This is the time of year that some homeowners around the Twin Cities start to see condensation on their doors and windows. And then the calls start coming in to our office if it’s in a home where we recently installed replacement windows or exterior doors. It’s understandable – the homeowner thinks there is something wrong with their new windows or doors. But the truth is, it’s a normal condition, and we’d like to explain the basics on why this happens (and what you can do about it if it’s happening in your home).
Condensation typically occurs inside the home when it’s extremely cold outside and the humidity level inside is too high to support the colder temperatures. As the outside temperatures drop, reducing the humidity level inside will help reduce condensation.
Our friends at ProVia have provided this helpful information as well as the chart above:
“Moisture in the home can be caused by people taking showers, cooking food, doing laundry, or when a large group of people are in a room together. With closed curtains where air movement is restricted, the air closest to the window remains cool and can also condensate. Elevated moisture levels can also lead to mold and rot in unseen areas of the home.
“Reducing the humidity percentage inside the home when it’s cold outside usually solves the problem. A higher humidity may not cause an issue when outside air temperatures are 30° and higher, but when the outside temperatures drop below freezing to near zero while maintaining the same inside level of humidity, condensation will be an issue. Differences in inside and outside air temperatures, combined with different humidity levels inside will determine when condensation occurs. If moisture is collecting on the inside glass, hinges, etc, identify and reduce the cause of the excess moisture in the air.
“An example of elevated humidity is a fogged mirror in a bathroom after someone takes a shower. The air is in an enclosed space and is saturated with moisture from the shower and then lays on adjacent surfaces that are cooler. Once the door is opened, the excess moisture will mix with dryer air outside and the condensation will go away.”
If you’ve lowered your indoor humidity level and still have condensation concerns, there is a possibility that if your windows are older, you may have a leaking seal or other problem. Please give us a call and we can evaluate the condition of your windows and make recommendations. We install energy-efficient replacement windows from ProVia and several other window companies, and we serve the greater Twin Cities metro area.
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.
