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 Condensation
(For a more in-depth look, click
HERE)
What is condensation?
Condensation is the transformation of water vapor in to liquid
water.
What causes condensation on my windows?
Condensation or "sweating" on windows inside a home is caused by
humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in virtually all air.
When this water vapor comes in contact with a window surface, which
is at a temperature below what is called the "dew point," the vapor
turns to visible droplets of liquid, or condenses on the cooler
surface. This often happens to bathroom mirrors and walls after
someone has taken a hot shower. Condensation can also occur on
windows if the inside humidity level is high enough.
The variables that effect condensation on your windows are
- Inside glass temperature
- Inside relative humidity
- Inside temperature
- The DEW POINT
- Air flow in your house
How can I stop condensation on my
windows?
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When replacing windows, make sure to
invest in Low-E and inert gas fill technology. This will keep
glass surface temperatures higher.
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Maintain indoor humidity levels in
the range of 30-50%, keeping relative humidity down
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Maintain adequate air exchange in
your home. To do this, you can:
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Vent clothes dryers, gas burners,
etc. to the outdoors.
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Check that all ventilation
equipment is adjusted properly.
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Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust
fans.
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Air out the kitchen, bathroom and
laundry room during and after use by opening a window for a few
minutes.
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Make sure attic louvers remain open
all year round and that crawl spaces are properly ventilated.
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Consult a local heating and
ventilating contractor to help determine whether ventilation is
adequate and whether it can be improved.
The bottom line to window condensation
is that there are many dynamic factors at work. Nu-Vinyl Windows
are equipped with the latest insulating technologies, acting as both
a thermal and moisture barrier. Sometimes, indoor moisture and air
movement problems are masked by thermally inefficient windows.
These windows allow heat to escape, and also support air drafts,
which actually dry collected moisture, but at the cost of your
energy bills. When these windows are replaced by thermally
efficient and isolative Nu-Vinyl products, moisture and ventilation
problems can be exposed. Condensation in this case can actually
help you deal with the real problems in your home, and potentially
save your family from unhealthy living conditions.
To deal with condensation on your
windows, Nu-Vinyl asks the following questions:
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What type of insulated glass units
did you select when purchasing your windows?
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What is the relative humidity in your
home?
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What kind of ventilation does your
home require, and what is the current situation?
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What are the temperatures outdoors
and indoors, near each window?
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Is the temperature of my window glass
below the dew point?
Answer these questions, and you?ll be
on your way to dealing with any condensation issues you may have.
Continue our conversation on window condensation by
clicking HERE |
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