With winter just around the corner and most people already resorting to turning the heating on because of recent cold spells, many will be waking up to foggy windows every morning. It’s a signal you’ve got a condensation problem in your property. If you don’t act, it can cause big issues. It’s especially worrying if you have wooden sash windows. We want to have a closer look here, then you can rely on us if you need to arrange sash window restoration in Northumberland.

Why does it happen?

Condensation happens because of moisture in the air in your property. When warm air meets a cold surface, like the windows, it condenses. As a result, you can end up with misting. In the worst cases it can generate so much water that it causes black mould, damages paint, and makes wood rot.

Anything that releases moisture into the air in your property can lead to condensation problems. This includes cooking, showers, and drying laundry inside. Turning on the heating has an impact too because warm air holds more moisture.

Another big factor that causes condensation is poor ventilation. People are doing more today to make their homes airtight and energy efficient. This includes sealing gaps to prevent heat loss and draughts. However, it can lead to condensation. The problem is more likely in cold months because people close the windows too due to the bad weather.

What to do?

If you want to tackle condensation and reduce the chance of damage, mould, and other problems, there are some important things to do. They are especially important if you have timber windows and want to avoid having to call us to arrange sash window restoration in Northumberland.

Firstly, you need to ensure you have sufficient ventilation. The idea is to make sure you don’t keep all that warm air and moisture trapped. Leaving the windows open a crack can help. If you have a bad condensation problem and have sash windows, it’s best to leave them open a tiny bit at all times. Another good strategy is to open all windows for a few minutes every morning to get fresh, dry air in.

Secondly, you need to address the things that generate moisture in the property. Try to avoid drying clothes inside, especially on radiators. Having extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom is effective; they pull warm, moist air from the rooms. A dehumidifier can be a good investment too.

Finally, you can try to tackle thermal bridging. Single pane windows don’t offer much insulation. They tend to get very cold when the weather outside is bad. As a result, condensation is more likely when warm air touches them. Upgrading to double glazing, or introducing secondary glazing, can help.

Expert sash window restoration in Northumberland

Condensation and wooden sash windows aren’t good bedfellows. Ideally you want to avoid excess moisture on any kind of timber because it can cause numerous issues. If you’re waking up to misty windows every morning, you should act.

David Humble is a master at restoring sashes. We can deliver the perfect services for every client, including repairs, full refurbishment, and more. We work hard to save them because they’re full of character and, in many cases, have a great history. So, if you want sash window restoration in Northumberland, speak to us. We’re happy to provide advice, explore the options, and give quotes.