How do I stop condensation on my skylight?

It’s a familiar sight for many in the colder months. Waking up, popping your slippers on and throwing open the curtains, only to see your windows covered in water droplets.

As it runs down from the windows to the sill, condensation on windows can start to cause problems with paintwork and your wooden window frames. Not to mention that it can be a chilly clean-up job on what is already a battle against the elements most mornings.

If you’ve found yourself mopping your windows and sills in recent weeks and want some top tips on how to prevent condensation from forming on windows in the first place, we’ve put together this handy guide.

You can also get more trade tips by browsing the Burton Roofing blog, such as our step-by-step guide to keeping your VELUX windows clean all year round.

What causes condensation on windows?

Condensation on your windows isn’t the only inconvenience of its kind in the colder months. A foggy windshield that delays your departure for work, attempting a risky half-blind shave as the bathroom mirror refuses to clear – they all occur due to the same principles.

When warm air comes into contact with colder surfaces such as your windows, the molecules of water turn to liquid as they are rapidly cooled by coming into contact with the surface.

If you set your central heating to come on before you wake up in the morning, you may often find that it results in condensation appearing on your windows – especially when temperatures outside really start to plummet.

If condensation forms between the panes of a double-glazed window, it means that they have either been installed incorrectly or become damaged over time. In that case, it is best advised that you look for new windows to replace them.

Why does condensation on windows mostly appear in the winter?

Well, put simply – it’s colder outside in the winter!

This results in a bigger discrepancy between the temperature inside your house and the temperatures outside of it and leads to optimal conditions for condensation to form.

The sight of condensation on windows can cause alarm, but it’s worth remembering that it is generally a sign that the windows are fairly well insulated. If they weren’t, the warm air would simply escape and your room or house would be left colder as a result.

However, if condensation is allowed to accumulate in certain parts of the home, it can lead to further problems down the line.

Hot and humid conditions are also perfect for mould to grow. If this goes unchecked, then spores will be released into your room’s atmosphere, potentially causing a health risk for those who have breathing issues, immunosuppression, or young children. Mould and the excess humidity that causes it can also damage the structure of your home, as well as ruin things like furniture.

So, it’s worth keeping a check on things and knowing how to prevent condensation on windows, as it will have a knock-on benefit in helping to stop mould from growing.

How to stop condensation on windows and skylights

Ventilation around the home is key to avoiding the build-up of moisture and condensation on your windows.

  • Use fans: If you have fans to keep you cool in the summer, they can be utilised to keep air moving around your home in the winter too. Moving air and moisture around the home stops it from accumulating and settling.
  • Get a dehumidifier: In areas where it’s hard to circulate air, such as converted lofts, a dehumidifier works by extracting excess moisture from the air and turning it into water.
  • Use window vents: Do your windows have small sliding vents at the top? If so, even just having them open will help moisture to escape. Many windows also come with a locked position that facilitates this, ensuring your home remains secure. Remember to close vents and windows at night to prevent dramatic changes in your home’s overall temperature.
  • Keep air flowing: It can be tempting to close all the doors in your home in winter to keep the rooms warm individually. However, this can help create the perfect conditions for heat and moisture to build up. Keeping doors open, even slightly ajar, can avoid this.
  • Be careful with houseplants: If you love to bring the outdoors into your home, you’ll know about the many benefits that houseplants can bring. However, keeping them in large numbers near your windows can result in condensation building up as they emit carbon dioxide.
  • Replace your windows: If your home has single-pane windows, they are much more likely to have condensation building up on them. They will also allow more heat to escape your home. The Green Deal loans scheme can help you pay for home improvements such as double or triple glazing.

How can VELUX windows stop condensation on skylights?

If you’re looking to combat condensation on your windows by replacing them, the VELUX range comes with many built-in solutions that can help in an instant.

  • Ventilation: Whether manually or mechanically, all VELUX skylights are designed to be opened. Most come with a vent opening before being fully opened: this can be utilised to prevent condensation on windows without losing the thermal properties you need when a cold snap strikes.
  • Quality materials: All VELUX products are constructed with wood rather than metal or vinyl: these materials conduct heat and lead to discrepancies in temperatures. VELUX also uses Low-E insulated glass, which keeps the interior pane warmer to reduce the chance of condensation on windows
  • Trusted installers: VELUX works with a range of trusted suppliers and installers across the UK, as well as providing an entire range dedicated to making the installation process as straightforward and efficient as possible.

Beat condensation on windows with Burton Roofing

If you’re looking to combat high moisture levels in your home or a project, we stock a wide range of VELUX products that can help, as well as a number of beneficial roof ventilation solutions.

Our customers rate us ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot thanks to our friendly customer service, competitive prices and swift delivery.

If you need any help from our experts on how to get rid of condensation inside windows, visit your local depot, phone us on 0800 124 4431 or email enquiries@burtonroofing.co.uk.