Preventing Condensation From Building Up Inside Double Glazed Windows

Having double glazed windows is beneficial in a number of ways. First and foremost, they can really help you regulate temperatures inside your home, by providing an insulation barrier against outside temperatures. Double glazing also reduces noise, and can even block out more of the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing furniture and fabrics from fading.

Usually, double glazed windows will minimise or totally eliminate problems with condensation. But occasionally, people find that there's moisture building up inside the windows, between the two panes of glass. This is a nuisance, restricting visibility, and if it's left, you might experience mould growth. Here are some ways to deal with the problem quickly:

Ventilate

In most cases, simply improving your home's ventilation is enough to get rid of condensation. Open windows when it's warm enough, turn on extractor fans or use whatever other methods you have to create airflow between the indoors and out. The air inside is typically heavy with moisture, so encouraging it to move outwards means you'll have less damp hanging around.

Open the curtains

Having curtains closed can create the perfect environment for moisture to build up. Keep them open unless you need them shut for privacy reasons, and the temperature of the glass will match the room temperature more closely.

Adjust your temperature

Condensation clings to windows because they're cooler than the ambient temperature of the room they're in. To solve this problem, you might need to warm the room up. If it's too hot, using extra heat in combination with good ventilation will work. You could also try using a small electric heater near to the windows, in order to warm up that specific area.

Get a dehumidifier

If you've tried improving your ventilation and temperature and you're still experiencing excess moisture, investing in a dehumidifier for affected rooms might be necessary. These small devices will help to dry the air out by circulating it through their fans. There are also non-electric dehumidifying boxes which contain a substance that absorbs moisture, though you might have to change them often if you have a particularly bad problem. You should also look into potential sources of moisture, like leaking pipes or gaps in your roof.

Check the seal

All windows are likely to attract moisture when the conditions are right, but double glazing should be sealed well enough that very little – if any – condensation is able to build up inside. If you're getting the problem a lot, the seal may need to be repaired or replaced. Alternatively, it might be time for some new windows.