What to do when windows mist up?

Your house is adorned with beautiful timber windows, but misted-up panes spoil the effect? The condensation of water vapour can have several causes, which fortunately can be eliminated. Find out why windows mist up and how you can get rid of this problem.

What makes windows mist up?

The cause of windows misting up lies in the difference in temperature between the inner and outer side of the pane and in an incorrect level of humidity in the rooms. The water vapour that forms is an unfavourable phenomenon, because it can lead to the development of mould and fungi on the walls. These micro-organisms are dangerous to health – they cause allergies and diseases of the respiratory system. Misted-up windows do not look very attractive and also make it harder to see out, which is why it is worth knowing what to do in this situation. Condensing water vapour need not mean a fault in the window, and often the simplest home solutions turn out to be the best.

How to deal with misted-up windows?

One of the causes of timber windows misting up on the inside is incorrect humidity of the air in the room. A level of humidity in the range of 40 – 60% at a temperature of 20 – 22 degrees Celsius is considered optimal. The simplest method of ventilation is airing the home. Opening the windows several times during the day can effectively eliminate the problem of misting windows and at the same time improve the household’s comfort of living.

Temporary misting of panes often takes place in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom, because cooking, drying laundry and bathing lead to a rise in the humidity of the air and the condensation of water vapour. In this case switching on mechanical ventilation or the already mentioned tilting of the window for a few minutes will work. The flow of air can be increased by installing window trickle vents. They make it possible to bring in air with the windows tightly closed. Depending on the type of vent, the devices are controlled manually or automatically. Dehumidifiers reducing the moisture present in rooms are also recommended for the problem of misting panes. If after many years of use the problem appears inside the glazing unit, this most probably means that its seal has failed and it is worth replacing the glazing itself with new.