What is Condensation?

What is window condensation? Is it harmful to my windows? Why does it only happen in winter? These are some of the most common questions we hear in the winter months, so we put together this list of questions and answers to help you understand this misty phenomenon.

What is condensation?

Moisture on the windows is a form of condensation. So is the water that forms on the outside of a glass of iced tea in the summer. It comes from the water vapor in the air. It can appear on the interior or exterior of your window glass.

What causes condensation?

When warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, the excess moisture in the air condenses. That's because the cooled air next to the cool surface can't hold as much moisture as the warmer surrounding air.

What is humidity?

Humidity is water vapor, or moisture, in the air. Usually it's invisible. In the form of ste4am or ground fog, enough has condensed to be seen. All air contains a certain amount of moisture, visible or not.

What is relative humidity?

Air can hold only a limited amount of water vapor, and that amount depends on the air temperature. When air at a certain temperature contains all the vapor it can hold, its said to have a relative humidity of 100%. Thus when it holds only half as much water as it could, tie relative humidity is 50%.Cooler air can hold less vapor than warmer air. So air at 30 degrees F and 100% relative humidity contains less water than air at 50 degrees F and 100% relative humidity.

What does the condensation on windows mean?

Window condensation can be a warning sigh. It may mean that excessive indoor humidity could be doing unseen damage to other parts of your home.

Where does the indoor moisture come from?

There are many things that generate indoor moisture. The normal perspiration and breathing of a family of four adds about half a pint of water to the air every hour. cooking three meals a day adds four or five pints of water to the air. Each shower contributes another half pint. In fact, every activity that uses water adds moisture to the air. Daily living activities of a family of four can add more than 18 gallons of water a week to the air in their home. The more water vapor int eh air, the higher the relative humidity of the home.

What are the symptoms of excess humidity?

Condensation on windows can sometimes be an indicator of excessive relative humidity. Look for water and ice on windows. Check for damp spots on the ceiling, particularly in closets. Water filled blisters on outside paint surfaces can also indicate excessive indoor humidity.