Opening Glass Walls: What is Condensation and How to Avoid It

Nothing is more aggravating than your windows collecting unwanted condensation in the middle of the cold, rainy season. Condensation occurs when water vapor attaches itself to lower temperature surfaces and accumulates into water droplets. Although condensation is a common and often normal occurrence in most glass surfaces, too much of it might be a sign that your windows are not performing effectively. Before you go out and replace your windows, understanding condensation and the role of high-performing fenestration will help you choose the best products for your home. Let's explore the details of condensation and how NanaWall opening glass walls can diminish its occurrence.

Solving the Condensation Dilemma with NanaWall Opening Glass Walls

What Causes Window Condensation?

High levels of humidity inside a building contribute to more window condensation. Cold climates significantly decrease the temperature of glass in windows. When indoor humid air comes in contact with the glass, it creates a foggy veil of condensation that quickly turns into water droplets. Condensation can occur on the interior and exterior of windows as well as in between panes of glass. This could be a sign of faulty seals that could lead to water being trapped in between the glass layers, making it difficult to remove and often leading to costly replacements.

Why Addressing Window Condensation Matters

Although some window condensation may seem harmless, too much of it can damage the integrity of your windows and affect interior environments. Constant water buildup around the frame often leads to rot and compromises the structural longevity of wooden windows and even nearby furniture. Damp walls can warp over time and cause layers of paint to peel off. High levels of humidity have also been linked to harmful mold growth and mildew, causing allergies and a range of other health problems. Although a little window condensation is normal, it’s best to assess the problem sooner than later to avoid future damage and costly replacements. Here are a few ways to diminish the effects of condensation indoors with NanaWall operable glass wall systems.

What is Low-E and How Does it Prevent Condensation?

The ability of a material to radiate heat is known as emissivity. Low Emissivity coatings, or Low-E, minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can pass through a glass without affecting the amount of visible light that is transmitted. Fenestration with Low-E coatings is more insulative than conventional alternatives as they prevent heat from escaping interiors during cold weather seasons. Maintaining consistently warm interiors during cold and rainy weather is a proven way to minimize condensation buildup in windows. To enhance the thermal performance of its openings glass walls, NanaWall systems offer Low-E coatings to ensure maximum temperature control. A year-round solution that works similarly in the summer to keep cool, fresh air indoors, and heat outdoors.

Replacing Your Windows with a Weather-Performing Alternative

If your windows experience damaging levels of condensation, it might be time to replace them with a high-performance, thermally efficient alternative. Investing in fenestration like operable glass wall systems with multiple glazing options and Low-E coatings to enhance thermal efficiency ensures peace of mind and lower expenses. NanaWall opening glass walls are designed with advanced weather seals to protect interiors from harsh climates and inclement temperatures. In addition, systems can be paired with weather-performing, water-rated sills without sacrificing ease of operation or barely-there thresholds. You’ll be able to safeguard ultimate comfort indoors year-round even when standing right up against the glass.

Steps You Can Take to Avoid Condensation

Although replacing conventional single pane windows with high-performance alternatives like operable glass wall systems can significantly decrease condensation, there are a few other steps you can take to minimize the effects of indoor humidity and window condensation. Here are a few things to consider:

• Improve Indoor Ventilation: Where there is stagnant, humid air there is condensation. Maintaining a constant flow of air indoors disperses moisture that can become trapped in your windows in the form of condensation. Turn on the ceiling fans, ensure vents are working properly, and open windows to dry out interior dampness indoors.
• Keep a Consistent Interior Temperature: Because condensation tends to occur on cold glass surfaces, maintaining warm interiors will not only help with humidity levels but will also help prevent vapor buildup in windows and other glass surfaces.
• Invest in a Dehumidifier: By drawing moisture trapped in the air, dehumidifiers help reduce condensation and humidity. These appliances can also assist in preventing mold growth in your walls and window frames.

Customizable Options for Residential and Commercial Projects

NanaWall opening glass walls are customizable to the needs of every project, aesthetic, and climate. Systems can be specified with double or triple paned glass to optimize insulation and minimize condensation. Wood, aluminum, and clad frames are narrow but without sacrificing performance and durability. These operable glass wall systems, whether it be folding, sliding, or minimal sliding create operable indoor/outdoor thresholds for optimal fresh air ventilation and sunlight. In addition, Generation 4 Folding Glass Walls are capable of reaching wider lengths with FourFold and SixFold panel sets that stack to the left, right, or center of the opening for the ultimate multifunctional opening.

Final Thoughts

The last thing you want to deal with in the middle of winter is condensation damage. Too much condensation buildup is often a sign of low-performance windows with little to no insulative properties to protect interiors from temperature extremes. Investing in durable, weather-performing alternatives like NanaWall operable glass wall systems will help prevent structural damage and mildew buildup that can lead to health problems. So, as you think about your next renovation, consider replacing outdated windows with design-forward solutions.

Learn how other buildings prevent condensation with weather-performing NanaWall opening glass walls in our extensive photo inspiration gallery!