Window fogging more than just hinders you from enjoying your view of the outdoors — it could also be a warning sign of issues within your home. Renewal by Andersen® of British Columbia, the premier window contractor in the local area, is dedicated to addressing such issues and ensuring your windows are both functional and beautiful. Here’s what you need to know about window fogging.

Understanding Window Condensation

Condensation on windows is a common phenomenon in many households. It happens as a result of the clash of indoor and outdoor temperatures. Condensation forms when warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler window glass, causing the moisture to release and form water droplets.

Factors Contributing to Indoor Humidity

Cooking, showering, doing laundry, and other daily activities add moisture to the air inside your home. Modern homes are well-insulated and designed to be energy-efficient. This is great for keeping utility costs down, but can increase indoor humidity since less moisture is vented outside. Indoor humidity indeed contributes to fogging on the surface of the windows.

Seal Failure: A Culprit for Fog Between Panes

Fogging in itself is not a cause for concern, especially if the water droplets form on the window surface. However, the opposite can be said if the fogging occurs inside of the window itself. Over time, the seals on double-glazed windows can fail, consequently allowing moisture to seep between the glass panes, which manifests as fogging that cannot be wiped away. This clearly indicates that your windows’ insulation is compromised and it may be time to consult with a professional window company for a long-term solution.

Solutions for Reducing Window Fog

Reducing window condensation starts with managing indoor humidity. Investing in dehumidifiers, ensuring proper ventilation, and using exhaust fans can help to reduce the humidity levels in your home. If you’re seeing condensation in multiple areas, it might be time to get an assessment from a local Delta, BC, contractor for potential window upgrades or repairs.

Choosing the Right Windows for Your Climate

Selecting windows with proper insulation and energy-efficient designs is crucial. Specifically, those equipped with low-E glass coatings and inert gas fills can greatly improve the window assemblies’ thermal performance.

Get in Touch With Us!

Persistent window fogging is usually an indication of the need to invest in replacement windows. At Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia, our team is ready to address window condensation woes with our high-quality solutions. can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. Get started today with an in-home consultation by calling (604) 200-1025 or filling out our contact form.

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When you see moisture on your windows, it isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. While interior condensation can sometimes result from a failing windowpane seal, most often, it’s simply a result of humidity in the air. The water you see is condensation from the warm air meeting the cooler glass, like when a cold beverage sweats on a hot summer day.

In fact, condensation may be more noticeable on high-quality windows since they are so energy efficient, indicating that your windows have good tight seals. The things that make homes more energy efficient—weather stripping, high-quality insulation, vapor barriers, and windows and patio doors that reduce air leakage—also lock moisture inside your house.

Moisture is a part of everyday life. Anytime someone takes a shower or cooks, it increases indoor humidity. In British Columbia, where the fall and winters are especially wet and cold, it’s important to keep indoor humidity only as high as you need it. When you see interior window condensation, it’s a sign to lower the humidity.

A few quick and easy ways to do this include:

1. Opening the blinds and drapes to let moisture-laden air escape.
2. Raising the air temperature in your home (turning the heat on will decrease relative humidity).
3. Turning on ceiling fans to improve air circulation.
4. Running exhaust fans in the kitchen while cooking and in the bathroom while showering or bathing. Leave the fan running for 15 minutes after you’ve finished to clear out lingering moisture.

It’s essential to manage humidity inside your home for its overall health, not just to manage condensation. Excess interior moisture can lead to swelling wood, mold or mildew, musty odours, discoloration, and cracking or blistering paint. Remember that wiping condensation off windows, especially wood or vinyl, is essential. Prolonged condensation can lead to mold, rot, or leaky seals. Use a towel, paper towel, microfiber cloth, or squeegee to wipe away excess moisture.

Want to know more? Take a look at this short video on understanding condensation.

Are you considering upgrading some of your older windows with new, energy-efficient ones? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We offer window and door replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and the Okanagan.

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1. Durability

One of the most standout attributes of Fibrex is its remarkable durability. This unique composite material is twice as strong as vinyl, meaning your windows can withstand harsh weather and the test of time. All of our replacement windows are equipped with Fibrex frames, so no matter your choice, you’re investing in products that will serve you well for years to come.

2. Energy Efficiency

Who doesn’t love the sound of lower utility bills? Thanks to the first-rate insulation provided by Fibrex, you will see a noticeable decrease in energy costs. This material’s excellent thermal insulation means your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer without overworking your heating and cooling systems.

3. Aesthetics

Fibrex isn’t just about functionality; it’s also about style. Available in a range of colours and designs, Fibrex windows can complement any home aesthetic, from modern and minimal to classic and traditional. Whether you’re renovating living spaces or working on a new construction project, Fibrex windows will add charm to your home.

