What Does Condensation on Windows Mean in Des Moines, WA?

While we love the gorgeous Pacific Northwest summers and the comforting hum of rain drizzle, condensation on windows in Des Moines, WA and the area along Puget Sound bordering Poverty Bay isn’t our favorite. We don’t mind it dripping down our drinking glasses, but window condensation is a different story. You might be wondering, “What is window condensation? Is it dangerous? Could a build-up lead to needed window replacement?”

Don’t worry. While condensation is more complicated than most people realize, we’ll help you learn when you need to be concerned about it on your windows and what necessary steps you need to take to protect your home in Des Moines.

What Is Condensation and What Causes It?

To summarize it quickly, condensation on windows happens when warm, humid air meets the cold surface of the window. Because glass is one of the coolest materials in your home, excess water vapor condenses there first, creating a fog-like effect and water droplets. It is a change of state in science terms — the conversion of a gas to a liquid.

Condensation on windows often happens in areas near the water with excess air moisture, like Des Moines, WA.  

How Do You Prevent and Fix Condensation?

When you notice condensation every now and then on the inside of your window, you can get by with just a rag. Wipe the window down and you’re good to go as long as this is a rare occurrence. Sometimes,  just an extra muggy night is the culprit of condensation forming, and you don’t need to worry as light moisture buildup isn’t a big issue. 

However, if you notice it happening frequently, there may be a problem going on. Moisture buildup over extended periods of time left untreated can lead to severe issues. You could end up with mold, mildew and long-lasting water damage — potentially harming your structure and health. There are ways you can proactively prevent condensation and a few solutions for fixing frequent condensation.

First things first, you need to determine if condensation affects the inside or outside of your window. 

If you want to prevent condensation on the outside of your windows,  you can try applying a water repellent. Due to the heavy rain, many people in Des Moines, WA purchase water repellent spray for their car windshields. You can try the repellent, or you can wait for the sun to come out, dry up all the moisture and fix the condensation itself.

If there are dew drops inside your windows, your home is probably too humid. According to the Mayo Clinic, the humidity in your home should be between 30% and 50%. Low humidity causes issues like dry skin, irritated nasal passages, itchy throat and eyes. High humidity in your home is serious, which is why it’s so important to prevent or fix condensation. 

Condensation can trigger the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds. These allergens can cause respiratory problems, trigger asthma and even cause hospitalization if left untreated long enough.

To prevent condensation on the inside of your windows, you can opt for open window treatments. Keep your drapes open and pull your shades up so you can enjoy that natural sunlight and free the heat trapped on your windowpane. When heat is trapped, it increases the humidity and makes condensation more likely to happen.

If you have a humidifier in your home, it may be time to turn it down, remove it altogether or replace it with a dehumidifier. This is a smart choice, at least during the summer months where humidity is the highest. 

Air circulation is also essential. Utilize your ceiling fans, bathroom fans, exhaust fans in your laundry room and vents over your stove, even in the colder months, to help move warm air downwards from the top of each room.  

If you’d like a living dehumidifier with an appealing aesthetic, consider bringing some houseplants into your home. Certain plants purify the air and absorb moisture like a sponge. Plants like Boston Ferns, Snake Plants, Tillandsia and Begonia’s are a few great options for battling humidity.

What If Those Solutions Don’t Completely Solve My Issues?

Unfortunately, there are some things plants, ceiling fans and open drapes can’t fix: one being bad windows. Whether they are old or broken, replacing your windows may be the only viable solution.

If you notice condensation between your glass panes, that could mean your glass seal is broken. You can correct the problem by replacing the insulated glass panel. In serious cases of condensation between the panes or inside the window, water on your windows can trickle down to the window frame and cause it to blister or crack. You can avoid replacing your entire frame and only replace the glass if you catch it early enough. 

Even minor water damage from condensation in Des Moines can leave your drywall severely stained, make your wallpaper peel and paint flake and can even seep into your expensive furniture. On top of potential health problems caused by mold, forgo the expensive replacement of everything you own by replacing your old, broken windows.

Trust King County Window and Glass for Window Replacement

We understand that windows can be a big financial investment, but if you get done altering your window treatments, checking your seals and updating your ventilation and find yourself still having problems, there’s no shame in hiring a professional—and it could save you a fortune down the road. KC Windows & Glass has a wide selection of window replacement options if your current windows need replacing. 

We are trained to trace hidden sources of moisture, like crawl space flooding and rainwater seeping into your foundation. We want you to be able to achieve the utmost comfort in your home.
Get a quote today and let us help you solve your condensation problems.