How do ice crystals form on windows?

Water vapor is present as moisture in the air, experienced as humidity. In warmer months, you’ll feel a heaviness to the air. In cooler months, when the temperature drops and the windows are closed, that moisture is trapped inside your home and drawn to the window panes where it makes contact with the cold glass and changes from a gas to a liquid. This is experienced as condensation, and when outside temperatures drop further, this condensation freezes and forms into ice crystals.

For more information on indoor humidity and how to manage it, take a look at our previous post, How to Manage Indoor Humidity. For more information on how condensation happens, take a look at our video:

What can happen?

Over time, exposure to ice can cause both aesthetic and structural problems with either the finish and/or frame of your windows. As the frost or ice melts, the liquid can sit along the window frame and discolor the topcoat, crack the paint, rot the wood, and even cause mold and mildew to grow.

How to prevent it?

• Upgrade from single-pane to double- or triple-pane windows. Experiencing ice build-up on windows is more common with single-pane, as double- or triple-pane offers extra insulation from outside temperatures and should prevent the humidity inside your home from coming into contact with freezing outdoor temperatures. In addition, single-pane windows are more prone to frame, wall, and insulation damage as water may run behind the wallboard into the insulation without the double- or triple-pane to capture any excess moisture.
• Keep a towel rolled up on the window sill at night which will collect any water that forms on the glass. Mop up any excess water and replace with a fresh towel the next day.
• Raise the room temperature at night to prevent ice and frost from building up. You may need to use a space heater in a particularly cold room.
• Don’t over-water plants, and keep them in one room.
• Store your firewood outside to prevent moisture from the wood from building up inside.
• Look for leaks in your plumbing and have them repaired. Even a dripping faucet can add moisture to the air.

Ready to replace your windows? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post How to Prevent Ice Build-Up on Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Shrinking, Warping, and Cracking

Shrinkage, warping, and cracking are common side effects of extreme temperature changes most often seen in wood products. For example, wooden window frames, doors, and door frames can shrink in extreme cold. In extreme humidity, they can begin to warp or bow. The same can be said for most builder-grade PVC windows and doors although quality PVC windows allow far less structural movement which eliminates these types of issues. Our Fibrex® frames retain their rigidity and stability in all climates and come with a no blister, peel, crack, rot, flake, rust, pit, or corrode warranty.

2. Ice Build-Up

The main reason you should maintain or replace your weatherstripping is because ice tends to form in gaps around doors and windows. When warm, moisture-rich air escapes through these openings, it freezes upon contact with the cold air leaking in. This can make it difficult to open a window or door without damaging the weather stripping, which will only lead to more ice being created.

3. Drafts

Old, poorly fitted or poorly insulated windows and doors most often cause drafts within the home. Adding or replacing weather stripping may help, but in most cases, a new door or window will likely be needed to eliminate the problem.

4. Condensation

Condensation on the inside of your windows during the winter months is often a sign that your windows have good energy efficiency and usually isn’t cause for alarm. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air in your home comes into contact with the cold surface of the window pane. If the condensation appears excessive, you may want to reduce the humidity in your home either by using a dehumidifier, extraction fans, and by ensuring your home is adequately ventilated. If you find condensation or a fogginess developing between the panes on a double- or triple-paned window, it’s likely that a seal has been broken which will need to be repaired.

5. Hardware Failure

All doors and windows have latches, handles, hinges and other operating hardware. When ice or cold weather freezes these parts or shifts the position of your doors or windows, these parts can become damaged or jammed.

Now that you know what to look for, you’re better prepared for what the winter weather may throw at you. If it’s finally time for a new window or door, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post 5 Ways Winter Impacts Doors and Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.