Condensation Control: Does Window Film Prevent It?

If you’ve heard about window film, you may know about the benefits, ranging from energy efficiency to light control. So, if you’re dealing with fogged windows on a property, it’s only natural to wonder does window film prevent condensation.

In short, while specialized window fogging film exists and helps with fogging to an extent, it’s not a silver bullet you can rely on to dispel all the issues with condensation in the interior. Rather, it helps minimize the contributing factors.

What is Window Condensation?

The broad definition of condensation is that it’s the process by which vapor in the air changes from gas to water. This is a completely normal process, especially if you see water droplets on the exterior of the window surface when the outside temperature drops.

Interior condensation is slightly different and generally forms when moist air inside a room touches a cold surface like a window, which causes the vapor from the air to turn into water droplets.

When talking about glass moisture prevention, it’s important to note that interior condensation on the window’s surface is very different from fogging between double panes, as this issue is the result of a failed window seal. In this case, the leak caused the insulating gas to escape, so the issue is much more serious and requires either window repair or, in extreme circumstances, a full replacement.

By contrast, regular condensation is caused by:

• Excessive humidity due to showers, cooking, and other indoor activities.
• Poor ventilation that contributes to trapping humid air indoors.
• Poor insulation, which can allow cold air to enter the interior through the window area and lower the temperature of the glass.
• Outdoor and indoor temperature differences.
• Single-pane windows that don’t offer much in terms of insulation (especially when compared to double-pane windows) and are simply more prone to condensation.

What Type of Window Film May Help With Condensation Control?

Regular window films simply aren’t designed to reduce interior fogging. However, that’s not to say they can’t become one of the window condensation solutions if you opt for specialized anti-condensation film.

This is pretty logical when you think about it. These window films lessen the possibility of fogging by keeping interior glass surfaces warmer, which can notably minimize the overall temperature differential in the space, ultimately leading to less surface condensation.

That said, window film is just a single piece of the entire puzzle. Despite choosing a film specifically tailored for reducing moisture, the conditions in the building or home will always play a key role in window fogging.

Situations in Which Window Film Can Help Prevent Condensation

Since window film can drastically reduce energy expenditure, it's a smart and relatively affordable investment, especially if fogging is mainly the result of temperature differential in colder climates.

Moreover, insulating film is highly effective if the condensation is mild and is the result of said temperature differences.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with excessive indoor humidity, window films may simply not be enough. Activities such as showering and cooking (especially in the winter) release vapor into the air. So, if the space is poorly ventilated, there is no way for all this moisture to leave, which naturally allows water to accumulate on cold surfaces.

It’s a similar thing with double-glazing windows where the seal has failed, causing condensation between the panes.

In other, more extreme cases, no film in the world will be able to bring down window condensation if the humidity is the result of structural issues like damp walls or water leaks.

How to Reduce Condensation the Right Way

Here are some tactics that will help keep the condensation on glass surfaces in check:

• Address any structural issues: While doing so may be costly, if the building is poorly insulated or has a water leakage problem, all the other measures you implement will be rendered ineffective, making this the highest priority.
• Improve ventilation: To decrease indoor humidity levels, it may be worth investing in extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to allow the moist air to escape. The same applies to trickle vents, which will considerably improve air circulation.
• Replace the windows: If your windows are cracked or broken, or if you’re dealing with single-pane windows, replace them with double or triple-glazed windows.
• Purchase a dehumidifier: Quality dehumidifiers will do wonders for humidity levels, which directly combats window condensation if the structure is sound, of course.

Taking a more holistic approach to reducing humidity and then topping it off with a thermal insulation film will not only eliminate the issue with condensation but will also make the living space much more pleasing and comfortable.

Stay Pragmatic

In a perfect world, when debating if window film prevents condensation, you’d find pages of testimonials from people who eliminated condensation by making this simple fix. Still, while a powerful aid in reducing condensation, it’s important to keep your expectations in check when considering window film.

Since it’s not a standalone remedy to this issue, you should instead take on a pragmatic and proactive approach to managing existing humidity issues. This way, everything will be worth it in the end, and you’ll get maximum value out of your brand-new window films.