Why Do Windows Sweat?
The sweating of your windows is due to condensation, which occurs in some homes when the outside temperature falls to below 40 degrees and the interior humidity is higher than around 60 percent. The excessive moisture in the air meets the cool glass of the window and condenses. This typically occurs in newer homes, which are often more airtight than older buildings.
The Real Dangers of Sweating Windows
Although condensation on your windows will do little more than dampen your windowsill, the conditions which produce the sweating effect can have more severe results. Too much humidity in a home is never a good thing.
A few of the dangers of excessive moisture in your home include:
- Mold and mildew thrive in homes with high levels of humidity. Having mold or mildew in your home is not only unpleasant to smell or see, but they can pose significant health risks. In fact, several types of molds can cause severe medical issues, especially for people who may have immunity or chronic respiratory issues.
- Bugs prefer moist environments. Have you noticed an increase in the about of critters in your house during the colder months? Chances are that your high-humidity home is providing the ideal habitat for them to breed. Drying out your home’s air can go a long way to reducing a pest infestation.
- Moisture can ruin electronics. The same type of condensation you see on your windows is occurring inside of your electronic devices. That means your expensive TV, computer, and smartphone are at risk of short-circuiting when the humidity level in your home rises.
Dealing with Humidity
You can help to control the humidity in your home by:
- Increasing ventilation to allow humidity to escape. Think about adding a fan to your bathrooms to aid in removing excess moisture.
- Limiting your gas and propane use inside during colder weather. When propane and gas burn, they give off a lot of additional moisture.
- Using a wood-burning fireplace. If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home, use it. Burning wood helps to reduce a room’s moisture level.
If it’s time to replace your older windows or exterior doors with brand-new ones, give the experts atC&T Siding a call at 715-749-3162. C&T Siding does it all from windows to doors and siding. Get a free estimate today!
