Window Condensation

  Condensation Information Package

What Is Condensation?

Condensation will often occur during colder weather when the moist air inside the home comes into contact with cooler surfaces. The moisture in the air can condense to form water droplets or even frost. The risk of condensation increases as the weather gets colder and/or the inside humidity rises.

For windows, doors and skylights, condensation can form:

• On the glass
• On the frames and sashes
• Near the weather seals
• On the walls around a skylight
• Between the glass panes if the seal is broken

What Causes Condensation?

Condensation occurs on cold surfaces when the following three conditions happen at the same time:

1. Too much moisture in the air
2. Inadequate indoor-outdoor air exchange (known as "ventilation")
3. The availability of cold surfaces upon which moisture in the air can condense

Moisture is continually being released inside every home: 10 to 50 litres (2 to 10 gallons) every day. In a heating season lasting 200 days, when windows and doors are typically closed up, 2,000 to 10,000 litres  (400 to 2,000 gallons) of moisture can be trapped inside.

Controlling Moisture Inside Your Home

1. In the winter, keep the relative humidity (RH) in your home in the range of 30-40%. Relative humidity levels can be measured with a hygrometer. Lower humidity levels may affect your health and cause things made of wood to shrink. Excess humidity can cause condensation on windows and damage the surrounding walls. When using a humidifier, follow the manufacturers' instructions.
2. In the summer, dehumidify the basement to avoid condensation build up on the cool foundation walls. Relative humidity levels should not exceed 60%.
3. Try not to produce too much humidity. Indoor hot tubs, plants, showers and cooking without lids are major sources of water vapour.  They will add to your indoor air and need to be ventilated accordingly.

Are My Windows Defective?

Defective windows do not cause condensation. Because glass has a lower surface temperature than any other surface in your home, your windows will be the first place that you notice condensation. Some degree of condensation will always be a natural occurance with your windows.

For more information about condensation in the home, here's a helpful article from CMHC

Care & Maintenance

 Care & Maintenance Brochure

In order to keep your Golden Windows looking like new, we recommend that you perform annual maintenance to ensure maximum warranty coverage. 

• Clean all operating hardware, hinges and tracks at least twice per year and lubricate lightly with a silicone spray or light oil.
• Clean vinyl surfaces with mild soap and water.
• DO NOT clean glass or other finishes with abrasive materials or cleaners.
• Clean aluminum with mild soap and water. An application of automotive paste wax may renew the lustre of the aluminum.
• Care should be taken to ensure weather-stripping and hardware is not painted over. This could hamper the operation and seal of the window and cannot be claimed under the warranty as a manufacturing defect.
• Inspect face caulking annually to ensure proper seal against the glass.
• We recommend removing the internal screens during the winter months to lessen the likelihood of condensation forming on the glass surfaces.

For operation and trouble shooting of Multi Point Locking hardware, please click here.

Painted Surface Cleaning Instructions - Post Construction

Not all dirt and dust is alike, and cleaning your brand new painted windows and doors once construction is complete can take a bit of skill.

• Start by using a light duster or blow off, using compressed air, prior to cleaning the painted surface.
• Once free of construction debris, use a soft cloth and mixtre of water and mild dish soap or non-abrasive cleaner like Windex.
• DO NOT cuse any abrasive or acidic cleaners or cloths as these will remove or damage the painted finish.

To print these instructions, please click here.

Trimlite - Frame/Surround Paint/Stain Instructions

 Trimlite Frame/Surround Paint/Stain Instructions

ELITE MF FRAME
This frame does not require painting. This new plastic formulation will resist yellowing and deformation. If you choose to paint this frame, we recommend you follow these and the paint manufacturers recommendations for best results.

1) Thoroughly sand all plastic surfaces with a fine abrasive pad.
2) The surface should be wiped clean with a lint free cloth. The primer coat should be
applied immediately. Apply a primer recommended for plastics, such as Zinsser Bulls
Eye 1-2-3, for best results.
3) Apply an exterior acrylic latex topcoat.

ELITE TAN PC/ABS
This frame comes ready for painting or staining. If painting, please apply an exterior acrylic latex topcoat. For staining, gel stains should be used for best results. Follow paint manufacturers directions when applying.

MCM PVC WHITE
These extruded foam white PVC frames do not require finishing. If painting, a heat reflective paint is recommended. Follow paint manufacturers directions when applying.

NOTE: PAINT OR STAIN
If you choose to use a solvent based stain, we strongly recommend that a cap bead of silicone be applied between the glass surface and between the frame and door surface. Application should be to exterior side only. Failure to do this may void warranty. An exterior grade top coat (finish coat) is recommended.

WARNING:
Painting or staining a frame a dark colour or installing behind a storm door can cause heat damage not covered by warranty.