When the weather is cold, moisture instantaneously appears on the interior or exterior side of your windows. This diffused liquid can obstruct the view, drop on the floor, or freeze on the glass. It can also give your home a constantly wet feeling and mildewy smell. These are actually some clear signs that your home is experiencing excess humidity. Renewal by Andersen® of Northwest Ohio, your window replacement specialist, discusses how humidity and condensation affect your home.
What are Condensation and Humidity?
The term humidity refers to the water vapor or moisture present in the air. On the other hand, condensation is a natural process where water vapor turns liquid. This phenomenon happens when sultry air hits a cooler surface while the excess moisture condenses.
Air can hold a restricted amount of water vapor based on the temperature. When air at a particular temperature already has all the water vapor it can hold, it is said to have a relative humidity of 100%. Condensation on windows is a prime indicator of excess humidity.
Where Does Moisture Come From?
Indoor moisture can be generated by daily activities, such as cooking and showering. Both can add at least four to five pints of water to indoor moisture. Even normal perspiration and breathing can increase the level of moisture in the air.
What is the Impact of Humidity on Your Health and Home?
The ideal level of humidity in your home ranges between 30-50%. Humidity levels exceeding 65%, according to the World Health Organization, can cause respiratory illness in people diagnosed with asthma and allergies. They can also lead to itching and skin dryness.
How Can Condensation Affect Your Windows?
Excess humidity can undermine your home’s structural integrity and insulation. It can also damage your window frames and cause paint to peel from the sash. Bay and bow windows experience more condensation than other window types. To manage the excessive condensation, be sure to insulate between the window head and platform.
Renewal by Andersen of Northwest Ohio offers high-quality replacement windows that are guaranteed to last long. Check out the second installment of our two-part blog, where we discuss the key features of our windows and how they minimize temperature swings. To learn more, call us at (419) 931-6087. We serve residents of Findlay, OH, as well as surrounding areas.
