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MN Winter Window How-To Tips: Condensation on Windows 101

01jan08b214Winter in Minneapolis often means condensation.  Condensation is able to appear as a number of things such as frost, ice, droplets, water or any combination of them.  It can form on any surface throughout your home when the temperature on the surface is less than the dew point temperature around it. The dew point temperature on any window is related to the amount of moisture that can be found in the air. This is known as relative humidity. The ambient air temperature is the air temperature within the room which also has a lot to do with the condensation. When the relative humidity within any room increases, the dew point temperature will also increase which then means that the surface is likely to have moisture on it even if it is at a warmer temperature.

Windows are often first surfaces to show condensation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. The bathrooms and kitchens throughout a home usually have higher humidity than other parts of the home. Other surfaces throughout the home might not have such high humidity, which means less condensation in those rooms. Wooden windows seem to have condensation problems more times than not compared to other materials that window frames come in.

Why Does Moisture Form on the Inside or Outside of a Storm Window?

This means that the main window is allowing moisture and air to come into the storm window where it then condenses and sits. Using weather stripping and caulk to stop the leaks can stop the condensation from happening and also save your window in the long run. Having too little humidity inside the home can also be a bad thing however, so it is important to note that. Around 15 percent of humidity throughout the house is a good thing. There should not be excess condensation in the windows, but a little here and there might not be a bad thing.

The indoor humidity level should be around 30 to 40 percent in the seasons when heat is needed. When it exceeds the 40 percent mark, there are problems that might appear. Condensation is one of these problems. Moisture vapor is probably being generated inside the home. A lot of things that you do throughout your home can generate moisture and this moisture then leads the condensation that you see without the proper ventilation for the moisture to leak out of the house in. The storm windows are much like a breathing hole for the moisture to escape which is why it gets trapped and sits in this area.

 

Where Humidity in a Home Comes From

Indoor humidity has several sources, among them:

  • Poorly-insulated crawl spaces
  • Normal breathing and perspiration by the members of the household
  • Dishwashers, showers, washing machines and dryers
  • Cooking

Ways to Reduce Humidity in the Home

While humidity in your home can’t – and shouldn’t – be eliminated, there are ways you can decrease it if condensation becomes a problem.  Try one or more of these solutions:

  • Install a dehumidifier
  • Open the damper to the fireplace
  • Vent the dryer and gas burners outside
  • Sufficiently ventilating the crawl spaces and basement areas
  • Exhaust fans from the kitchen, laundry room and the bathrooms should be directed outside
  • Vent all appliances to the outside of the home
  • Do not store your firewood outside
  • Use energy efficient windows

Is the condensation on your windows getting out of control?  Speak with Window Outfitters about the window condensation problems that you’ve been having to find out if your windows just need to be replaced. Sometimes condensation can be a good thing, but other times it might mean you need a change. We are here to help.  We are THE Minneapolis area replacement window company, and we serve the greater metro area, including the communities of Burnsville, Apple Valley, Prior Lake, and Lakeville.  In the Minneapolis area, call us at (952) 746-6661.

 

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Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

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