How to Get Rid of Condensation Inside Windows

How to Get Rid of Condensation Inside Windows

By: Dave BrongOctober 07, 2018
Knowing how to get rid of condensation inside windows is a very important matter. Condensation covering your windows is more than just a nuisance; the potential damage to your home -- in rot, mold, and mildew -- is far more unpleasant. While condensation on the window pane can be wiped away, you might be wondering how to absorb condensation from windows when it happens between panes of glass. Get our recommendations on tackling condensation inside windows to clear up your view and safeguard your home.  

Causes of Window Condensation

Excess humidity is a main cause of condensation on windows. Dehumidifiers take air out of the environment, keeping moisture off the windows. Alternatively, you may try a moisture eliminator, which draws excess moisture out of the air. Some moisture eliminating products contain scents, so these can do double duty if your home has a musty odor. If you are looking for solutions on how to deal with window condensation in the bathroom, you may need a stronger bathroom fan. By running the bathroom fan when taking a shower or bath, you can draw moisture out of the bathroom and vent it away from the home, before the moisture can do damage. If you take these steps to deal with window condensation and you notice your windows have condensation between the panes, it could be a different issue.  

Why Windows Get Condensation Inside

Condensation happens when water vapor hits a cool surface and condenses, due to the natural temperature difference. For water vapor to condense in between window panes, either the seal on double hung windows has broken or the desiccant, which absorbs moisture in between the panes of a double hung window, can no longer keep up with the excess moisture. While you can troubleshoot causes of window condensation and fix the problem when the panes have moisture, there is no simple solution for how to get rid of condensation inside windows. . If the windows in your home are older, their seals are likely held in place with caulk. Due to seasonal shifts in weather, caulk can weaken over time, which may lead the seals to fail. Newer windows most frequently use a glazing bead spacer to hold the glass in place. Seals on these windows fail due to age.  

How to Stop Window Condensation on the Inside

If you have older windows, where the seals are held in place with caulk, you may be able to replace the caulk and bolster the seal. This is usually a short-term fix, because the window technician who repairs the seal cannot refill gas that escaped from the window. Your windows will be drafty without the gas fill, since the gas blocks air transfer. Your utility bills may increase as well. Caulking seals won't stop window condensation long term either. Most of the time, your best bet is to replace your old windows with vinyl windows or energy efficient window replacement that have a tight seal. When you replace the windows, the condensation should stop since you have removed the root cause. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of condensation inside windows, take action to replace failed seals before the excess moisture damages your home. Reach out today to get a quote for replacement windows, or to learn more about options for financing window replacement so you can safeguard your home without going over budget.