How to Protect Wood Windows From Sweating

All windows can be affected by sweating regardless of whether they are double pane, vinyl type, metal framed or wood. Sweating on windows occurs when there is a buildup of excess humidity within a home and the moisture condenses on a cold surface. A lack of proper air flow can contribute to the problem. While sweating on wood windows can be problematic and cause unwanted mold and rot, it can be controlled and prevented. There are several methods to control the humidity of your household and protect your wood windows from sweating.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Run a vent fan in your bathroom when you take a shower, then leave it on for 15 minutes after you're done. This will pull the moisture up through the vents, rather than letting it build up inside the home.

2. Limit the amount of cooking that causes any excess steam. Activities such as rice cooking require a lot of water to evaporate, which will produce moisture and lead to your windows sweating. If you plan on cooking food that creates steam for extended periods of time, turn on stove exhaust fans to vent the moisture outside.

3. Set up the ventilation of gas burners and clothes dryers to point outside. These appliances generate a lot of exhaust evaporation from heat, and if it is vented into the home it will raise the indoor humidity.

4. Keep a window or two slightly open to circulate the humidity out of the house. Doing so will lower the overall temperature of your home, however. Other alternatives are opening fireplace dampers or lowering your thermostat to 66-68 degrees.

5. Install a dehumidifier system in your home. This method will require some know-how because the dehumidifier must be installed properly to be effective. Call your local handyman for assistance with installing a dehumidifier system in your home.

References

• DIY: Cure Sweating Windows
• Sweating Windows - stop condenstation, mold, sweating, moisture
• Windows Sweating