If you’ve ever noticed water droplets forming on your windows or window frames on a cold morning, you’ve seen condensation in action. It’s a completely natural process — but when left unmanaged, it can cause hidden damage to your home over time.
At Windows Instock, our team in Clayton South, Melbourne often receives questions like:
- “Why do my windows get wet inside?”
- “Is condensation a sign of bad windows?”
- “Will double glazed aluminium windows fix the problem?”
Let’s take a closer look at what condensation is, why it happens, and what you can do to prevent it.
What Is Condensation?
Condensation is the process where water vapour in the air turns back into liquid when it touches a cold surface. In simple terms, it’s the reverse of evaporation.
When warm, humid indoor air meets a cooler surface — such as aluminium window frames or glass — moisture collects as tiny droplets. The colder the surface and the higher the indoor humidity, the greater the risk of condensation.
It’s important to control condensation because prolonged moisture can lead to mould, mildew, and even timber rot, creating health risks and costly damage.
Why Windows Show Condensation First
Windows often get blamed for condensation, but they’re not the cause — they’re just where it’s most visible. Glass and metal surfaces cool down faster than walls, so they’re usually the first place you’ll notice moisture forming.
Everyday household activities add to indoor humidity, including:
- Cooking and boiling water
- Showering and bathing
- Drying laundry indoors
- Even breathing — especially overnight in closed bedrooms
Energy-efficient modern homes are tightly sealed to reduce heat loss, but this can also trap moist air inside. The solution lies in finding the right balance between insulation, ventilation, and airtightness.
Simple Ways to Reduce Condensation
Here are some easy, practical steps that can help you reduce or eliminate condensation around your windows and doors:
1. Improve Ventilation
- Open windows slightly overnight in bedrooms to let moist air escape.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove steam — connecting them to the light switch is a simple automatic solution.
- Keep furniture slightly away from walls and windows to allow air circulation.
- Open curtains and blinds during the day to release trapped moisture.
2. Manage Indoor Temperature
- Maintain a consistent, moderate heating level rather than turning heaters on and off. Sudden temperature changes can increase condensation.
- Heat all rooms evenly — unused rooms still hold moisture.
3. Rethink Laundry Drying
- Whenever possible, dry clothes outside.
- If you must dry indoors, open a nearby window or use a vented dryer.
- Avoid drying laundry directly on radiators or heaters.
4. Use a Dehumidifier
A small dehumidifier can quickly reduce moisture levels in the air. It’s an affordable and effective way to manage occasional condensation, and many new split-system air conditioners include this feature.
5. Wipe It Away
If condensation does form, wipe it up promptly with a dry cloth. This prevents moisture from sitting on window sills and damaging paint or frames.
6. Upgrade Your Windows and Insulation
Your choice of windows and doors plays a major role in controlling condensation. In colder regions, double glazed windows Melbourne-wide are a must. The air gap between the two panes acts as an insulating barrier, keeping the inner glass warmer and reducing condensation.
Thermally broken aluminium frames further improve insulation by minimising heat transfer between the inside and outside surfaces. Combined with good wall and ceiling insulation, these upgrades dramatically reduce the risk of condensation forming in the first place.
Why Your Window Choice Matters
If your budget allows, replacing single glazing with double glazed aluminium windows is one of the most effective long-term solutions. Double glazing helps stabilise the indoor temperature, keeps energy bills down, and greatly reduces surface condensation.
Even with high-performance aluminium doors and windows, some condensation may still occur under certain conditions — especially when there’s a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.
If you ever notice condensation inside your double glazing (between the two panes), it means the sealed unit has failed and needs replacement. Regular surface condensation, on the other hand, is normal and simply needs to be managed.
Final Thoughts
Condensation doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your windows — it’s a natural sign that warm, moist air is hitting a cold surface. The key is managing humidity, maintaining ventilation, and choosing quality, energy-efficient windows that help balance your home’s environment.
At Windows Instock, we manufacture and supply a wide range of aluminium windows and doors in Melbourne, including double glazed and thermally broken systems designed to minimise condensation and improve comfort all year round.
📞 Contact our friendly team today to learn more about upgrading your home with better-performing, locally made windows Melbourne homeowners trust.
