Causes and Cures of Condensation on Windows in New Orleans
If you have noticed excessive moisture accumulating on the inside of your windows, you may wonder what is going on. Here at, Renewal by Andersen® of Southern Louisiana® we get a lot of questions about these concerns, especially from home owners who have just installed new windows in New Orleans LA or surrounding towns, where climate conditions can often be damp and humid.
While you may be alarmed when you first see that condensation, this isn’t necessarily a bad sign. Let’s go over what causes condensation and give you some tips on how to prevent moisture build-up before it even occurs.
Causes of Condensation
Condensation forms when warm, moist air hits a cooler surface, such as your window glass on a cold day. Yes, condensation is more common during winter, but it can happen any time of the year — whenever the water vapor in warm air contacts a colder surface. You may have seen this in action in summer when your glass of lemonade “sweats.”
So, this phenomenon is totally normal. You’ll occasionally see condensation appear on your windows – even your new high-quality ones. In fact, you’re more likely to notice condensation on new windows because they’re so energy efficient.
This condensation can actually signal that your windows feature good, tight seals. Anything from weatherstripping and modern insulation to vapor barriers and new construction techniques, which are all good things, are also the same things that lock moisture inside your house and increase the chance of condensation formation.
Condensation is just a by-product of humidity in the house. Some humidity is good (you need is to be more comfortable, keep static electricity in carpets at bay, and prevent wood furniture from shrinking and cracking). But the problems come when you have excessive humidity, which is when mold or mildew can develop. Also, this water can get into your insulation, then freeze and thaw, and then damage ceilings and walls.
Correcting Condesation
If you see condensation on the windows, reduce indoor relative humidity by:
- Turning off the humidifier and turning on the dehumidifier.
- Covering the floor in your crawlspace with a vapor barrier.
- Not storing firewood in your home.
- Limiting houseplants and aquariums.
- Opening drapes and blinds.
- Operating ceiling fans for better air circulation.
- Increasing the indoor air temperature.
- Venting all gas appliances, exhaust fans and clothes dryers.
- Making sure you have enough ventilation sources in the attic and crawlspace.
- Running exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
FREE Estimate on Replacement Windows in New Orleans LA and Surrounding Areas
If you have questions about condensation on your new windows in Metairie LA and surrounding neighborhoods, call Renewal by Andersen® of Southern Louisiana® at (225) 460-3248 .
