One of the reasons people first start thinking about replacing the windows in their San Diego homes is because they see condensation forming either on the interior or the exterior surface of a window. They assume that if they see condensation forming, there is a problem with their windows. However, this may not necessarily be the case.
What Causes Condensation on Windows?
First of all, it’s important to know what causes condensation to appear on glass surfaces in the first place. Basically, condensation is caused by a cold surface (like glass) that comes into contact with high humidity. You will normally only see condensation on windows in the wintertime, when outdoor temperatures keep the windows cooler.
Where is the Condensation?
The most important thing to figure out is if the condensation is appearing on the interior or exterior surface of the window.
If you only see condensation on the exterior of your windows, don’t be concerned. This usually just means there is a moisture source near that window (like a sprinkler). Condensation on an exterior window surface will not cause damage.
If the condensation is on the inside, you may have a problem. One reason for condensation is due to excess humidity in your home. High humidity inside a home can be caused by a number of factors, but some of the most common are the presence multiple indoor plants, using a gas fireplace (gas releases a lot of moisture as it burns), showering, or doing laundry. An easy solution to reducing condensation is to ventilate whenever possible, allowing air to circulate.
However, if you have older windows, the windows themselves may be the cause of your condensation problems, and nothing other than replacing your windows will fix it. Older windows often have poor insulating properties, which cause the surface of the window to get colder and more readily create condensation. A faulty seal around an operable window may also be the cause of the condensation.
If you’re seeing an excessive amount of condensation on the interior surface of your windows, it may be time to seriously look into replacing them. Modern replacement windows have excellent insulating properties that greatly reduce the potential for condensation.
If you have newer dual pane windows that have condensation in between the two panes, it means you have defective windows that are experiencing seal failure. If your windows are still under warranty, you should call the company that installed them. A reputable San Diego replacement window company should take care of you if the products they installed were faulty. If the company that you worked with is out of business, or won’t help you, you can try calling the window manufacturer about getting a replacement.
