Most of the time, homeowners don’t pay a lot of attention to their windows unless something is obvious amiss with them. One issue that might cause concern, however, is condensation on window panes. It is never good to see moisture gathered on your windows and can, in some cases, actually signal a serious problem.
Here, we take a look at everything you should know about window condensation and what red flags you should be aware of to know when calling a professional might be advisable.
What are the causes of window condensation?
There are a few issues that can lead to window condensation, some more worrisome than others. Droplets on the outside of your window panes should not normally be cause for concern, for instance. This is a normal occurrence when there is morning dew or precipitation.
If, however, the condensation that has been forming on your windows seems to be between the panes of your double- or triple-paned windows, you will probably need to address the problem sooner rather than later. A broken window seal is likely to be the root cause of the problem.
How can window condensation be prevented?
There are several ways to prevent harmless exterior window condensation, including trimming tree branches that might be transferring dew to the glass and setting your thermostat even one or two degrees higher to keep the interior pane from getting as cold.
Patience is also key when it comes to outside condensation, as dew naturally disappears as the heat of the day approaches.
In regard to troublesome condensation between panes, there is no real way to prevent the issue without replacing the window in question. Broken window seals cannot be repaired. However, talk to your contractor about whether a partial, rather than a full, window replacement might be an option.
Partial replacements only involve pulling out the panes and inserting new ones, not taking out the window frames themselves, and are, therefore, less expensive.
What problems can broken window seals cause?
Some homeowners are curious about how long they can let broken window seals go before they begin causing problems. In reality, it is never wise to let any home maintenance issue linger, as things generally become worse as time goes on.
In regard to broken window seals specifically, though, you should deal with the issue as soon as you notice it. Left alone, this problem can lead to insect infestations, wood rot, mold growth, and water damage. Combined, these issues can actually cause serious structural damage.
What exactly is defogging?
As you research how to deal with condensation on your residential windows, you are likely to come across the term “defogging” at some point. This method is used when homeowners are primarily unhappy about not being able to see out of their foggy windows.
The defogging process involves drilling a tiny hole in the glass pane, using a defogging agent, and sealing the small hole.
The Hatch Homes team is here to answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming North Carolina or South Carolina window replacement project. Give us a call today to learn more about all of the renovation services we offer.