If there’s one thing that can spoil the look of your interior spaces, not to mention create a potential health hazard in the form of mould, it’s condensation.
In the UK, our homes are particularly susceptible to condensation due to the inclement weather we experience, especially during the wintertime.
Any presence of condensation requires a solution, so here are our top tips on how to get rid of condensation, including how aluminium windows can help the cause.
What Is Condensation?
Have you ever noticed droplets of water forming on the inside of your windows? The amount of moisture within the air inside your property combined with the difference in temperature between the inside and outside can cause condensation to occur.
Quite simply, when warm air which is full of moisture comes into contact with a wall or window, the moisture is released onto the cold surface. This is why we tend to see condensation on our windows, as because windows are made from glass, they are classed as a cold surface.
While seeing condensation form on the outside of your windows is actually a good sign (as the internal temperature of your home is warmer than the outside meaning your windows are doing their job), seeing condensation form on the inside of your windows or between each pane of glass is a bad sign.
How To Stop Condensation
Condensation isn’t a problem that will go away on its own, so homeowners must take action to remedy the issue. Some techniques to remove condensation should be done right away, and others will involve a financial investment to assist moisture removal from your home and indeed prevent moisture from entering the air in the first place.
Heating
When the internal temperature of a room drops, condensation is more likely to occur. Ideally, a low level of ambient heat should remain through central heating, especially during the colder months of the year.
In contrast, short bursts of heat (such as suddenly putting the central heating on high) will do little to remedy the problem.
Insulation
Insulation helps to reduce the amount of heat which is lost from your home. As well as reducing energy bills, insulation can also help to prevent condensation from forming.
Some of the top ways to insulate your home include cavity loft insulation, floor insulation, thermal rendering and draught-proofing.
As windows make up approximately 25% of the average wall space, upgrading your windows is also strongly recommended, especially if your windows were installed more than 20 years ago or are comprised of single glazing.
Ventilation
Activities such as showering, cooking or leaving clothes to dry on racks or radiators can create a tremendous amount of moisture in your home. Therefore, extractor fans should be installed in the bathroom and kitchen and be switched on whenever these rooms are in use.
Clothes should also be dried outside wherever possible or in a tumble dryer. In homes where damp, mould or condensation is particularly bothersome where there is no access to outdoor space or a tumble dryer, having clothes dried in a laundrette is the next best option.
Windows should also have small openings to allow for good ventilation, as humans also generate moisture just by breathing. Ideally, windows should be opened for at least a few minutes a day or a small amount overnight where it is safe and practical to do so. In the wintertime, the opening of windows can be restricted to the daytime to avoid wasting energy.
Condensation On Windows: How Aluminium Windows Can Help
Windows aren’t always the cause of condensation, but if they aren’t doing an adequate job of keeping the cold air out such as if they don’t have a thermal break within the frame, or if the windows are a single glazed style, then they likely need upgrading.
Aluminium provides a superior choice for windows. Unlike wooden windows, aluminium windows will not rot over time, and compared with uPVC windows, aluminium is far more aesthetically pleasing. With continued protection against the elements, you are less likely to experience condensation if your windows are up to date, especially if your home already has good ventilation and the problem persists.
We noted above how condensation visible between each pane of glass is also a problem. That’s because it indicates a seal failure within your windows. This issue can be remedied by replacing the window glass. However, if your window frames are getting to be quite tired, are a security risk or are even aesthetically unappealing, then you may also wish to take the opportunity to have brand new windows installed.
Aluminium Windows UK – ABS Windows And Doors
ABS are UK specialists in aluminium windows and doors. Based in Nottingham, we operate across the UK designing, manufacturing and installing aluminium windows.
If you would like any further help or guidance on condensation, aluminium windows or any of the other services we provide then we’re here to help.
Please get in touch either by dropping us an email or giving us a call on 01623 721 172 for further help or information.