With single digit daytime temps recently as well as subzero overnight readings here in the Minneapolis area, you can be confident that more than a few homes will have condensation, frost, and/or ice build-up inside. And while this is common, it’s something that needs to be remedied right away. Left alone, it can damage your window frames and trim if they are made out of wood. Worse, mold can build up and that’s a health threat.
We’ve addressed the issue of condensation on windows in the winter, but in this post we’re going to deal with ice and frost. The cause is the same (too much indoor humidity), but ice and frost on interior surfaces indicates your windows may have either broken seals or some other cold air infiltration issue. Or you’ve got single-pane glass, commonplace in older and historic homes. (We recommend having storm windows installed rather than replace those single-pane windows because of their historic value and aesthetics.)
When moisture accumulates on the inside of a window, it can puddle up in the corners or at the bottom. As the outside temperature drops, that moisture can turn into ice or frost. The cause is the same – humidity levels in your home are too high. But there’s a secondary factor – cold air leaking in around your window frame.
Often in an attempt to keep things warm inside, homeowners will close heavy drapes or curtains at night to cut down on drafts. While this may seem to be a good idea, it’s actually counterproductive. This keeps the moist air trapped between the window and the curtain, resulting in even more condensation, frost, and ice. It’s important to let air circulate to dry things out. Running a ceiling fan on a reverse setting can help. Also, make sure all your vents (kitchen, bath, etc.) are vented to the outside so moist air isn’t just recirculating indoors.
If you’re getting ice and frost build-up on your windows, there could be several causes:
Unlike condensation (which is normal with high humidity levels inside your home, and an indicator your windows are doing what they are designed to do), frost and ice shouldn’t be ignored. Time to have your windows evaluated by a replacement window contractor like us. If this is happening to you, schedule a no-obligation consultation with us. We serve the greater Minneapolis metro area and our specialty is the installation of energy-efficient replacement windows.
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.
