Crying windows can make you, well, want to cry. You surely don’t want to waste time each day with a squeegee or towel, cleaning up a wet mess. Worse still, you don’t want to have to deal with the problems that crying windows can cause down the road, namely the growth of mold and rotting window frames and sills.
But what makes rivers of water flow down your windows, and how can you get rid of them? Keep reading for a helpful in-depth explanation from the experts at Jack’s Glass.
WHAT CAUSES CRYING WINDOWS
Crying windows are caused by two things: lack of insulation and poor ventilation.
First, let’s look at the lack of insulation problem.
Your windows are an important barrier between the inside and outside of your house—something you might not think of when you look right through them. They obviously keep out the elements, from the wind and rain to dirt and debris. However, it’s important to remember that your windows may not be a completely impenetrable barrier, especially if they are not properly insulated.
Properly insulated windows protect the leakage of heat. This means that a good window will keep the cool air inside and the hot air outside (in the summer) and vice versa (in the winter). Unless you have double-pane or triple-pane windows, which have a layer of insulating gas in between the panes of glass, your windows probably don’t insulate very well.
When there is a high temperature difference between the inside and outside of your house, the warm, humid air inside the house comes into contact with a pane of glass that has been cooled by the outside air. The water vapor then condenses, becoming liquid water—and voila! Crying windows happen. This can occur often in winter, when the house is almost always warmer than the outdoors, and even in the summer, after cool nights.
Even without good insulation, some windows cry and others don’t. This is where poor ventilation comes in.
Some houses ventilate better than others because of their design and construction; however, all houses tend to be poorly ventilated in the winter and summer as the outside temperatures go to extremes and we don’t want to open our doors and windows. Instead, we crank up the air conditioning or heater. Unfortunately, that means that the air inside the home has nowhere to go, and moisture can build up. Your house can get humid from normal, everyday activities: taking long, hot showers, cooking, doing laundry, and even breathing! If your house is warm and humid, this can cause or worsen the problem of crying windows.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIX CRYING WINDOWS
Proper insulation is the best and most long-lasting way to fix crying windows—and save thousands on energy bills in the long run. Consider investing in double-pane windows and adding insulation to your ceiling, walls, or floor (although ideally all three).
However, if it’s not in your budget to replace your windows or add insulation at the moment, there are a few other easy fixes you can do to mitigate the problem. Try:
- Adding glazing or insulating film to your windows for better insulation.
- Adding floor-length curtains to increase insulation.
- Opening your windows for a bit in the morning to circulate the air.
- Cleaning the vents around your home regularly.
- Running a dehumidifier when you notice your house getting humid.
Crying windows are a small issue that can easily turn into a disaster if left too long. We recommend making a few small changes today and investing in your house as soon as your budget allows.
Whatever your window question, we can answer it. Contact the experts at Jack’s Glass today to ask about window maintenance and replacement.
