Water Condensation.

From time to time, residents will encounter varying degrees of water on their windows (see attached windows). This condition is the result of water condensation on the inside of the window. Here are some key Q & A's on this issue:

1. WHAT IS THIS WATER ON MY WINDOWS? Water on windows is condensation. Condensation is formed when warm moist air comes in contact with cooler dryer air, similar to to way a bathroom mirror steams up after a hot shower. The inside or outside of your window can sweat or fog because of temperature differential from the outside and inside of your condo.
2. ARE MY WINDOWS TO BLAME? Windows are not the cause of condensation. Glass is usually the place you first notice it because the glass surfaces have the lowest temperature of any interior surface in the house.
3. WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF WATER BUILD UP ON MY WINDOWS? Moisture in the air causes condensation. The reason you see more condensation is because the new windows and building renovations have created an almost air tight environment in your condo. The repairs/renovations were designed to keep the cold air/water out of the building. This is especially true of your new windows. However, this also keeps the warm moist air inside. This results in condensation during periods of extreme temperature variation between the outside and the inside of your condo.
3. I NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE RENOVATION AND INSTALLATION OF NEW WINDOWS? Before the renovation and new windows were installed, the building had been allowed to deteriorate. Wind and water intrusion was a common problem. That drafty condition also reduced the temperature variation between the outside and inside of the your condo. This reduced or eliminate the opportunity for condensation.
4. HOW CAN CONDENSATION BE REDUCED? The key lies in controlling the level of humidity inside your home. Here are some recommended things you can do to reduce humidity in your condo:
a. Open a window: this will allow cold dryer air to enter while allowing the moist air to escape.
b. Use a dehumidifier: having a dehumidifier running on a regular basis will reduce the humidity significantly.
c. Use a chemical dehumidifier: Most home improvement store carry a product that has a bag of beads that will chemical remove moisture from the air. They are great for closets.
5. WHAT CAUSES THE HUMIDITY? The most common causes are:
a. Moisture accumulation: During the fall all the window are open and the moist air comes in the dryer material start to absorb moisture.
b. Bathrooms & showers:The hot water is a common source of moisture.
c. Kitchen appliances: Using the dishwasher, and cooking on the stove.
d. Washing Machine & Dryers: Especially when the dryer vent doesn't vent to the outside of building. All the moisture being drawn out from the dryer stays in the condo.

Hopefully, this provides you with some basic understanding of the causes and possible solutions to water condensation in your condo. If you have any further questions, please call Steve Carpenter, at 727-573-9300.