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Hello:
I just bought a condominium and just noticed this morning as I opened the blinds (usually don't do this) and noticed the entire window was soaked with condensation. Is there something I can do to prevent this without getting new windows? The building and the windows are 15 years old. Photos attached. I believe when warm and cold air come together they cause condensation on the window, but this is a lot of water. I am wondering if I could caulk the glass part that meets the frame. Any advise is appreciated.
The issue is that you have warm air hitting the cold surface of the window. Does that happen on every window or just that one? That much water leads me to believe you have too much moisture in the air. Do you use the fan when you shower or do you have a non vented fireplace/heater of some sort?
Is the condensation on the glass or "in" the glass?
Within dual pane windows would certainly indicate a broken seal- if the moisture is "on" the glass, it is possible to still have a broken seal but it could also be a strong indicator of excessive moisture within the house- cooking, washing, showering/bathing, etc. This could also indicate a very air-tight home.
Give it a week or two. Condensation on windows in the southeast is common when it first turns cold. The natural humidity and moisture content of the wood and furnishings needs time to adjust to the carrying capacity of colder air. Heated cold air will dry out the furnishings and resolve this, but it isn't instantaneous.
If it continues after a week of cold weather, then there might indeed be something causing excess humidity.
When you say condensation on the inside, do you mean inside one the house side so you can wipe the windows and they are literally wet? Or do you mean inside as in between the panes? If that's the case, yes, seal is broken and there is condensation between the double pane windows.
We had that on a sliding glass door after a while in one house....then the floor to ceiling glass window two panes over from it eventually. Before that, at another house in a couple of spots. Not unusual with double pane windows.
If the condensation is on the inside side of the glass, sounds like it's very cold outside and the heat inside is high with your heat vent right below or above the window causing the condensation.
While you try to find the cause, also try to keep the windows dry. If you don't, the windows and sill can get moldy - and that isn't fun to clean either. And moisture isn't good for wood windows either.
Thank you for all your comments. It turns out there was a high amount of moisture in the air and the water accumulated on the inside of the windows. Since then I have turned on the furnace and the windows dried up after that. I appreciate all your suggestions and advise.
Thank you for all your comments. It turns out there was a high amount of moisture in the air and the water accumulated on the inside of the windows. Since then I have turned on the furnace and the windows dried up after that. I appreciate all your suggestions and advise.
So, the condensation was on the interior surface of the windows not in-between the individual panes (assuming you have IG glass- which doesn't sound like you do).
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