Why Do My New Windows Have Condensation?

If you recently replaced the windows on your home and were surprised to find window condensation forming on them, you are not alone. With new windows, window condensation is very typical. While it’s not necessarily a terrible indicator, there are a few distinct forms of window condensation, each of which raises a different level of worry.

Let’s examine what to do and the reasons why condensation may form inside, outside, or between the window panes of your new windows.

Condensation on inside of new windows

Window condensation forming on the interior of your home can be caused by a plethora of reasons. Finding the reason is crucial, but first, make sure you deal with any standing water and moisture so that it doesn’t cause any water damage. Your windows may become clogged with condensation, which can potentially harm the wood around the window as well as the window itself. In light of that, let’s examine a few typical reasons why condensation may form on the inside of your new windows:

• Steam: Steam is the most frequent reason for condensation inside new windows. Steam from the shower or hot pots and pans will often stick to the inside of a window. Condensation inside buildings can also be caused by house plants, oversized heaters, or humidifiers which produce humidity. To remedy this, you can simply move your plants away from windows, run the bathroom fan, or wait for the steam in your house to leave via ventilation. You can turn on the fan setting on your hvac system if you have this option.

• High Humidity in Your Home: Condensation on the inside of your new windows may indicate a larger issue if you’ve ruled out both steam and air draft leaks but still see them. It’s conceivable that your house lacks enough ventilation. When your home is poorly ventilated, over time all the moisture from cooking, hot water, and other sources will accumulate in the air. The water vapor will condense and stick to your windows, furniture, rugs, flooring, and even the interior of your walls if it has nowhere else to go. Homeowners may begin to notice this after installing new windows because of the superior insulation seal created. 

Condensation on the Outside of New Windows 

Condensation on the outside of windows or exterior is a positive indicator. It demonstrates that your new windows are energy efficient and performing as intended, keeping the heat and humidity from the outside from entering your house. Condensation on the exterior of new windows typically occurs when the outside air is just a little bit colder and/or more humid than the inside air of your home. That humidity condenses on the exterior of your windows since your new windows don’t allow any heat transfer. When the weather warms up outside and the light starts to shine through your windows, this form of condensation will disappear.

Condensation Between Panes of your New Windows

The last potential location for condensation on your new windows is in the space in between the window panes. Nowadays, most homes prefer double-paned windows, and producers generally add an insulating gas to the area between the panes. The window panes are then sealed once the gap has been filled.

Before coming to any conclusions ensure you double-check that the condensation is indeed occurring between the window panes if you notice it between the panes of your new windows. You can do this by spending a few minutes cleaning the windows on both sides. You should be able to wipe off any haze or moisture left on the window by the cleaning chemicals, even if it may appear to be condensation.

If the window cleaning didn’t fix the issue you’ll probably need to file a warranty claim, if you have one. When condensation forms between window panes, it indicates that the seal that holds the insulating gas is broken. In this case, you’ll need a professional to work on your window. A service technician might be able to repair the glass pane in some circumstances, but most of the time, you’ll probably need to replace the window.

Once more, if your windows are new, they should be covered by a window warranty. The majority of reliable window manufacturers offer free replacement services for this issue. If your windows don’t have a warranty and you decide you want replace your windows contact our team for a free window replacement quote! Our Okna windows are built to last and come with a lifetime labor and materials warranty so if your window malfunctions we will be there to fix or replace it!