If you live in a cold climate, you have likely seen frost accumulate on the windows in your home. While the frost may look pretty and add to the winter ambiance, it is not good for your windows.
Older homes often feature single pane windows that don’t protect against the cold as well as modern windows. Seeing frost on your windows used to be fairly commonplace, but thanks to new window technology, our windows and homes are now better protected from the cold.
Here’s how you can protect your windows from getting damaged by frost.
Why Frost Forms on Windows
Frost forming on your home’s windows requires two atmospheric conditions; cold air on the outside and moist air on the inside. When these two conditions are present, the moist air on the inside of the home is drawn to the cold windows.
When the temperature outdoors gets below the dew point, the water vapor on the windows will begin to solidify into a liquid which then will freeze making ice crystals.
Single pane windows, most commonly used in older homes, are most susceptible to developing frost. More modern windows are armed with double or triple panes which help to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Why Frost on Windows is Bad
While it may provide a picturesque winter scene, frost is not good for your windows or your home. Frost can cause damage as it melts because it transfers moisture to whatever is next to it. In the case of your windows, it is usually a wooden surface.
If left untreated, you will begin to see paint and varnish peeling and damage to your wood. Eventually, mold will start to grow, and with it, a whole new host of problems and dangers for your home.
How to Avoid Frost on Windows
There are several things you can do around your home to avoid frost - and it’s effective even on older single-pane \windows
- Make sure there are no plumbing leaks in your home. Even something as small as a slow leaking faucet can create excess moisture in your home.
- Run a dehumidifier. This helps reduce the amount of moisture inside your home.
- Make sure your home is heated properly. Keep the temperature in your home sufficiently warm at night time to reduce the possibility of frost forming.
- Don’t hang clothing up to dry indoors. If possible, put clothing in the dryer instead of hang-drying during the winter since this will add moisture to the room.
- Soak up any visible moisture on windows. If you see condensation on your windows dry it up with a towel before it can turn into frost.
If all else fails and you continue to have problems with frosty windows, your best bet is to invest in double-paned windows that will help to prevent frost and subsequent damage to your home.
