How to Stop Condensation on Windows | Stronghold Security Doors

Why is There Condensation on My Windows?

First, the basics! Bear with us. There are reasons why there is condensation on your windows, and they ultimately point toward some of the most effective cures. When warm, moist air meets a colder surface, it lets go of the water. Glass tends to cool faster than other materials, so that’s where you see condensation first.

Let’s sum this up:

Your indoor air has high humidity levels. You’ll have noticed this in the bathroom after a steaming hot shower, or in the kitchen as your pots simmer on the stove.
‍Your home may be poorly ventilated: A bit of air circulation goes a long way toward keeping indoor humidity down. Nevertheless, we do want to be cosy and conserve energy, so we tend to keep our homes sealed up tight when it’s cold out.
‍It’s cold outside and warm inside: There’s not much you can do about this one on a cold day. Stay cosy. There are other solutions.
‍Single glazing and older windows: If your windows are poorly insulated, they’ll get colder and you’ll get more condensation. Wondering why your neighbours have less of a problem with condensation than you do? This could be the answer.

Remember, condensation on your windows every now and then isn’t really something to worry about. At the same time, you don’t want streaming-wet glass all the time. Let’s look at some quick, temporary fixes next.

When Does Condensation Become a Problem?

Occasional misting and even a trickle of condensation aren’t a hazard. It can leave water marks on your windows, however, so you may want to dry it up before it does. Signs of real problems include flaking paint around window frames and, worse yet, black, sooty-looking mould growth or a musty smell.

How to Stop Condensation Inside Windows: Quick Fixes

A quick fix won’t be a permanent one, but there are things that can help.

Anti-Fog Window Spray

Nip down to your hardware store and look for an anti-condensation (anti-fog) window spray. There’s still condensation, but it doesn’t show up as much because the moisture spreads evenly instead of forming droplets. This helps it to dry faster.

Window Films

Window films can make a difference, too. They cover the glass surface and don’t transfer heat so quickly. Because they’re warmer, less condensation forms. You can get various types of these films, including clear ones. You might prefer to avoid cheap versions, though. Some of them don’t look good after a few years and will add to your home maintenance work list.

Dehumidifiers

Of course, you can take the opposite approach and address humidity. Dehumidifiers come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more effective than others. Still, reducing humidity means less moisture and less condensation. Of all the remedies we’ve mentioned so far, this is one of the better ones.

Extractor Fans in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Here’s another good way to reduce indoor humidity without having to open a window and admit chilly blasts. Get rid of all that steam from your bathroom and kitchen with well-placed extractor fans. You may still have some condensation, but this simple solution should reduce the problem.

Home Remedies You May Have Heard Of

You may have heard that smearing a cut onion or potato on glass can help prevent it from fogging up. This is somewhat similar to using an anti-fog spray, but messier. You’re likely to get smear marks on your windows. All the same, we promised to cover all the bases, so this home remedy is worth a mention, even if it is a little impractical.

“Easy” Doesn’t Always Address Root Causes

Having said all this, you’re just putting a Band-Aid on the problem if the real cause is poor insulation or bad ventilation. A window upgrade could be just what you need, and you can further boost your results with dehumidifiers, extractor fans, or improved ventilation.

How To Stop Condensation on the Outside Of Windows

Your home is cosy indoors, but you tend to get condensation on the outside of your windows. Your windows are likely well-insulated and doing a great job. Well-insulated windows with double or triple glazing can get cold on the outside even though your home is warm on the inside. Cold glass plus warm, moisture-laden air equals condensation.

Condensation on the outside of your windows is not really a problem in itself, but if it annoys you, choose one of the window treatments we mentioned above. After all, you can’t reduce outdoor humidity, so a coating or film that limits that fogged-up appearance is your only real solution.

How to Stop Condensation on Windows in Winter

Winter is the season for indoor dampness from condensation. These tips should make a difference:

Keep heating at a steady level. When air cools, it releases dampness, and not just on your windows.
Ventilate. Short bursts of fresh air freshen up your home and help to keep humidity down. It’s the German habit called lüften, and there are plenty of people who support this approach to ventilation as a healthy habit.
Upgrade your windows for better thermal insulation. The warmer the interior glass, the less the condensation.

Of course, these measures may not stop all condensation, but you can boost your results with dehumidifying measures, too.

How to Stop Condensation on Windows Overnight

Who doesn’t like a cosy bedroom? But if you keep your doors shut and your room warm, you have a great start towards condensation.

If it’s not so cold that you need to use heating, you can leave a window open a crack to allow for ventilation.
Leaving your bedroom door ajar while you sleep should also help with air circulation.

Otherwise, we’re back to the same solutions we’ve already looked at: well-insulated window glass and possibly a dehumidifier.

How to Get Rid of Condensation on Windows Once It’s There

You probably guessed it. There are no easy hacks for this. Dry the window panes with a microfiber cloth and get rid of any smudges or smears with a ball of old newspaper. Looking for something a bit more modern? We’ve heard that window vacs can work a treat, but none of us has ever tried one.

What Types of Glass are Less Prone to Condensation?

Old-fashioned, single-glazed windows are the biggest culprits when it comes to condensation. Well-insulated, double or triple-glazed windows won’t get as cold on the inside, and that means less condensation.

The security glass we use to make glass resistant to impacts is wonderful for insulation, too. It has a multi-layered construction that keeps the chills out and the inside surface of your windows warmer. Lower heating bills will be a knock-on benefit.

Treat Your Home to Well-Insulated, Secure Windows From Stronghold

At Stronghold Security Doors, we don’t leave security at the door. Secure windows can deter burglars and resist attempts at breaking in. Great insulation and professional installation keep out the cold, and our security glass fits the bill for a warmer interior surface that reduces condensation.

Eager to try lüften? Great looks, security, and insulation aren’t enough for us. Easy opening and closing with never a stick or a hitch are part of the package. It’s also worth noting that we customise our windows to suit your home and your preferences. Check out our security windows in sash or casement styles. Give your home a facelift and rest easy thanks to improved home security.

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