Getting new windows is an exciting update for your home. So when you see moisture forming or a window fogging after installation, it’s natural to be concerned. This is one of the most common homeowner window problems we get calls about.
We’re here to tell you not to worry just yet! Here in San Antonio and around Hill Country, our humid summers mean that some condensation can be completely normal. In fact, it may even be a sign that your new energy-efficient windows are performing perfectly.
The first step is figuring out where the fog is, so we’ll walk you through the three possibilities: outside, inside, or between the glass.
Outside Condensation: A Sign Your Windows Are Working Hard.
If you’ve noticed fog on the outside of your windows, you can relax. This is actually a good sign. It’s called exterior window condensation, and it’s proof that your new windows are doing an excellent job of insulating your home from the Texas heat.
This energy efficient window condensation happens for a simple reason. Your new windows are keeping the heat out so well that the exterior pane of glass stays cool. When our humid San Antonio air hits that cooler surface, moisture forms, just like on a glass of sweet tea. The fog is temporary and will clear up on its own as the day warms up.
Inside Condensation: Managing Your Home’s Humidity.
If you’re seeing moisture on the inside, that’s usually a sign of high humidity in your home. Luckily, there are simple window condensation solutions for this. It just means you need to get some of that moisture out of the air.
To prevent window condensation inside, the most effective step is to use your exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms every time you cook or shower. Improving air circulation can also make a big difference in protecting your window sills and improving air quality.
Between the Panes: When to Call for Service.
Now for the one you need to watch for. The most serious type of residential window condensation is when fog or moisture gets trapped between the two panes of glass. If you can’t wipe it off from the inside or the outside, it means the window’s seal has failed.
Your double-pane windows have a sealed space between the glass filled with an insulating gas. If that seal breaks, humid air gets inside, causing fog and eliminating the window’s energy efficiency. So, why do quality windows fog up like this? It’s rare, but it can happen due to a manufacturing defect.
If you see this, you should contact your installer. A failure on a new window should be fully covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and your installation team can guide you through the replacement process.
Your Local Guide to Clear Windows
From harmless morning fog to signs of a broken seal, understanding these new windows condensation issues is mostly about knowing where to look. On the rare occasion that it points to a problem, knowing what to do is key.
In our years serving San Antonio, New Braunfels, and surrounding areas, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners understand their new windows and how to care for them.
We know how our climate affects different types of windows, which is why professional window installation backed by a solid warranty is so important. If you have questions about your windows or are dealing with an issue you can’t solve, our Simply Doors team here in San Antonio is always ready to be a helpful resource. Feel free to give us a call, visit our showroom at 17750 Lookout Rd Suite 150, Schertz, TX 78154, or contact us online.
