Surface Condensation
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> Condensation (Home)
> Technical Condensation Information
> Controlling Humidity
> Surface Condensation
> What Can Effect the Performance of Windows?
> Condensation on the Outside of Windows
> Window Convection & Drafts
Where surface condensation is evident it should be considered a warning sign. However, everyone has their own level of personal comfort and the amount of condensation they are willing to accept, to maintain that level. If the occupants insist on high levels of humidity in the house, surface condensation must be expected when outside temperatures are low. Some indication of surface condensation are:
- Frost on door handles and hinges or door frozen shut
- Water or ice on windows
- Damp spots of mildew on walls and ceiling
- Moisture on light fixtures
- Moisture on water closets
- Moisture on cold water pipes, walls and floors
Some humidity is necessary for comfort and health. With many houses, it is a struggle to keep enough moisture inside the house and maintain an acceptable comfort 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 householder) and contributes to concealed condensation.
In some newer homes, however, air leakage has been controlled to such an extent that the problem really is how to get rid of moisture. Yet many householders go on adding moisture to the air. The danger signal is mainly condensation on the windows. There also may be mould growth, or the 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. As condensation occurs on inside window surfaces, whenever surface temperatures fall below the dew point temperature of the room air, it may be a warning signal to reduce humidity in the house.
