The Real Estate Browser Volume 11, Issue 2 | Page 12

12 — Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — Volume 11 Number 2
www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com
Should I Be Worried About That
Condensation on My Windows?
you had older, less energy-efficient
windows that allowed warmth from
inside the home to reach the outside
glass pane and dissipate the conden-
sation. Unlike with interior condensa-
tion, there’s nothing to worry about
in the case of exterior condensation.
Moisture on the outside pane of glass
is normal and a good sign that your
windows are functioning correctly to
prevent warmth from reaching the
outside glass. The condensation will
dissipate when the outside air tem-
perature rises.
Next Steps
If you look at your home’s win-
dows and doors in winter, you may
notice condensation. As temperatures
drop, it often appears on the inside
and outside of these surfaces. the windows and lead to mold and
rot. Perhaps even worse, it could be
an indicator that condensation is also
occurring within your walls, which
can lead to unhealthy mold.
Here’s what you need to know
about why condensation occurs, when
it matters and what you can do about
it: Unfortunately, the most common
sources of home humidity are every-
day parts of life, including showers,
cooking, doing laundry and even fish
tanks. However, if you see condensa-
tion on your windows there are two
actions that experts recommend. One,
if you have a humidifier, turn it down.
The second, use a dehumidifier.
Interior Condensation
When the heat is on inside the
home in wintertime, a certain amount
of humidity feels good -- we breathe
easier, our skin is less dry and there’s
less static in the air. This is fine usu-
ally, but when temperatures outside
get extremely low, problems can arise.
Under these circumstances, humidity
can generate condensation on your
windows -- whether they’re old or new
-- and this should be managed.
While there’s no problem with
condensation on the window glass
itself, (except for the fact that visibil-
ity can be obscured) that condensa-
tion could affect wood trim around
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Exterior Condensation
Exterior condensation occurs
when the dew point temperature
approaches the outside air tempera-
ture. When the air is saturated and
can’t hold any more moisture, water
vapor forms droplets on surfaces --
including your roof, siding, windows
and doors.
If you have energy-efficient win-
dows, you may notice exterior conden-
sation occur more than you did when
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If there’s no condensation on the
exterior of your windows but there’s
moisture on adjacent exterior sur-
faces, this would be a good indicator
that it’s time for new windows. Also,
if you get constant internal conden-
sation on your windows in very cold
weather and your humidity is low,
then upgrading to a more thermally
efficient window would be a good
idea.
Look for high-performing replace-
ment windows with the latest techno-
logical advances that offer maximum
efficiency and comfort. Third-party
recognition for a particular brand
or product is a strong indicator that
you’re investing in a quality product.
A recent “Remodeling” magazine sur-
vey of remodeling contractors ranked
ProVia vinyl windows as number one
in window quality in part because of
their features that are tested against
the most stringent requirements for
air and water infiltration.
This winter, pay attention to your
home windows, glass doors and other
surfaces. Understanding the ins and
outs of interior and exterior conden-
sation can help you address potential
issues. (StatePoint)