Damp Windows? This is what you can do About It
Damp windows? Some people try to use dry towels every morning to get rid of the condensation that runs down the window, while others sue the landlord. But what causes damp windows and how can they be prevented? Often it is the ventilation and heating behavior that contributes to the formation of condensation on the window. Sometimes the radiators are simply in an unsuitable place and sometimes the furniture is even to blame for the moisture that collects on the window. In most cases, however, damp windows can be remedied very quickly.
What exactly is happening here?
If you see water on your windows, you'll quickly suspect that it's coming in from outside. But in most cases, that's far from the truth. It's usually condensation that settles where the air is cooler, and very often that's the window panes. Every room in the house has a certain level of humidity. Because it's water vapour, you can't see the humidity; you can only measure it. The level of humidity in rooms varies. It depends on whether it's a damp room, like a bathroom or kitchen, where a lot of water is used, whether laundry is being dried in the room, and the number of people in the room. The colder the temperature in the room, the less humidity there is in the air. The water that the air doesn't absorb as water vapour settles where the temperature is lowest.
Why does it happen?
Condensation forms on windows for a variety of reasons. The main cause is the high humidity and the irregular temperature of the air in the room. Damp windows can occur, for example, if there is a radiator under the window with a window sill above it. Condensation is also encouraged if heavy curtains hang in front of the radiator and window, or if the radiator is completely covered. The reason for this is that the warm air can no longer circulate freely and cold zones
form. It is precisely in these zones that the air releases water vapour and the moisture settles. Damp windows are then almost inevitable. Incorrect ventilation behaviour also contributes to condensation. If there is not enough ventilation, there is no air exchange and the humidity cannot drop. However, the ability of the room air to absorb moisture in the form of water vapour is limited and at some point, it will release moisture.
What consequences are possible?
Damp windows are harmful in two ways. Firstly, they indicate that the humidity in the room is too high. This can have a negative impact on health, as humidity levels of 50 percent or more encourage the formation of mould. Mould spores are not fully visible. Apart from the black marks that mould leaves on damp windows, mould spores get into the air and through this into the respiratory tract. Allergies, asthma and other complaints can result. In addition, moisture can damage the building structure. With wooden windows, the material swells and the plaster on the wall also suffers. It starts to crumble and the wallpaper comes off the wall.
Proper ventilation
With proper ventilation, the moist, warm air inside can be completely replaced with less humid air from outside and fresh oxygen can enter the house. However, many mistakes are made when ventilating, and some misconceptions still persist. Proper ventilation varies depending on the season. Under no circumstances should you ventilate through tilted windows. Whether it is summer or winter, you should always ventilate through completely wide-open windows. In winter, turn off the heating before ventilating and open the windows several times a day for up to ten minutes. Five minutes of quick ventilation, three to five times a day is often enough. In summer, too, quick ventilation is best done by opening opposite windows. However, since the air outside is warm, you should ventilate for longer. The best times for long ventilation in summer are the early morning and late evening hours.
Proper heating
At least as many mistakes are made when heating as when ventilating. One of these is turning the heating off during the day. This cools down the walls and windows and allows moisture to build up. Even heating is therefore a must. When ventilating, however, the heating is turned off so that energy is not wasted. In rooms such as the bedroom, where temperatures are kept lower at night, it is best to ventilate briefly in the evening. Then leave the heating on at a low level. This can often prevent the room from cooling down and the windows from getting damp.
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The right window
Damp windows are rarely related to the window itself. However, there are windows that counteract this. The prerequisites for preventing condensation from forming are correct ventilation, correct heating and the right physical conditions. Windows with insulating glass optimize the insulation on the cold window front. With modern insulating glass windows, the temperature on the inside pane is almost room temperature. To prevent condensation from forming on the outside of the window, effective heat protection coatings have been developed that keep the heat radiation in the pane and keep the temperature on the outside of the pane above this level and prevent condensation from forming. One of our experienced experts can help you choose the right windows.
More tips to prevent damp windows
Aside from proper heating and ventilation and the right windows, a few small tips can help prevent damp windows. First of all, radiators that are located under the window should not be covered. The rising air must always be able to circulate in the room. Curtains should also not allow air to build up behind them. Heavy, thick curtains should therefore always be drawn during the day. The space in front of the window is also best left clear. The windowsill is a great place to place decorative items, but it often prevents the window from being opened quickly and wide.
