Tackling condensation in homes

Condensation can be an all too familiar issue for homeowners, but it needn’t be a huge burden.

Common causes of condensation in a home can be poor ventilation, inefficient heating and cold spots. This blog helps to explain the causes of condensation, how homeowners can help prevent it and how our windows and doors provide the ultimate replacement glazing solutions.

Condensation explained

Condensation occurs when the cold air meets with warm air (known as the dew point). As warm air carries a higher level of water vapour than cold air, when it comes into contact with a cold surface such as a glass pane or roof, the vapour cools into water droplets – forming condensation.

External condensation

External condensation on windows can often be a sign that they are working as they should be and isn’t a cause for concern for your customers.

It might be a nuisance, however it shows that the glazing is doing exactly as it should – keeping the cold air out and keeping the warm air in.

Internal condensation

However, if condensation occurs on the inside of the home, this indicates that there could be an issue. There are many causes for internal condensation, but there’s lots that can be done to stop and prevent it from occurring again.

The first cause could be lifestyle factors – such as cooking, drying wet clothes and steam from bathrooms. Improving ventilation in the home will help in this instance, either passive, through window vents and air bricks, or active, via electric extractor fans.

The second factor could be old, poorly insulating windows and doors. If the internal condensation is worse in the mornings, it could indicate that they will need replacing as the outside pane of glass is no longer protecting the internal pane from the cold. This causes the moisture in the air to precipitate on the internal pane, causing condensation to form. This is common in homes which still have single glazed windows.

It’s always recommended that internal condensation should be wiped away, as if left untreated, this may cause the condensation to drip down the windows and puddle on the cills, and in bad cases, could lead to damp and black mould.

Replacing windows, doors and conservatory roofs

At Window Warehouse, we can help solve your customers’ condensation worries with high quality, high performance replacement windows and doors.

We offer energy efficient windows and doors that achieve the highest A+ energy ratings. Our PVCu windows reach ‘A’ Window Energy Ratings when manufactured using a standard warm edge, argon filled, Low-E glass unit. These windows are also registered by the BFRC (the British Fenestration Rating Council).

Both our window and door ranges are available in a choice of styles, designs, colours, accessories and hardware to suit your customers’ properties and personal tastes effortlessly. Our team have all the knowledge and skills to provide you with the best advice and guidance when it comes to energy efficient glazing.

We also supply the high performance, thermally efficient Leka solid roof system, perfect for conservatory roof replacements. This solid roof system can significantly improve the energy efficiency of a conservatory or extension, thus combatting any condensation issues.

The Leka roof structure uses Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) ring-beams and rafters to prevent cold bridging, with no heat conducting materials that can allow warm air inside to meet cold air – eliminating the risk of condensation forming.

A 15mm air gap is also left inbetween the roof insulation and the Leka internal sheets, creating airflow in the roof to fully ventilate and remove moisture.

If you are an installer looking to fit high performance, energy efficient windows and doors across the South Coast, get in touch with us. You can call us on 023 9232 7744, email us at info@window-warehouse.co.uk or complete our simple online quote form here.