How to Stop Window Condensation

When the nights begin to get longer, and the evenings and mornings start to get cooler, a lot of us will start to notice condensation on our windows. As well as being unsightly, it can cause damage to your health and to the inside of your property if it is severe and not managed. Too much water collecting on your windows can be a recipe for disaster.

In this guide we will talk through what causes condensation, what the effects of too much condensation can be, and how to tackle preventing it.

What causes condensation?

Condensation occurs when vapour in the atmosphere reaches its dew point and turns to liquid. This is caused by warm air meeting a cold surface like glass, it can happen if there is a lot of trapped humidity in the air.

You may have noticed it on the outside of a milk bottle when you remove it from the fridge, you’ll definitely have spotted it after a hot shower or bath, or if you have been cooking in the kitchen, and it is a common occurrence as we move into winter and start to make use of our heating appliances. As the air in our homes gets a lot warmer than the air outside, this increases the humidity in the atmosphere, then when the warm vapour reaches a cold pane of glass on the window, it lands on the cool surface and turns to liquid.

What happens with too much condensation?

When a lot of condensation gets trapped without being removed it can cause a buildup of limescale and can lead to damp, mould and mildew growth. This can cause damage to window seals, wooden window frames, and even uPVC frames which can be very costly to replace.

A build-up of black mould can not only create structural problems, but due to the allergens they release can also lead to health problems such as respiratory issues, a runny nose, itchy skin and eyes, and skin rashes. 

Obviously these issues are unpleasant, unsightly, and unhealthy, so tackling condensation before it becomes unmanageable is essential to prevent problems from arising.

How can I stop condensation on my windows?

A well-insulated home will help trap the warm air inside our homes making them snug and cosy, however if the trapped air is holding moisture and has nowhere to escape you will likely get condensation on your windows and walls. 

To help prevent this from happening you will need to ensure the excess moisture has somewhere to go, so good ventilation is key. It is almost impossible to stop condensation altogether however below are a number of options to consider that can help prevent condensation from building up.

Open the window 

An immediate and super-simple method for removing excess vapour in your home is to open your windows and doors, even for just half an hour a day, as this can help to circulate the air around your house and release it into the outdoors. 

Always ensure your window is open when using the shower or bath, ironing, or cooking, to prevent moisture build up.

Drying clothes tips

Hang washing outdoors if you can, especially in the summer months. In the colder months when this isn’t possible, or if you do not have any outside space, try to ensure the moisture released from your laundry has somewhere to go, whether this is out an open window or into a dehumidifier. If you have a vented tumble dryer, ensure the vent is fully secured to the outlet that takes the moisture outside. 

Use a dehumidifier 

A useful machine to have in the home is a dehumidifier as it can be plugged in at your convenience and can reduce the levels of humidity in a room by drawing in air and collecting it. There are various types and sizes of dehumidifiers that are suited to different situations, and although generally the running costs are low it is something to consider, so you will need to do a little research to work out which dehumidifier will be right for you and your space.

Add air bricks and trickle vents 

Making sure your home is fitted with ventilation building materials such as air bricks in the outer walls or trickle vents in the windows will allow a controlled amount of air to escape and stop the build-up of humidity and therefore the risk of condensation. 

A trickle vent in a window provides natural ventilation when opened and is a much lower security risk and much less noisy than keeping a window open, so worth thinking about if you are looking to update your windows.

Air bricks are designed to help air circulate by allowing it to move freely in any voids or empty spaces under floors and allow humidity to escape. If you already have them installed make sure they are regularly maintained by keeping them free of dust, dirt and debris so the air is allowed to flow correctly. You may also want to consider installing air bricks if you do not already have them.

Use an extractor fan

If you have one already installed in the bathroom or kitchen you should be switching this on every time you cook or take a shower and leaving it on afterwards to allow as much steam to escape as possible. If you do not have an extractor fan installed they can be a worthwhile investment for your bathroom and kitchen.

You should also use pan lids when cooking; this not only speeds up the cooking process and therefore can save you money, but also helps to prevent steam rising up into the atmosphere and collecting on windows and walls. Make sure you also keep the doors to these rooms closed to prevent the moisture moving around your home.

Check your insulation 

A poorly insulated home can lead to cold spots on walls which will contribute to greater condensation build up in your home. Make sure your walls, loft spaces and under floors are correctly insulated, and where you can afford it you should tackle any issues as soon as you can. It can be a costly job, and there are schemes that can help such as The Great British Insulation Scheme, you can see if you are eligible here. 

Update your windows 

A considerable expense but one that can save money over time is upgrading your windows, especially if they are single glazed. Single glazing is difficult to warm up so the contrasting temperatures of the indoor air to the glass and outdoors is more significant, so condensation is much more likely to occur on single glazed windows. Double or triple glazing adds layers of air between the glass which acts as a thermal barrier to make the temperature of the glass closer to the temperature indoors and therefore less likely to collect condensation.

Wipe down your windows

The above options vary from free to fairly substantial investments, but using even just one method will help to slow down condensation from building up. Whichever method you choose, in areas of the home with high levels of condensation you should make sure that you regularly wipe down excess moisture on windows to prevent it from causing damage to the seals and frames.

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