Condo Construction: Is Condensation on Windows a Sign of Bad Construction?

Do your windows ever look like they just got back from a morning jog? Window condensation it's just like your glass suddenly decided to join the clouds for a little moisture party! But don't sweat it (well, maybe just a little), because you're definitely not alone in this foggy situation. Window condensation is a problem that affects houses and condo constructions alike. It can be a sign of poor construction work that future condo buyers should look out for, or perhaps just a result of bad habits. Read along to get out of this mental foggy situation (pun intended).

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Condo Construction: Is Window Condensation Something to Worry About?

Window condensation can indeed be a symptom of several underlying factors, some of which may relate to the condo construction quality. However, it's crucial to understand that condensation itself is a natural occurrence caused by the interaction of warm, moist indoor air with cooler surfaces, such as windows, walls and even your favorite can of beer on a sunny afternoon.

Let's get nerdy: what is Condensation?

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air transforms into liquid water when it comes into contact with a cooler surface. Essentially, it occurs when warm, moist air meets a colder surface, causing the water vapor to lose heat energy and condense into droplets of liquid water.

This phenomenon is commonly observed on surfaces like windows, mirrors, and cold beverages.

Condensation is a natural occurrence and plays a significant role in the water cycle and various environmental processes, but it can be really annoying for us humans living in the modern world. If you are living in a desert like country, condensation will most likely be limited to your beverage of choice, but in Canada condensation can be everywhere! Yes… everywhere!

Is condensation a sign of bad condo construction?

In the context of condo construction quality, several factors can contribute to increased condensation:

Poor Insulation: Inadequate insulation around windows can lead to temperature differentials between indoor and outdoor surfaces. When warm indoor air meets the colder glass surface, condensation may occur.

Low-Quality Windows: Even if the installation was done properly, substandard windows may lack proper seals or have inefficient thermal properties, making them more prone to condensation issues.

Inadequate Ventilation: Insufficient ventilation within the building can lead to the accumulation of moisture-laden air, exacerbating condensation problems.

Building Envelope Issues: If there are gaps or leaks in the building envelope, such as around windows or doors, outdoor air can infiltrate the interior space, leading to temperature imbalances and potential condensation.

Humidity Levels: High indoor humidity levels, often exacerbated by activities such as cooking, bathing, or drying clothes indoors, can increase the likelihood of condensation on windows.

While these factors may suggest potential issues with construction quality, it's essential to assess each situation comprehensively.

Sometimes, even well-constructed buildings can experience condensation under specific conditions, especially during extreme weather fluctuations. Addressing condensation problems may involve improving insulation, upgrading windows, enhancing ventilation systems, or changing some habits. And in case you are not sure, its always best to consult with a professional vendor.

3 habits to reduce window condensation

Every winter property management receives complaints of water and ice on windows inside the suites. Like we mentioned before, this is not necessarily the result of poor condo construction, nor something that property management can solve with repairs or improvement to the condo construction’s infrastructure.

Residents can control the amount of condensation build-up in their units by monitoring and controlling the humidity levels.

These are our TOP 3 HABBITS to implement in order to reduce the amount of condensation:

1. Always use the exhaust fan when cooking, doing laundry or showering/bathing.

2. If hanging laundry to dry inside the suite or running the clothes dryer, always ensure to have exhaust fans on to ventilate out moist air. This moist hot air will dramatically change the humidity level in the suite and cause additional condensation issues.

3. Crack a window open each day for approximately 1 hour to ventilate your suite with fresh dryer air from outside.

If you can’t beat them, DON’T join them

Even if after applying preventive measures condensation continues to be a common problem, it’s important for residents to not resign to the idea of having condensation and let it do its foggy work. Property management should reinforce the important habit of drying the areas where condensation builds up in order to prevent water damage to their suite and to prevent mold from growing, which in time can spread out to other units and common areas.

-Stratastic Inc.

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