Autumn is here, and with it comes a painfully familiar picture for many of us: we wake up in the morning to find droplets of water streaming down our windows. The windowsill is wet, the view outside is blurry, and a faint smell of dampness hangs in the air.
This phenomenon, known as condensation, is often accepted as “normal,” especially in older buildings. But the truth is, it isn’t. “Weeping” windows are a clear sign that your home is losing the battle against cold and moisture. Besides being annoying, persistent condensation can lead to far more serious problems like mold, and damage to your plaster and window frames.
But what causes it, and is there a permanent solution?
The Simple Science Behind a Wet Window
Condensation is simply the visible result of two things meeting: warm, humid air from inside your room and a cold surface.
Throughout the day, our breathing, cooking, and showering all release water vapor into the air. When this warm air reaches the cold surface of the glass, it cools down rapidly and can no longer hold its moisture. The moisture then turns back into a liquid-the droplets we see on the window.
Therefore, the problem isn’t the air; it’s the cold glass. Your window is the weakest link in your exterior wall and acts like a magnet for moisture.
Why Do Old Windows “Sweat”?
Old wooden or aluminum windows without a thermal break are extremely prone to condensation because:
- They have poor insulation properties: Their frames and glazing units easily transfer the cold from the outside, making their interior surface ice-cold.
- They lack an effective barrier: They cannot prevent the “meeting” between the warm indoor air and the cold glass.
How Modern Windows “Cure” Weeping Windows
Replacing your windows isn’t just a cosmetic change-it eliminates the root cause of condensation. Modern solutions, whether you choose high-end PVC windows or innovative aluminum frames, work to keep the interior surface of the window warm.
- Multi-Chamber Frames and Thermal Breaks: Modern frames are engineered to block the cold. The air chambers in PVC frames and the special polyamide insert (the thermal break) in aluminum ones act as an effective barrier.
- The “Warm” Glazing Unit: This is the key to the solution. Today’s double or triple-glazed units with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass and argon gas work in two ways: they prevent cold from penetrating inwards and reflect heat from your heating system back into the room. The result? The inner pane of glass stays warm, close to room temperature, and condensation simply has nowhere to form.
Even with large glazed areas, such as modern aluminum sliding systems, these technologies ensure you can enjoy the view without worrying about dampness and mold.
You don’t have to put up with wet windows every winter. They aren’t a given; they are a solvable problem. A consultation with the specialists at ProfilplastBG can be the first step toward a drier, warmer, and healthier home.
