Apparently can’t post photos here, but my windows are literally flooding. The little areas under the window have so much water it’s now pouring out onto my floor. They all also have black mold growing. I have a dehumidifier running 24/7, sometimes 2 dehumidifiers running at once. Nothing works. I bought a super absorbent rag and wiped them down but they refog in literal seconds. Any help at all? It’s getting out of control and with the mold is unhealthy.
6 comments
Is there a little vent contraption on your wall that pushes open? Opening that would help. If not you may have to put bubble wrap or some other insulation on the windows…Next time you move check to make sure the doors and windows are modern thick paned glass. One of the biggest downsides of living in older/cheap housing unfortunately.
Sounds like the frame drains are blocked or the rubber seals are worn. Also, certain types of glass have tiny little balls inside that heat up moisture and dries the water out really quickly.
Speak to a window repair man in your area and see what he/she says
Fundamentally the cause of condensation inside the home is that the window is colder than the air in your room and cools the air, which in turn reduces the amount of water that the air, that is by your window or hits your windows, can contain (e.g. humidity), this causes the water to accumulate on your window.
So the three fundamental options you have while living in a warm space are:
* Reduce the water (humidity) in the air to the point where it matches what it could contain when it is cooled by the window.
* This is typically achieved by opening windows or dehumidifiers
* The lack of humidity can cause health/lifestyle issues [https://www.sensorpush.com/articles/the-effects-of-low-humidity-on-your-health-and-comfort](https://www.sensorpush.com/articles/the-effects-of-low-humidity-on-your-health-and-comfort)
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* Prevent the air from interacting with the cold window
* Insulating the air from the window using bubble wrap or plastic winter window coverings
* These only work to a certain point and if it is cold enough, you could get condensation on the bubble wrap or plastic covering, because they are getting cold and can get moldy as well
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* Increase the temperature of the window to match the room
* This either achieved by making the room so warm that it warms up your window (more achievable with double glazing) or have your heaters heating your windows
* There are heaters created specifically for heating your windows [【楽天市場】窓際ヒーターの通販](https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/%E7%AA%93%E9%9A%9B%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC/?p=2&s=11)
* These add to your electricity bill
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The key is balance, you will need to find the right balance for yourself and home. Personally I have done the following:
* Window heaters for those without nearby radiators etc (e.g. attic window etc) with a timer for 22:00 – 06:00 for night time rates which is when the condensation occurs for me mainly
* Keep some vents open minimally (few as possible) to prevent humidity from becoming trapped and allow for clean air
* Humidifier to keep the humidity between 40-50%
* Keep horizontally opening curtains open at night
* Keep vertically opening curtains opened enough to heat the bottom part of the windows (amount depends on the size of the window/condensation)
P.S. don’t forget to check your frames as well.
This is a daily thread but find and fix the source of the moisture. Look for any water leaks or other sources of excess moisture and repair them as soon as possible. This could be a leaky pipe, a faulty HVAC system, or a problem with your roof or foundation.
Also, use exhaust fans if you have them. Turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas where moisture is likely to build up. This will help to remove excess humidity from the air.
If you are already using a dehumidifier, try increasing the size of the unit or using multiple units in different areas of your home. Make sure to empty the water collection tank regularly to ensure that the dehumidifier is operating at maximum efficiency
Increase ventilation. Open windows and doors to allow for better air circulation and to help remove excess moisture from your home.
Then, clean and dry affected areas. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the areas with mold, then dry the surfaces thoroughly. Consider using a mildew-resistant paint to help prevent future mold growth.
If these steps do not help to reduce the moisture in your home, you may need to consult a professional to diagnose and repair any underlying issues. In the meantime, it is important to take steps to protect your health by wearing a mask and gloves when cleaning mold and avoiding contact with the affected areas as much as possible.
I’m having the completely opposite issue, the air in my room is sooooo friggin dry that I can’t even breathe properly (and causing nosebleeds)
Need to get a larger humidifier…
Asking the real questions