Understanding Condensation in Your Home

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- What do houseplants, a boiling pot of pasta and your shower all have in common? They all add moisture to your home's interior. And, while some humidity in the home is good, excessive moisture can be uncomfortable.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120131/NY44068 )

"We often get calls from homeowners who are concerned that their windows are 'sweating' or leaking either inside or outside the home because they see moisture on the glass," says Gary Pember, vice president of marketing at Simonton Windows®. "In reality, that's simply not the case. While condensation may collect on the interior or exterior of energy-efficient windows, the units are really doing their job by helping serve as a barrier in the home."

Pember points out that windows do not cause condensation --- they simply prevent the moisture in the home from escaping to the outside. "If the inside glass surface on double- or triple-glazed windows show excessive moisture, you can be reasonably sure that the moisture is also collecting on your walls and ceilings," says Pember. "This means you should take steps to reduce the humidity level in your home by using exhaust fans and dehumidifiers."

What Can a Homeowner Do to Help Reduce Condensation?

Water vapor is part of our lives and our homes. To help control the amount of condensation in the home, experts at Simonton Windows recommend the following tips:

• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
• If you have a humidifier, set it to the correct outside temperature.
• If your home is overly humid, or if you have a damp basement, use a dehumidifier.
• Properly vent clothes dryers, gas appliances and stoves.
• Open a window in the bathroom.
• Make sure your attic, basement and crawl spaces are well ventilated and free from obstructions.
• Open curtains and blinds to allow more air circulation around your windows.

Worrisome Windows

Pember recommends knowing the difference between condensation on the glass and between the glass panes of the window.

"If you are seeing moisture, fogging or cloudiness between the panes of glass in your window, this is a strong indication that the seal of your window has failed and it's time to replace your window," says Pember. "In operable window units, a failed seal can often be corrected by simply replacing the sash. However, seal failure reduces energy efficiency and the unit will not work as effectively to help you keep energy bills low and enjoy comfortable living in your home. While condensation on the interior or exterior of the glass is manageable, moisture between the glass needs swift attention by homeowners."

The experts at Simonton Windows offer several free consumer booklets on how to know when it's time to replace your windows, energy efficiency of windows and selecting windows for a new home. The company has also introduced the new brochure, "Understanding Condensation in Your Home." Consumers may call 1-800-746-6686 to request free copies of these brochures or visit the company's website at www.simonton.com for more information.

SOURCE Simonton Windows