Do Your Windows Have Frost On Them?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Calhoun County 269-963-3033

Window frost, it can be beautiful but it can also be damaging. So what causes window frost and how can you help to prevent it?

Window frost forms when the windows are exposed to the cold outside and moist air inside. Moisture in the rooms air(water vapor) is drawn to the window pane and when the outside temp drops past the dew point the water vapor begins to solidify, turning into liquid. This liquid then freezes into ice crystals and you've got frost.

Frost can cause damage. As it melts it transfers moisture to whatever is next to it, if that happens to be a wooden window it can discolor varnish and even crack the paint or damage the wood. Frost can also melt off single pane windows and seep down into a wall. If not handled swiftly and completely mold can begin to grow.

So what steps can you take to prevent window frost?

• Weatherize your windows when it starts to get cold. Make sure storm windows are installed properly and caulk any gaps in the seals.
• Run a dehumidifier. Drier air inside the home is less likely to allow frost to form.
• Keeping your home sufficiently warm, especially at night, helps to keep frost from forming. if you have a room that's especially prone to frost on the windows, it may be worth it to run a space heater in that room to see if that solves the problem.
• If all else fails, you may need to consider replacing all single pane windows in your home.

For more information on winter safety or information on mold growth and prevention call SERVPRO of North Calhoun County. We're available 24-hours to help make it "Like it never even happened." at 269-963-3033