4th January 2024

Why are my windows steamed up in the morning?

Name: The Window Doctor Care & Repair Ltd
Address: Office T03, The Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1QU, UK
Telephone: 01455 850282
Price range: $$

It's that time of year, when you wake up in the morning, look at your windows and wonder why they’re misty!! Although it’s not as cold in homes as it used to be, condensation is still not nice to live with. It spoils the look, creates damp pools on window sills and potentially causes mould if the window condensation doesn’t dry quickly enough. It also affects the temperature of the room as the coldness emanates from the window. Whatever the reason for it, nobody wants it. To prevent it from happening, you first of all need to understand where it’s coming from.

Why Double Glazed Windows Mist up

Condensation is caused by moisture that is formed when an object is cooler than the air around it.

Condensation is reduced in double-glazed windows because there is a thermal barrier between the 2 panes. In basic terms, there is an invisible blanket between the cold outside and the warmth inside. In the old days of single-glazed windows, condensation was a big problem with nothing to reduce the difference in temperature.

However, moisture occurs naturally in all buildings so double glazing may not cure it completely. Almost every material in your home is holding some water. In the summer your house will absorb moisture due to the heat but you also have better airflow. Doors and windows are often open. Condensation occurs in much greater quantities in a new build house as the materials are fresh and hold more moisture when they are new.

Condensation on the inside of your windows

It’s quite common to see levels of condensation on your windows, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING! This happens when the temperature outside drops overnight. It clears as the temperature warms up as the day goes on. This is caused by the humidity in your home, NOT because of the windows.

Changes inside the home can make a difference too. Open-plan homes where there the cooking steam from the kitchen spreads through the home can affect the condensation on the windows. If you bring logs in from outside to stack by the first, they will be filled with moisture until they dry out and will also cause condensation. Even new furniture can have an effect if it has been stored in a warehouse for a long time or wet coats and boots left in the cloakroom. Any wet home improvements such as the wetness in grout for tiling, paint and plastering will also increase humidity.

8 Actions You Can Take to Reduce Condensation:

Open a window or door on a daily basis to ensure your house airs.
Use the vents at the top of the window if you have them.
Make use of the kitchen and bathroom extractor fans and keep them on for longer.
Opening blinds and curtains in order for air to circulate against windows.
Use a dehumidifier.
Make sure that anything you bring in such as logs, is properly dry.
Move plants from window sills or at least, be aware of how much and when you water them.
You can also buy moisture absorbers that sit on the window sill and will soak up some of the moisture
if it is dripping onto the window sills.

To summarise…

To summarise, condensation on your windows is fairly common, and in many cases, it doesn’t mean your windows are faulty, the most likely cause of the condensation is a lifestyle and general living within your home. We hope the above has been useful for you and answered some questions about the topic of condensation.

If you have any further questions about toughened glass or glass unit replacements or wish to speak to a member of the team then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 01455 850282 or shoot us an email!

We look forward to helping you soon, and remember - Why Replace... We Repair...