Why is There Condensation on My Windows?

During the winter months, the cold outside temperature, combined with excess moisture in the home and warm interior air, may result in condensation on some or all of your windows and glass doors. If left unchecked, this may cause rot or damage to your window and door frames and mould growth; which is potentially hazardous to your health.

Everyday activities, such as cooking, showering and using a clothes dryer release large amounts of moisture into the air in your home. Moisture in older, less air-tight homes, is released through the cracks and leaks common in older homes.

Be aware: If there are issues with the vapour barriers in your home this moisture can be causing hidden problems within the structures of your home; such as mould and rot. Condensation on windows may be a sign of a more serious, however rectifiable, problem in your home.

However, if there’s condensation on just certain windows or doors, check the seals and repair air leaks.

If this is a problem in your entire home, consider the following solutions to restore proper moisture levels:

• Adjust your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) settings for the related temperature and time of year.
• Upgrade your windows. New windows with a high R-Value can better insulate against the cold, preventing condensation.
• Run your bathroom exhaust fans for at least 15 minutes after showering or bathing.
• Cooking can release water into the air in your home. Use a kitchen exhaust fan to keep moisture levels down.
• Ensure that your dryer vents to the exterior of your home.
• Consider using a dehumidifier, but note; Not all dehumidifiers equal! A store-bought appliance will likely require daily maintenance, may increase your home’s energy costs and might only be a temporary or ‘band-aid’ fix to the real issue.

If you have a wet or basement or a damp crawlspace, the above solutions won’t alleviate the problem. The continual heat and cold we experience in southwestern Ontario, combined with a leaky basement or damp crawlspace may be the cause.

Luckily, we’re the experts in ‘All Things Basementy!’™ If you would like a permanent solution to your wet basement or musty, damp crawlspace as well as eliminating unhealthy and damage-causing moisture in your home, please reach out to us for a free estimate.