Condensation On New Double Pane Windows

The main culprit of window condensation is excess humidity.

Condensation on new double pane windows.

Double paned windows save money. The outside glass actually gets colder then the air allowing condensation to form. You must also stop moist air from touching the window glass. The wood gets too wet and starts to rot and eventually the glass seal breaks down.

While both interior and exterior window condensation can be irritating to homeowners unaddressed interior condensation is more likely to lead to long term problems. This is not a bad thing. There is no way to control the humity on the outside of your home so there is no solution and nothing to worry about. Window inserts stop moist air from touching the glass pane and keep the air around it at a relatively similar temperature.

The windows are working as designed. In these situations it s as simple as replacing the insulated glass unit. Window condensation frequently occurs when there are significant differences in the air temperature outside and the temperature of the glass. Causes of window condensation.

Some new windows have condensation because the surface of the window is below the dew point. It is not uncommon in areas with high humidity to have condensation on the outside of the windows. If you have this problem the humidity level in your home is probably a bit too high. Luckily interior and exterior window condensation is not a sign of a faulty window and there are many ways you can reduce the condensation in your home.

Condensation forms when the warm air inside of your home comes into contact with the cold surface of your window. What is happening on those windows with the condensation is that the window is performing exactly as designed it is blocking the heat from inside your home from reaching the outside of your home thus allowing the outside windows to be cooler than the morning dew point. With double pane windows you should be able to sustain somewhere around 50 to 55 percent relative humidity indoors on a 40 degree night and not get condensation on your windows. The reason water condenses on the outside surface of the glass is the temperature of the glass drops below the external dew point temperature.

Steve poitz a member of the canadian window standards subcommittee and an engineer who specializes in energy efficient windows states that even a clear glass double paned vinyl or wood framed window can reduce energy usage by up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter and by up to 18 percent in hot. This is due to the high insulating value of double pane low e glass with argon. When condensation between double pane windows forms the seal on the glass is broken. Because the indoor air has a higher humidity level meaning its holding more moisture the water vapor condenses into a liquid on your window pane.

The average cost for standard sized double hung replacement vinyl double pane window is 385 to 850 per window installation cost will depend on local labor rates usually 38 per hour window brand choice type of window and window framing materials. In humid climates wooden window frames are often the culprit.