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CONDENSATION is a common problem across the UK during the winter months.
The issue crops up inside people’s homes year after year but as the temperatures continue to drop, many face confusion over what steam and condensation on the outside of their windows means.
Why do windows steam up on the outside?
Steamed-up windows quickly become a permanent fixture of many UK homes and cars once the temperatures outside start to drop,
This happens when warm air in the home meets with a surface that is cold enough to turn it back into a liquid, causing windows to become foggy from the inside.
Window panes are especially susceptible to wetness in the winter because there is such a vast difference in temperature inside compared to the outside world.
External windows can still be particularly at risk of condensation if they are single-glazed.
As well as being unattractive, allowing condensation to build up in your home can contribute to the growth of harmful black mould.
However, if your windows are steaming up on the outside – not the inside – this actually a sign that your windows are doing their job.
According to Britannia Windows, exterior condensation means “your windows are doing an excellent job of preventing heat loss from your home”.
They add that exterior steam and condensation doesn’t need to be wiped down and will dry naturally as the day warms up.
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How do I stop windows from steaming up?
Though condensation can cause issues inside the home, it can be avoided before it becomes a problem.
There are a few things you can do to prevent condensation from building up in the first place, such as opening windows and doors in bathrooms and kitchens, drying clothes outside where possible, and using extractor fans.
Tumble dryer users should also make sure their machines have an external vent leading outside of the home.
It also advised that, when cooking in the kitchen, lids are kept on pots and pans to lock steam in.
If condensation has accumulated on your window inside your home, you don’t need any specialist or expensive equipment to remove it.
You can make a simple, home-made solution by mixing two cups of water with two cups of white vinegar and a few drops of washing up liquid.
Then, place this mixture into a spray bottle if you can find one as this will help you apply it to the glass equally.
Dehumidifiers or moisture eliminators can be used to draw excess moisture from the air, but these can also leave rooms feeling dry, as well as being expensive to run and often noisy.
Some houseplants can also help reduce mildew and mould, as well as adding to the aesthetic appeal of your home.
When should I worry about condensation on windows?
Generally, condensation problems inside the home are relatively easy to diagnose and detect.
If you notice any of these signs then as a “rule of thumb” you likely have a problem with condensation:
- Water droplets on windows or walls
- Decaying window frames, particularly stained & wet corners
- Damp walls causing peeling wallpaper
- Musty/damp smells around the property
- Black mould on walls, curtains, carpets, bathroom tiles and window sills
- Water droplets on felt and timber in the loft, possibly leading to rot
