What is condensation?
Condensation is the opposite of evaporation; it is the phase transition from vapor to liquid. So, the drops on the inside of your windows were initially in the air as water vapor. The cause is a high level of humidity in the interior. The culprit is often poor ventilation or another moisture problem.
Where does condensation occur?
Condensation forms on the coldest surfaces in your home. As windows are often the weakest link in terms of insulation, they are the logical victim. But what if the condensation is on the outside of your glass? A phenomenon that mainly occurs in the morning after a cold night. Well, that’s a sign that your windows are well-insulated!
Good news
The lower the U-value (the amount of heat lost per m² and degree of temperature difference), the greater the chance of condensation forming. What is the logic behind this? Double and triple glazing are made up of one pane on the inside and one on the outside. The inner pane is in contact with your indoor climate; the outer pane is in contact with the outside temperatures.
So, during a cold night, the outside of your glass cools down considerably. And what happens when it warms up outside in the morning with high humidity? This moisture condenses on the glazing. And forms condensation. Which often disappears again quickly.
Our conclusion
Condensation on the outside of insulating glazing is normal. There is nothing wrong with your windows, and it is not a building defect. Are you building with an architect? Then, discuss with him how you can minimize the risk of condensation on the outside. Are you working without an architect? Then, discuss this with your window supplier.
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