News, Windows

At this time of year, all you want to do is escape the cold weather, come home and curl up in your warm, cosy home. However, the cold weather often comes with condensation – something none of us want appearing on our glazing. Don’t worry though! You’re not the only one suffering, it’s a really common problem. We want to help prevent condensation and give you a better understanding as to why this occurrence happens every time the winter catches up with us.

Internal and external condensation

If you notice external condensation on your windows, it means that they are working. It might be a bit of an eye sore, but you can be assured that your glazing is performing how it should be – keeping the warm air inside your home, so you’re kept cosy, and the cold air is kept out.

However, internal condensation isn’t so good. This means that the outside pane of glass isn’t protecting the internal pane from the cold, this means that any moisture in the air is precipitating on the inside pane and causing condensation. In extreme cases, this can drip down the window and puddle on your window cills. Download our condensation guide for more useful information.

What is condensation and what causes it in your home?

Your home is more susceptible to condensation in the colder, winter months as the air is cool outside whilst your house is warm inside. We love to keep our homes particularly warm and snug in the winter months by turning the heating up and keeping all the windows shut. Keeping the windows closed means that there is a lack of ventilation throughout your home and allows moisture to build up in the air as water vapour, which then condenses to water as it hits the cold glass surface of your glass windows and doors.

Your windows, conservatory or doors aren’t the cause of condensation. It’s down to your normal day to day activities. We’re constantly adding water vapour into the air, whether we’re cooking, cleaning, drying clothes, showering – or even breathing creates half a pint of water! The condensation that builds up can look unpleasant and block the view out of your windows, but it also can create mould and damp which damages your home. We don’t want this happening to you over these colder months so make sure you know all the tricks to help prevent and check for condensation.

Combatting condensation

The best way to tackle condensation is to ensure your home is well ventilated and fitted with energy efficient windows.

We know the last thing you want in the colder months is to have a draught, but in cases like this, it can help. Opening your windows slightly, whilst keeping the heating on will help the air flow properly and reduce the water vapour in the air of that particular living space. Our PVCu tilt and turn windows are perfect for such thing, as they are designed for optimum ventilation. They allow you to keep the airflow in the winter without compromising the warmth of your cosy home. With effective draught proofing, you’re all set for the cold and wet months.

If condensation in your home is a regular occurrence in your household, it’s worth investing in some new windows. Advancements in window technology means our PVCu and aluminium windows offer excellent energy efficiency.

Trickle vents are also a good idea to combat condensation in your home as they help with the airflow. If there are rooms in your home that get more condensation than others, such as the bathroom, it could be worth purchasing a dehumidifier which will draw out the moisture in the air so that it doesn’t hit the glass on the windows and form condensation.

Choose Trade Windows

If you want more advice on your condensation or home improvements, call us on 01332 755551 or come and visit our showroom