Frost and ice may be pretty, but they’re not something you should be happy to see on your windows. That’s because these snowflakes can cause major damage to your windows over time.
Why do windows get frost and ice on the inside? How can you prevent it? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to prevent frost and ice inside your home’s windows.
Why Windows Get Frost & Ice
This phenomenon happens because of the temperature difference between the inside of your home and the great outdoors.
Frost and ice accumulates on the inside of your home’s windows when the air outside is cold, while the air inside is warm and humid. Moisture in the humid air is drawn to the cold window, where it cools and becomes liquid. When it’s cold enough (like during winter), that condensation cools further to become frost and ice.
It might seem a little counterintuitive that frost and ice happens thanks to humidity. Isn’t winter supposed to be dry? It’s true that winter is dry; however, modern homes are typically well-insulated. That’s great for energy efficiency, but it also keeps all of the water vapor from showering, boiling water, etc. inside. As a result, your home might be more humid than you think.
Why Is Frost Bad?
As we mentioned above, the snowflake pattern on the glass might be pretty, but it can cause a lot of damage.
That’s because frost and ice are, of course, water–and water can be a big problem for windows and walls.
If your window frames are made of wood, water can warp and rot the wood frames over time. Even if the frames aren’t made of wood, water can still be an issue. The water could travel around your windows to the walls of your home, leading to rot, mold, and decay. These can be pricey to fix, so you want to avoid them at all costs!
How to Prevent Frost & Ice Inside House Windows
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent frost and save your windows and walls. Here’s what we recommend:
- Winterize your windows. Seal any cracks or gaps in your windows with caulk. Install storm windows as necessary. This will help insulate your windows.
- Use a dehumidifier. As we mentioned earlier, frost and ice happens when the air outside is cold and the air inside is warm and humid. If there’s less water vapor in the air to collect on your windows, there will be less frost and ice.
- Use exhaust fans. When showering or cooking, use the room’s exhaust fan. Like a dehumidifier, this will help remove some of the excess moisture from the air.
- Keep your home warm enough to prevent frost. Consider using a space heater in rooms that get a lot of frost.
- Hang curtains. Heavier curtains can help insulate your windows and prevent some of the moisture from accumulating.
If you’ve done all of the above and you’re still having problems with frost and condensation, it may be time to think about repairing or replacing your windows.
Single-paned windows, in particular, are notoriously bad insulators and prone to frost. Today’s modern, double-paned windows–which have a barrier of air or gas in between the pans–helps to reduce the transfer of heat and cold. This helps cut down on frost and ice.
If your windows are single-pane windows, or your double-paned windows are failing, window replacement might be in order.
Contact Us for Expert Window Repair & Replacement
If you still have questions, we’re happy to help. To talk to one of our experts about window repair or replacement, contact us today.
The window experts at Jack’s Glass can take a look at your windows and help you decide the best option for your unique situation.
