I have moisture on my windows, what could be causing this?

Diagnosis:

It is difficult to completely eliminate moisture on existing windows. Inefficient windows (e.g., single pane with aluminum frames) or high moisture with inadequate ventilation can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills. Moisture in the air condenses when it touches a cold surface. (The same effect causes a glass of ice tea to “sweat” on a hot humid day.) Continued excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and deterioration of your windows and sills.

Solution?

You need to reduce the humidity in your home.  Methods to control moisture include building an energy-efficient home with proper air-sealing, proper use of vapor barriers and vapor diffusion strategies. The entire building envelope, from the foundation to the roof, should be designed to not only prevent moisture entry, but also to allow any moisture which does enter a means to escape. As mentioned above, people and their activities in a home are big sources of moisture; thus proper ventilation is also important in order to maintain indoor humidity levels within an acceptable range. However, if you already have a pre-existing home and cannot afford to start over (who can)…here are some BUDGET friendly solutions…

• Use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture.

• If you have single pane windows, especially with metal frames, install storm windows or consider replacing your existing windows with ENERGY STAR labeled windows.

• If you can’t afford to add storm windows or replace your windows now purchase and install a shrink film or polyethylene sheet, window insulation kit from a home center or hardware store. You can do this a little at a time to make it easier financially, do one room or one wall in a room at a time.

• If you have a humidifier, check it regularly for proper operation. It could be adding too much moisture to your indoor air. If you don’t have a humidifier check into getting one lots of home improvement stores carry them now and they come in all price ranges.