4. Low Maintenance

Replacement windows equipped with Fibrex also require minimal maintenance. Unlike wood that needs repainting or metal that can rust, this alternative framing material remains strong and beautiful throughout the seasons, without requiring too much of your time and effort for maintenance. 

5. Environmentally Friendly

In this day and age, making environmentally conscious choices is more important than ever. You’ll be glad to know that Fibrex is made from a blend of reclaimed wood and thermoplastic polymer. Not only that, but you can also rest easily knowing that these windows are long-lasting, therefore reducing waste.

Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We offer window and door replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and the Okanagan. 

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How does indoor humidity affect the formation of condensation on windows?

Condensation on the inside of your windows is usually caused by excessive humidity. As the outside temperature drops, so does the temperature of the glass in your windows. When warm, moist air comes in contact with this cold glass, the moisture condenses and forms water droplets. Knowing when condensation will form on a window and preventing it depends on the energy efficiency of the window, and the exterior and interior temperatures, and the relative indoor humidity of your home. Indoor moisture is a normal part of life. Many activities we undertake in the home, such as cooking and bathing, release moisture into the air.

How can I reduce indoor humidity in winter?

• Open the blinds and drapes to let out moisture-laden air.
• Raise the air temperature in your home to decrease relative humidity.
• Turn on ceiling fans for more air circulation.
• Run exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and leaving them running for 15 minutes or longer to clear out lingering moisture.
• Ensure proper ventilation of appliances, like dryers, to the outside.
• Avoid storing firewood in your house or basement.

Indoor heating tends to make the air too dry in winter. Can I use a humidifier inside my home?

While humidified air can be helpful to some people, it can sometimes have negative side effects. Humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly so that mold and bacteria don’t build up in their filters. Also, if the air is humidified excessively, condensation and other excess humidity related problems can occur. Winters on coastal British Columbia tend to be moisture laden so keep this in mind when considering a humidifier.

One benefit of humidifying the air is that it can help reduce static electricity in carpets and shrinkage in wall cracks and wooden furniture sometimes caused by over drying. Regardless of whether or not you choose to use a humidifier, it’s important to keep an eye on the moisture levels in your home so you don’t cause any other humidity-related problems.

Every home is different, but a level between 30 and 40 percent humidity is typically ideal for keeping your home warm and comfortable in the winter, without leaving condensation on the windows.

Failure to maintain a reasonable humidity level may have the following effects:

• Low humidity=skin dryness. Humidity levels below 20% may cause skin dryness, which results in itchiness and discomfort.
• High humidity=allergies. Humidity levels of over 65% may cause asthma, allergies, and other upper respiratory illnesses.
• Excess humidity=home deterioration. Components such as windows, tiles, wood, and doors that store moisture are affected most.

If the windows in your home aren’t properly sealed, air leakage and condensation can occur when there’s an imbalance in indoor and outdoor temperature. Moisture may also seep through walls and damage the paint on them, as well as cause peeling paint on window sashes. Even window frames are not safe from moisture damage.

The bottom line: keep a relative humidity level in your home that is comfortable for you. Once you reach that point, turn off your humidifier or reduce the sources of humidity in your home to prevent condensation.

For more information on condensation, check out our other blog post: It’s Condensation Season in BC, or view our free condensation brochure: 2021 Condensation Brochure – Renewal by Andersen.

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, consider doing it in the winter. You’ll save money on installation because it’s quick and easy, and you’ll enjoy increased energy efficiency thanks to new replacement windows! Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Think about a cold beverage on a hot day. Water forms on the outside of the glass when its cool surface meets the warm, humid air. This causes water to condense on the surface and run down. The same as on a window. While it may seem counter-intuitive, the appearance of condensation on the outside or inside of your window is actually a good thing. Condensation will appear on even the best-performing windows—in fact, it might be more noticeable on high quality windows since they are more energy-efficient.

Condensation can actually be a sign that your home is well sealed. The very things that make homes more energy efficient—windows and patio doors that reduce air leakage, weather-stripping, high-quality insulation, vapor barriers—also lock moisture inside your house. Moisture is a natural part of life. Every time someone in your household takes a shower or cooks, moisture is released into the air, increasing indoor humidity.

In British Columbia, where fall and winter tends to be cold and wet, it’s important to try and minimize indoor humidity. Some ways to do this include:

1. Opening the blinds and drapes to let out moisture-laden air.
2. Raising the air temperature in your home to decrease relative humidity.
3. Turning on ceiling fans for more air circulation.
4. Running exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and leaving them running for 15 minutes or longer to clear out lingering moisture.
5. Ensuring proper ventilation of appliances, like dryers, to the outside.

For more information on relative humidity and condensation in your home, take a look at this video:

Thinking of replacing some of your older windows with new energy-efficient ones? Get the best ENERGY-STAR® replacement windows to ensure maximum efficiency and curb appeal with Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia. We can help you find the perfect windows for your home.

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