There is no denying that blinds and shutters can be an extra feature of your window's elegant looks. However, one thing that keeps bothering you is whether both blinds and shutters can cause condensation in your window. Rest assured! We've done the task of researching this for you. See the answer below!
The answer to this topic will depend on how you use your blinds and shutters. Covering your windows with blinds and shutters for such a long time will limit proper airflow movement. If your window doesn't have enough airflow, warm air can get trapped behind the blinds or shutters, forming condensation.
Stay with us! We'll also share with you some tips on preventing condensation in your window. Expect us to provide you with insight into which window coverings are best at dealing with condensation issues. Without further ado, let's discuss them below!
What Is Condensation In My Window?
This is a sign that your indoor home humidity is greater than your outdoor humidity. One example is when warm moist air touches the cooler, dry air which produces condensation.
The steaming up of a bathroom mirror following a hot shower is also a perfect illustration of this. Activities like cooking, taking a shower, caring for houseplants, and doing laundry, all affect the humidity in your home.
What Are The Other Types Of Window Condensation?
Window condensation in your home has three distinct types. You could lessen or prevent condensation from accumulating on your windows by knowing what type of condensation you're dealing with.
The following are the three types of window condensation:
Double-glass Condensation
The most concerning condensation develops between the two window glass panes. Only this form of condensation is a sign that there is an issue with the windows themselves.
Over time, your windows' insulation materials, the seals, will surely degrade. Air will escape via those worn-out seals, and condensation will eventually start to emerge. If your double-glass windows are already past their average life cycle of 10-20 years. Consider replacing them to avoid condensation from reappearing again constantly.
Indoor Window Condensation
You should be cautious with condensation that emerges on your inner window surface because it promotes mold growth. Having your interior window covered in moisture for a long isn't just offer annoyance, but mold can flourish abundantly as well.
Prioritize cleaning your window, don't let condensation stay in your window within 48 hours. This time frame is the state where mold can further develop and can colonize within 3-12 days. Give your window a quick cleaning and ensure it dries to prevent mold from growing further.
Outdoor Window Condensation
Condensation outside your window is typical. It's known as dew and happens when the window's outdoor surface is colder than the outside temperature. This is due to the low temperature inside your home.
How To Stop Condensation In Your Home Windows?
Condensation accumulation by itself isn't a major problem. However, if you don't address it immediately, it can result in more severe issues, including water damage, mold, and mildew. Condensation can surely grow anywhere in your house. So, taking a step to stop these disgusting issues should happen right away.
Follow us through to learn some condensation preventative tips below:
Regular Cleaning
Clean your window as necessary, and never let any stain or other wet elements collect on the surface of your window.
Use A Dehumidifier
Consider the help of installing a dehumidifier. This appliance can easily absorb moisture. If moisture is prevented, then condensation will also be controlled.
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There's a test for dehumidifiers performance, simulated in a 50 square foot room with an 82° F thermal level. The result was pretty much convincing that dehumidifiers could lower relative humidity from 90%-40%.
Switch On Your Fans
It is best to switch on your exhaust fan or ceiling fans in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. These places are common spots for condensation formation due to excessive fog present in these areas. Using your fans to remove excess moisture will eventually reduce your house's relative humidity.
Tune Down Humidifier
You should tune down your humidifier in the winter month; condensation collects depending on your relative humidity value. Setting it lower or at 40% will reduce condensation so that mold will stop before it can grow further.
Open The Window Coverings
Open your blinds and shutters to allow air to flow inside and out of your windows. In this way, warm or cool air will not be trapped on the surface of your window.
Relocating Indoor Plants And Firewood
Relocate your plants and firewood outside your house. They both generate moisture, so it's best to leave them away from your windows.
Do Blinds Can Cause Condensation Issues?
Blinds covering your window cannot cause condensation problems given that blinds don't generate moisture or heat. However, window blinds can promote condensation build-up if proper ventilation in your windows isn't followed. Open your window blinds for a few minutes to ventilate your window so condensation will not form.
Will Shutters Stop Condensation In My Window?
Using shutters to cover your windows is a good idea. Shutters, just like your blind coverings, also aren't the main cause of why condensation is present in your window. As long as you open your shutters regularly and apply sufficient air circulation throughout your window, you can stop condensation.
Particularly, if you're using a roller shutter, the chances of eliminating condensation in your window are extremely high. As you might not know, shutters can block outdoor heat as high as 95%.
It can also prevent cool air from escaping your window. This means condensation development in your window is significant control due to less hot air passing through your cold window.
Does keeping My Window Shutters Closed Cause Mold?
It doesn't mean just because shutters can reduce air leaks that you will then conclude it can stop mold from reproducing. Remember that there are cases, specifically in rooms or vacant structures, where closing shutters will attract mold to multiply.
The reason for mold development in those areas is inadequate air circulation. Since shutters work best in blocking air/light in and out of the windows, keeping them closed for such an extended time will increase the risk to attract mold formation.
Whether it is a shutter or blinds, what matters most is to be responsible for handling your window treatments. Open them regularly to provide air circulation throughout your spaces.
Tips For Cleaning A Mold In Your Windows
- Observe proper protective gear while performing these tips.
- Wear goggles, a mask, and gloves to ensure your safety.
- Don't reuse any materials that are already infested with mold.
- Securely dry the glass of the window to stop molds from reproducing continuously.
- If any damage or leak is confirmed in your windows, clean and dry them completely before painting them.
- If mold is already visible, you can scrub your windows while applying a cleaning agent and water to them.
- Ensure your house is free from water leaking. Seal all water leaks to prevent mold infestation in your windows.
NOTE: If you're going to clean a window that is more than 10 square feet, we highly suggest you call a professional cleaning contractor to perform these tips for you.
Which Blinds And Shutters Are Best For Condensation?
There are various blinds and shutters you can choose from to install in your windows. Select blinds that offer proper air circulation and insulation in your windows.
In this case, use blinds such as venetian or faux wood blinds where condensation occurs in your kitchen or bathrooms. These blinds are easy to install, and you can clean them properly during maintenance. Moreover, just pay attention to some blinds materials, for instance, avoid using fabric blinds in moisture prone areas.
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In contrast, Polywood® plantation shutters are also great in places like bathrooms and kitchens. These shutters have waterproofing properties and can blend your house look perfect.
Be aware to avoid wood materials when selecting shutters for your kitchen and bathroom windows. Wood can expand the more it expose to moisture, so that's a takeaway you must look after.
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To Wrap Up
Your blinds and shutters can offer various protective features for your windows. Though sometimes, both window treatments can cause condensation issues in your windows. Still, this will all depend on how you wisely use them. Follow our detailed tips above on how you ideally use your blinds and shutter to avoid condensation in your windows.
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