If you’ve ever woken up to wet windows or noticed a damp patch forming around the frame – that’s condensation. It’s easy to think of it as just a winter issue, but it can creep in all year round. Even in summer, things like drying clothes indoors, cooking, and keeping your windows shut for long stretches can cause moisture to build up and settle on cold surfaces.
At Sherman & Young, we love DIY – and we know you do too! If you’re looking to tackle condensation at home, you’re in the right place. Here’s how you can get started.
What causes condensation?
The main reason condensation forms is due to a mix of moisture and temperature. When warm, damp air hits something cooler – like your windows – it turns into droplets. That moisture doesn’t just sit on the glass, either. If you leave it for long enough, it can seep into the walls or frames and cause damp patches, peeling paint, or even mould – and nobody wants that! If you’ve started to notice condensation appearing on your windows, or you did last winter, and you want to get the issue sorted while the weather is somewhat milder, here’s what you can do.
Check your window seals first
One of the easiest places to start when you’re trying to get on top of condensation is your windows. More specifically – the seals around them. If there are any small gaps or cracks, you’ll get cold air sneaking in, and that makes your glass colder than it should be. Combine that with the everyday things we all do – boiling a kettle, running a hot bath, cooking melas, or drying washing inside – and suddenly you’ve got a lot of warm, moist air floating around, with nowhere to go. If you notice a gap where the cold air is getting in, that’s your culprit.
A quick fix with the right sealant
So, you’ve spotted a gap or two – now what? Thankfully, resealing your windows is one of the easier DIY jobs you can tackle, and it can make a big difference straight away. If the sealant around your windows is cracked, peeling, or just looking a bit tired, it’s time for a refresh.
You’ll find plenty of window sealants at most DIY shops, but if you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder that gives you your money’s worth, Everbuild Stixall Extreme Power is a solid choice. It’s a hybrid polymer sealant and adhesive in one, and it lives up to the name – bonding and sealing virtually anything to anything in almost any conditions (even in the rain or underwater!).
It’s the kind of product that takes the guesswork out of sealing jobs. Whether you’re patching up draughty window frames or taking on a few other jobs while you’re at it, Stixall’s flexibility and strength mean you can just get on with it, knowing it’ll hold up.
Tips for tackling condensation in your home
Condensation can be a frustrating problem, especially when it feels like it’s always there, no matter what you do. Whether you’re dealing with a newer or older property, the good news is that there are simple ways to prevent it. Let’s break down some practical steps you can take to reduce moisture buildup in your home.
Keep the air flowing
Even if your seals are fine, try to keep the airflow going whenever you can. Opening a window – even just for a few minutes – helps to shift some of that trapped moisture. It’s especially important in rooms where a lot of steam builds up, like the kitchen and bathroom. Leaving the extractor fan running for a little longer after a shower or opening the trickle vents on your windows can help keep things balanced.
Every home is a different
Of course, some homes are more prone to condensation than others. If you’re in a newer build, they tend to be more airtight, which means less natural ventilation. On the flip side, older homes might have draughts or single-glazed windows that allow surfaces to get colder. Either way, checking your seals and improving airflow are quick, easy wins.
Still struggling? Here’s what to try next
If you’ve tried all the basics and you’re still seeing water on your windows every morning, it might be worth looking at a dehumidifier or adding a bit more insulation to the space. But for most people, keeping windows sealed, letting air flow, and staying on top of everyday moisture is usually enough to keep condensation at bay.
If you’re taking advantage of the mild weather to tackle a few DIY jobs, now’s a great time to get them ticked off the list. Whether it’s resealing your windows, fixing a fence, or finally sorting that garden project you’ve been meaning to get to – we’ve got everything you’d expect from a trusted timber merchant and more.
At Sherman & Young Timber, we’ve been supplying Greater Manchester and beyond for over 50 years, offering top-quality timber, sheet materials, hardwoods, fencing, and bespoke joinery. Our experienced team is always on hand with friendly advice to help you find exactly what you need. Take a look at our product range, or just give us a call on 01942 727 314 – we’ll get your order sorted and arrange a delivery date that works for you!
