Condensation on the outside of new windows can surprise many people who’ve invested in the latest double or triple glazed windows and patio doors. So why does it happen and does it mean your new windows are faulty? No, your new windows are actually working exactly as they should. In fact, condensation on the outside of new windows is a sign of just how energy efficient they are. Here’s an explanation of this phenomenon you’ll see more often in autumn and winter and why it happens.
An explanation about condensation on windows and doors
If you’re replacing your old windows that are frequently condensated, the reason for this is simple. Window glass is usually the coldest surface and especially with single glazed windows. So as we go about our daily lives, cooking, heating, showering, drying clothes inside and even breathing as we sleep. All of these actions cause moisture. Moisture needs somewhere to settle and the first cold surface is where it goes.
But even if you do have new windows or double glazing, it’s worth bearing in mind they will never eliminate condensation. The only way to prevent this is to ensure our rooms are well ventilated. Humidity in our homes and especially in winter when we tend to keep everything closed is a cause of condensation.
Condensation on the outside of new windows and why it happens
What’s surprised a lot of buyers of new windows is condensation on the outside. It’s tempting to think there’s a problem, but there isn’t and there’s a very simple explanation why.
First of all is understanding that your windows are more energy-efficient than ever before. Highly insulated frames in our aluminium windows combine with glass with a higher specification than ever before. It’s standard today to windows fitted with double glazed units with a soft-coat low-emissivity coating, warm edge spacer bars and argon gas fill. These are far superior to old double glazed windows that are just two pieces of glass with air in between.
Just like condensation on the inside, the outside pane of glass is the coldest surface compared to the inside of your home. Because the insulation of your windows is working so well in not letting heat escape, the result is (quite obviously) that your outside pane of glass is cooler!
It’s the makeup of the insulated frames in aluminium, multiple chamber frames in PVCu and the outstanding insulation of wood in our hybrid glazing systems, combined with high-tech glass units.
Low-E glass is now widely used and this works brilliantly in reflecting heat and energy. For your new windows, Low-E glass keeps the glass temperature cold outside and warm inside. Even better with this coating is how it retains the heat consistently in your home making your energy bills lower too.
Even simple, heat is no longer escaping from your windows and the cold outside isn’t getting through either.
Why many external factors affect outside condensation
It’s the conditions outside that also affect condensation on the outside of new windows. The property elevations, cloudy or clear conditions, how exposed your windows are, compared to those in city environments.
All these factors and more can affect how much you get on the outside pane of glass and some windows may get none at all.
What can you do about external condensation?
Other than going to clean your windows or waiting for the outside temperature to rise, there’s not a lot you can do. You’ll probably find condensation in the early hours of the day.
Condensation on the outside of new windows means better windows
At Open Living, our entire range of high quality aluminium, PVCu and composite products comes with the latest in design, glass, security and energy-efficiency. You can see examples of our glass in our showroom, so why not get in touch and arrange a viewing?
The Glass and Glazing Federation also has some excellent further reading on condensation as well as preventative measures inside your home for better living.
