Why Do My New Windows Sweat?

Moisture in the Air

• Windows sweat in response to increased moisture in the air. That increase in moisture can come from just about anything, including taking a shower, cooking or even breathing. No matter what the source of the moisture, the increased humidity in the air builds up around the windows and causes them to sweat. Adding a dehumidifier to the room can help, since that helps to reduce the moisture in the air.

Cold Air Outside

• You may find that your new windows sweat more in the winter than they do in the summer. That is because the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of your home is often more pronounced during the cold winter months. If the temperature outside your home is 25 degrees and the temperature inside is 75 degrees, that difference is enough to cause quite a bit of sweating in the windows. You can reduce that sweating by making sure the home is properly insulated, and by lowering your thermostat to around 68 degrees.

Improper Venting

• Sweating windows can also be caused by improper venting of your clothes dryer. If you find that the window in your laundry room sweats more than the ones in the rest of the house, carefully check the venting coming off of the dryer. There could be a crack in the vent hose, or the hose may not be properly attached to the door in the side of the home. Repairing these problems should help reduce the sweating you see in the window.

Improper Seal

• When you had your new windows installed, the contractor should have carefully sealed up any cracks between the windows and the frame. Even so, you may have small cracks or holes between the window frame and the window, and that could be causing not only sweating, but significant energy loss. Stand in front of the window on a windy day and feel for drafts and cold spots. If you feel any, chances are you need to seal your windows tighter to reduce your energy costs and eliminate the sweating.