The Complete Guide to Condensation: Causes, Effects & Solutions for a Drier Home
Condensation is more than just a pain. It adds to mould, damages your window frames, reduces insulation effectiveness, and can make your home feel cold and damp. While double glazing plays a huge role in controlling condensation, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. This guide covers everything you need to know about condensation, what causes it, why it matters, and the full range of modern solutions available.
What Is Condensation?
Condensation happens when warm, moist indoor air meets a cold surface, like the inside of a window. When the glass temperature drops below the dew point, water vapour in the air turns into liquid droplets. This is especially common in winter, when the temperature difference between inside and outside is greatest.
Single-glazed windows transfer cold temperatures easily, making them highly prone to condensation. By contrast, double glazing adds an insulating layer that reduces heat transfer and helps maintain a higher interior glass temperature, minimising the chance for condensation to form.
Types of Condensation
Surface Condensation
Visible droplets forming on windows, mirrors, tiles, or cold walls. Common in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms
Interstitial Condensation
Occurs within the layers of walls, roofs, or floors. This is invisible and often goes unnoticed while it damages insulation and structures.
Concealed Condensation
Forms in hidden areas like behind furniture, under carpets, or in attic spaces. These are breeding grounds for mould and mildew.
Why Condensation Is a Problem
Condensation can lead to mould and mildew growth, which are known to aggravate asthma and allergies. Over time, excess moisture can rot timber framing and window sills, as well as damage paint, plaster, and household furnishings. It also reduces the effectiveness of insulation by saturating it, which lowers your home’s energy efficiency. Most importantly, visible condensation is often a sign of poor ventilation or inadequate humidity control, signalling deeper issues that may affect your home’s health and structure.
- Windows: Open windows when weather allows.
- Interior ventilation: Leave interior doors open for cross-ventilation.
Space: Create gaps behind furniture to prevent stale, damp air.
How to Prevent Condensation: Complete Solutions
Eliminate Cold Surfaces
Reducing temperature differences between air and surfaces is key.
- Double Glazing: Insulated glass helps maintain warmer surface temps.
- Insulated Walls & Ceilings: Prevent cold spots where water might form.
Floor Insulation: Especially important in older homes.
Manage Indoor Humidity & Improve Air Movement
- Extractor Fans: Install in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries.
- Dehumidifiers: Useful in bedrooms and living areas.
- Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors: A single load can release 2–3L of moisture into the air.
Ventilation Systems: Balanced vs Positive Pressure
| System | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Balanced Ventilation (HRV/ERV) | Brings in fresh filtered air and extracts stale air simultaneously | Best for moisture control, filtered air, energy-efficient | Higher upfront cost |
| Positive Pressure (PPVS) | Blows fresh air in, forcing moist air out through gaps | Affordable, easy install | Can pull damp air from ceiling cavities if unfiltered |
Why Double Glazing still Matters
Double glazing reduces the chance of condensation by keeping the inner pane warmer.
| Glazing Type | Temperature Condensation forms at (at 20°C & 70% humidity) |
| Single Glazing | 8°C |
| Standard Double Glazing | 4°C |
| retroGLAZE® SuperTherm™ Warm | -6°C |
Combined with timber frames (which insulate naturally), high-performance double glazing like SuperTherm™ can virtually eliminate condensation on the glass inside your home.
Timber vs. Aluminium Window Frames
| Frame Type | Thermal Performance | Condensation Risk |
| Timber | Naturally insulating | Low with good glazing |
| Aluminium (standard) | Highly conductive | High |
| Thermally Enhanced Aluminium | Reduced conductivity | Medium – Low |
Timber is best for warmth and moisture resistance. Aluminium needs to be thermally enhanced or combined with humidity control to prevent cold-frame condensation.
Final Thoughts: Double Glazing as the Smartest Long-Term Solution
To create a dry, healthy home, you need a layered approach. But if you’re looking for a single upgrade that delivers year-round benefits, high-performance double glazing is the most effective place to start.
- It tackles cold surfaces directly
- Reduces reliance on dehumidifiers and heating
- Works even better when combined with timber joinery
- Helps control condensation without constant maintenance
While ventilation, heating, and insulation all play important roles, SuperTherm™ Double Glazing stands out as the solution that keeps your home warmer, drier, and healthier, right away.
Want a professional to assess your home’s condensation risks? Have a chat with us and start protecting your home today.
