What To Do About Frost Inside Windows

Is your home unable to keep the winter weather where it belongs—outside?

If you often wake up to frost on the inside of your windows, you’ll want to keep reading!

A common occurrence in the winter and early spring, frost or condensation on the inside windowpane can signal serious moisture problems or issues with your windows’ structural integrity. While newer constructions and innovations in double-paned window technology are significantly reducing the frequency with which this happens, frosted windows still occur in plenty of older Vancouver homes.

Why Do Your Windows Frost?

Frost typically forms when windows are exposed to cold air on the outside and moist air on the inside. In other words, water vapour (or humidity) lingering in the air is drawn to the windowpane and solidifies when the temperature outside is particularly frigid. Furthermore, if your windows were not properly installed or insulated to begin with, cold air can leak in, reducing surface temperatures and creating the perfect conditions for condensation and ice to form on the inner pane.

What Are The Consequences?

If moisture or window problems are left untreated, homeowners in Vancouver may have to tend with long-term damage to window units and costly repairs. For example, moisture causes warping and swelling of window frames, which can lead to glass cracks and increase the risk of air leakage. Other common consequences include:

• Uncomfortably cold living conditions
• Higher energy (heating) costs
• Mould or other lung irritants that grow as a result of melted ice seeping into the wall
• Discoloured varnish, cracked paint or damage to surrounding wood structures

How To Prevent Frost From Forming?

While some causes fall less within our control than others (if we could regulate the outside temperature, we would), there are preventive measures homeowners can take to avoid ending up with rotten windowsills.

1. Run a dehumidifier to keep the inside air drier. Excess humidity from boiling water, steaming vegetables, taking a shower, etc., can be a major contributor to indoor ice. Also, use exhaust fans when cooking and bathing to increase ventilation and expel unwanted moisture.
2. Weatherize your windows by sealing all joints and improving your windows’ insulation. For reliable caulking installation or spray foam application, consult the window experts at RetroTeck Window Mfg Inc in Vancouver.
3. Open your blinds to let the air circulate. Keeping your heavy drapes, blinds or curtains closed traps cooler air near the glass. When moisture comes in contact with this cold air, it sticks to the windowpane and freezes, if the outside temperature is cold enough.
4. If all else fails, consider getting your windows replaced, especially if you still have single-paned units. The barrier of dead air between double-paned windows slows down the transfer of air to keep your house at a comfortable (and warmer!) temperature. RetroTeck Window Mfg Inc provides appealing, energy-efficient replacement windows Vancouver residents can rely on. Our Energy Star-rated vinyl window systems efficiently reduce condensation, drafts and noise for an overall more pleasant living environment.

Choose Windows That Last For Years!

For competitive pricing on high-quality window systems that don’t rot, warp, fade, chip or rust, trust RetroTeck Window Mfg Inc with all of your window replacement needs. Custom created to fit any type of architecture or space, our beautiful and durable frames increase the curb appeal of your home and up your property’s value.

To find out which window systems are right for your home, call RetroTeck Window Mfg Inc today. We service homeowners in Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey and Burnaby, among other areas.