Window Treatments to Stop Condensation
Condensation on a window can happen in any home and on any type of window. The relative humidity of the air and the temperature of the room-side surface of the window are the issues that cause condensation. Specific window treatments can help prevent condensation buildup but it is helpful to understand how to correct the humidity problem first. Does this Spark an idea?
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Humidity
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The most important consideration in condensation formation is the humidity of the air of the room. When warm, humid air meets the cool widow glass, condensation forms, so a dehumidifier placed near the problem window will remove moisture from the air. Windows with heat sources nearby are also less susceptible to condensation. The surface of the window temperature must be close to the room temperature for condensation to be avoided.
Windows
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The colder your rooms get, the less relative humidity they tend to have, but relative humidity of about 50 percent is considered the standard comfort level. Rooms tend to feel "dry" with a relative humidity less than 50 percent. Better quality windows keep the inside surface temperature of the glass higher than standard windows. A standard window will form condensation at a room relative humidity of 38 percent and an outside temperature of 14 degrees. A high-efficiency window will not form condensation under the same conditions until the relative humidity reaches 50 percent. Therefore, the better the windows, the less problem there will be with condensation.
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Layered Drapes
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Layered window treatments will help prevent condensation by allowing little room air to come in contact with the window. Full drapery panels that extend past the window on the sides, above the frame, and puddle on the floor are a readily available solution. The drapes should be lined with a blackout lining and interlined with a flannel. A valance hung on a laterally mounted board should be added to the drapery treatment to prevent warm room air coming in contact with the cool window.
Roman Blinds
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A roman blind should be added that fits inside the window casing, snug to the sides of the window. This blind should be lined with blackout lining, be interlined with flannel and have a vapor barrier layer inserted between the face fabric and the first layer of lining. When in the down position, this window treatment will almost eliminate the possibility of humid air reaching the window.
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References
Resources
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