Windows can be a key indicator of how much humidity is inside your Madison WI home.
Condensation on windows occurs when water vapor, which is a gas, turns into water droplets as it comes into contact with a cold surface. The point at which this happens is called the “dew point”. The warmer the indoor air, the more water vapor it can “hold,” and moisture can better remain in the vapor state. When air moves next to a cold window, the temperature drops and it can’t “hold” as much vapor. That’s when you start to see fogging or condensation forming.
The problem is, over time, excessive condensation on windows will lead to stained woodwork and possibly damaged plaster or wall paper. The reason it is important to be aware of condensation on your windows is it shows excess moisture may be in your home. In addition to condensation on your window, excess moisture may also be freezing in the insulation in your attic where in warmer weather it can melt and damage plaster. Too much moisture in your home can even force its way out of your house through siding causing blisters to exterior paint.
Sources Of Moisture For Condensation in Madison Windows
A good first step is to assess how much moisture you release inside your home on a regular basis. More people generally leads to more moisture in terms of bathing/showering, food preparation and other day to day activities. A review of the following list may give you ideas on where you can decrease activity – Less of any or all of these activities will help reduce moisture in your home and reduce condensation on your windows.
- Bathing & Showering
- Clothes washing
- Clothes drying
- Combustion
- Cooking With Gas
- Dishwashing
- Floor mopping
- Gas range pilot light
- House plants
- Humidifiers
- Respiration and perspiration
- Refrigerator defrost
- Saunas, steam baths, and whirlpools
- Ground moisture migration
- Seasonal high outdoor humidity
When coupling these activities with the correct ventilation and new replacement windows with high Energy Star ratings you will reduce or eliminate condensation on your windows Madison WI.
When Replacement Windows May Be Needed
It is important to note older, poorer performing windows can be a source of moisture problems no matter what you do to your interior air. Below are a few of the problems older windows may have –
- Bad seals (old & worn) around operable windows will allow in moisture and cold air increasing condensation
- Metal spacers between the panes conduct temperature very effectively
- Inadequate insulating value can cause the window surface to get cold enough for condensation to occur – updated replacement windows can reduce or eliminate condensation on windows.
If you notice condensation forming on the inside of your windows on very cold days, it is usually caused by one or any combination of the following factors –
- Excess humidity
- Inadequate ventilation
- Poor windows
Window Replacement Is Part Of The Picture
Correcting condensation on your windows requires complete knowledge of how your house functions including the roofing, siding, ventilation and the replacement windows you will need in the Madison WI climate. Attending to one factor without considering the others may not correct the problem completely, causing further damage and expense.
For assistance in identifying the sources of condensation on your windows or selecting the best replacement windows for your needs, contact Sims Exteriors and Remodeling in Madison WI – 608-825-4500. We are window replacement specialists serving the Madison WI area including Middleton, Waunakee, Fitchburg, Oregon Verona, McFarland, Stoughton, Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie, DeForest and all of Dane County.