The basic principle of reducing window condensation is extremely simple. When there is too much condensation on your windows, it means that humidity is too high in your home. You should take necessary steps to reduce humidity until condensation disappears.
But in practice, window condensation and reducing humidity may become very complicated. Many entirely different conditions may affect the way the condensation problem plays out in different homes. Here are a few:
Because of so many variables, a condensation problem can sometimes be very tough to solve. That’s why we recommend that you put an expert to work on your problem if the simpler steps to reduce humidity don’t solve your condensation problem. See your architect or your heating contractor first. If they can’t help, we suggest that you ask your general contractor or lumber dealer to put you in touch with a qualified expert. They are available both at engineering schools and from the staffs of heating, insulation, wallboard or window manufacturers.
Before we leave the subject of reducing humidity, we would like to add the following. There are two causes of condensation that are TEMPORARY. They will disappear after a few weeks or at most a season of heating.
First, there is the moisture that comes from a new construction or remodeling. There’s quite a lot of moisture in the wood, plaster, or other building material of a new home. When the heating starts, this moisture will gradually flow out into the air in the home. Then it will disappear and not cause any more trouble.
Second, the same sort of thing happens in a milder form at the beginning of each heating season. During the summer, your house has absorbed some extra moisture. After the first few weeks of heating, your home will be dried out and you’ll have less trouble with condensation.
While we have been discussing the control of condensation we’ve mentioned just about everything except windows. There’s a good reason.
There just is nothing much that can be done with windows to cut down condensation. As the building experts have often pointed out, the windows are not to blame for condensation. In the moisture content of the inside air, lies both the cause and the cure.