AIR Circulation - Poor Air circulation in a certain area of the home will cause a window to form condensation, where other windows in others areas are fine.
Drapes - Flow of warm air needs to be enhanced at all times, so by having venetian blinds or heavy curtains fully drawn over a window, will restrict this air flow will lead to more condensation.
Varying Humidity Levels - Obviously humidity in the kitchen and bathroom (cooking/showering, etc) are going to be a lot higher than the other rooms in the home, consequently the build up of condensation on these windows is more likely.
Orientation - If windows are exposed to prevailing winds, then they will be slightly colder than the other windows in the home and may cause condensation to form at humidity levels which are practical for the rest of the home.
Exposure - If exposed to the wind, the window will be colder, but if the window is protected by other buildings, etc then a windbreak is formed.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Condensation
How to reduce & prevent condensation
SURFACE CONDENSATION
Each person has his or her own preference regarding the humidity level in his or her home. If the occupants insist on a high level or humidity within the house, surface condensation must be expected when outside temperatures are low. Some indications of surface condensation include:
• Water or ice on windows
• Damp spots or mildew on walls and ceiling
• Damp spots or mildew on closet walls
• Moisture on light fixtures
• Moisture on water closets
• Moisture on cold water pipes, walls and floors.
• Frost on door handles and hinges, or door frozen shut
Some humidity is necessary for comfort and health. In many homes, it is a struggle to keep enough moisture inside the home to maintain an acceptable humidity level for the occupants. Frequently, humidifiers are installed to add moisture to the air, but their use must be controlled or surface condensation problems may result. Unfortunately, a dry house may indicate a high leakage rate (depending on the amount of moisture added by the home-owner), which can contribute to concealed condensation.
In some newer homes, however, air leakage is controlled so well that removing moisture from the house becomes a problem. This problem is made worse by the use of humidifiers, resulting in condensation on windows, mold growth or damp spots on ceilings and room-side surfaces of exterior walls. Because windows do not provide much resistance to heat loss, they are often the coldest component of a building enclosure, and can be an indicator of humidity problems. Because condensation occurs on inside window surfaces whenever the surface temperature falls below the dew point temperature of room air, window condensation may signal a need to reduce the humidity level in your home.
SURFACE CONDENSATION
Each person has his or her own preference regarding the humidity level in his or her home. If the occupants insist on a high level or humidity within the house, surface condensation must be expected when outside temperatures are low. Some indications of surface condensation include:
• Water or ice on windows
• Damp spots or mildew on walls and ceiling
• Damp spots or mildew on closet walls
• Moisture on light fixtures
• Moisture on water closets
• Moisture on cold water pipes, walls and floors.
• Frost on door handles and hinges, or door frozen shut
Some humidity is necessary for comfort and health. In many homes, it is a struggle to keep enough moisture inside the home to maintain an acceptable humidity level for the occupants. Frequently, humidifiers are installed to add moisture to the air, but their use must be controlled or surface condensation problems may result. Unfortunately, a dry house may indicate a high leakage rate (depending on the amount of moisture added by the home-owner), which can contribute to concealed condensation.
In some newer homes, however, air leakage is controlled so well that removing moisture from the house becomes a problem. This problem is made worse by the use of humidifiers, resulting in condensation on windows, mold growth or damp spots on ceilings and room-side surfaces of exterior walls. Because windows do not provide much resistance to heat loss, they are often the coldest component of a building enclosure, and can be an indicator of humidity problems. Because condensation occurs on inside window surfaces whenever the surface temperature falls below the dew point temperature of room air, window condensation may signal a need to reduce the humidity level in your home.
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