows or, at the very least, need to have your windows checked for gaps and holes that are allowing your warm and cool area to escape.

Dealing with Condensation

If you detect condensation on your window glass, you may be concerned that the water could be causing some sort of impact that might be damaging or detrimental to the condition of the material surrounding the pane.

This is a smart concern to have in some instances and you may want to regulate the amount of water allowed to collect around the frames. Some materials will require more maintenance than others to preserve the appearance and condition of your windows. Water may appear harmless at first glance, but we all know that it can promote rot and mold under the proper situations.

Therefore, if you find excessive condensation developing on your windows on a routine basis, particularly with frames made of wood or vinyl, you may want to intervene to minimize the potential for any deterioration that might result.

Wood can suffer most, when water is allowed to pool up that can lead to warping and you may even see the paint start to peel from the surface. The longer it sits, the moisture can absorb deeper into the wood and rot might develop. When that occurs, then you could have serious problems and, before long, you may find you do have to replace the window.

Custom windows that made of other materials such as vinyl could also suffer some damage from the effects of mold that could emerge. This is fixed much easier than with warped wood but it’s still an issue that needs to be addressed. Mold is unhealthy to have anywhere on or in your home and it’s unsightly to boot.

It’s best to prevent problems before they happen, so you can take some steps to ensure that condensation doesn’t cause any destruction to your window.

Wipe Down Your Windows

Pretty easy and straightforward, if and when you see moisture and wetness grab a cloth and just wipe it away before it pools up significantly.

Thermostat

Adjusting the temperature in the home to make it slightly cooler can also regulate the amount of condensation that starts to develop on the glass and frames.

Storm Windows

Installing storm windows can act as a barrier to your existing windows to help reduce the amount of wear and tear they might endure from the elements. This can also reduce the condensation that develops on your current windows.

If you have any questions about these and other window-related issues, talk to one of our Renewal by Andersen window replacement experts.