Stay outside long enough in Florida, and just about anyone sweat. With an average temperature of 77 degrees in March, many of us retreat to the pool, the beach, or even indoors to cool off. When you head inside to escape the heat and humidity, you might notice something quite peculiar: your windows are sweating, too. Is it the heat, or is it something else? If your windows are sweating, there is one common culprit: window condensation.
Why are my Windows Sweating?
During a muggy day here in Florida, condensation will form on the outside of your windows. This is the opposite of its wintertime condensation counterpart, which forms on the inside of your windows. It’s frustrating because this condensation is difficult to clean from the second story of your home, and it also fogs up your view. What’s worse is that this excess moisture can make its way behind the frames, peel paint, and even promote growth from mold and mildew.
How do You Prevent Summer Window Condensation?
If you’re living with single pane windows in your home, consider upgrading to dual pane windows if it’s in your budget. Insulated glass with energy efficient solutions can greatly reduce the amount of summer condensation.
For example, low-e coating is an invisible layer that is applied to your glass during the manufacturing process. While it protects your belongings from becoming damaged by the sun’s rays, it also helps reduce heat transfer through the window. This is a much more effective solution to rely on rather than hoping an untreated glass pane will do the trick.
Improve the Airflow in Your Home
During the hottest days, it’s understandable to keep your windows closed and your A/C on full blast. However, this may be contributing to your air circulation problems. Cracking a window on a cool night or two can help improve the airflow in your home and reduce condensation.
And since it’s almost always hot outside, don’t forget to have your fans rotating counterclockwise. This will create a wind chill effect and keep your home cooler as well as continuously circulating air.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
If new replacement windows aren’t in the budget for now, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to help control the humidity inside of your home. Not to mention, a dehumidifer can also help clean the air that you breathe, reduce mold growth, lower energy consumption, and even improve your health.
Windows are Sweating? It’s Time to Install New Replacement Windows
If your windows are sweating, one of the best things to do is install new replacement windows. That’s because when windows sweat, it’s often a sign of a broken seal. Broken window seals typically require the replacement of the entire window.
Keep in mind there are times when new windows will sweat, but this is normal. It’s because new replacement windows are typically more airtight than old windows, especially if the old windows aren’t fitting properly inside the frame.
Are Your Windows Showing These Other Signs of Performance Failure?
If your windows are sweating, this is only one sign that they are failing to perform. Consider window replacement if your windows are showing the following problems:
Condensation Between Panes
Windows with condensation trapped between their panes indicate a seal failure. This moisture penetration compromises the insulating properties of the window, leading to energy inefficiency. When double or triple-glazed windows lose their seal, the gas that was within the panes to enhance thermal efficiency escapes, rendering the windows less effective at insulating your home.
Difficulty Opening, Closing, or Locking
Windows that are hard to operate often suffer from balance issues, warped frames, or corrosion. Such operational difficulties not only frustrate daily use but also may prevent proper sealing, allowing drafts to enter your home. Furthermore, windows that cannot lock securely compromise your home’s security.
Noticeable Drafts
Feeling a breeze or drafts through closed windows indicates failed seals or inadequate installation. Drafty windows let outside air into your home, undermining your heating and cooling systems’ efforts to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, leading to higher energy bills.
Decaying Frames and Sills
Wooden window frames and sills that show signs of decay, such as rotting or warping, signal water infiltration and exposure damage. This structural compromise can lead to further damage, including mold growth and reduced window functionality, necessitating costly repairs or replacement.
Faded Furnishings
Windows that offer little protection from UV rays can cause your furnishings, carpets, and curtains to fade over time. Modern windows come with treatments to protect against UV light, ensuring your interior fabrics and materials maintain their color and integrity.
High Energy Bills
Unusually high energy bills often point to windows losing their insulative qualities. Inefficient windows allow heat transfer, making your heating and cooling system work overtime to maintain indoor comfort levels. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can reduce these costs significantly.
Why Consider Hurricane Impact Windows?
If it’s time for new replacement windows, you’ll want to consider upgrading to hurricane impact windows here in the Tampa Bay area. These products are unparalleled for the safety of your home during nature’s strongest storms. Feel peace of mind with hurriane impact windows, which offer you:
Enhanced Protection Against Storm Damage
Hurricane impact windows are designed to withstand the extreme winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes. Unlike standard windows, which can easily shatter under the force of hurricane-generated projectiles, impact windows remain intact, preventing wind and water from causing interior damage to your home. This can be the difference between minor and catastrophic damage during a storm.
Increased Home Security
The durability and strength of hurricane impact windows also offer added protection against burglaries and break-ins. The same properties that make them resistant to storm debris also make them difficult for potential intruders to breach. This added layer of security can provide homeowners with additional peace of mind.
Energy Efficiency
Many hurricane impact windows feature energy-efficient designs, helping to reduce heat transfer between the inside of your home and the outdoors. This insulation effect can lead to significant savings on energy bills by keeping your home cooler during the hot Florida summers and warmer during the cooler months, without overworking your HVAC system.
Noise Reduction
The thick, laminated glass and sturdy frames of hurricane impact windows can significantly reduce the amount of outside noise that enters your home. Whether it’s the howling winds of a storm or the everyday sounds of traffic and neighborhood activity, impact windows can help create a quieter, more serene indoor environment.
UV Protection
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can fade and damage furniture, artwork, and fabrics inside your home. Many hurricane impact windows come with UV-blocking technology, protecting your valuable interiors from sun damage without compromising natural light
If you’ve taken a DIY approach to window condensation without success, it’s time to make a call to Storm Pro Window and Door. Contact us today to help us tackle those sweaty windows for good!