Windows are essential in creating a comfortable living environment. They provide our homes with light, warmth and ventilation. For instance, the windows in your kitchen allow the escape of hot air. They also stop your bathroom from steaming up. Additionally, they give your place a visual appeal by complementing the other elements of the house.
During spring or fall, we experience warm mornings and cold nights. You might notice that your windows are moistening, and you may think that there has been a window leak going on. In most cases, that is not the problem. The reasons why your windows are fogging up can vary.
The Main Cause
This phenomenon is called condensation. It is when warm moist air comes in contact with a cooler surface. Your moisture source can come from anywhere since vapor pressure can force moisture through plaster, wood, brick, and cement. The water vapor from the warm air outside or the indoor moisture can also be the source of condensation. Everyday living activities like cooking and showering surprisingly generate moisture.
Condensation happens even with the best performing windows. This does not mean that you have bad windows and will be needing window replacement soon. In fact, the presence of condensation means that your windows have good tight seals. Energy efficient patio doors that reduce air leakage, weatherstripping, modern insulation, vapor barriers and new construction techniques also lock moisture inside your place resulting in higher chances of condensation forming.
Reducing Humidity
Since humidity is your prime suspect in condensation, there are several ways to avoid it. Make sure that all your gas appliances, like clothes dryers and exhaust fans, are vented outside.
Moreover, you should ventilate your attic properly and install vapor barriers in your crawl space. Running exhaust fans while cooking and showering is also a big help. Never store firewood inside your home.
Your windows exert a significant influence in the overall look, comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Renewal by Andersen® of Long Island, your trusted window specialist, can help you find the perfect specialty windows for your residential living space. Contact us now at (866) 609-5033 to learn more about our products and services. We serve Huntington, NY, and the surrounding areas.
