Condensation in Your Home: What It Means - and What You Can Do About It

Doorquay
Oct 23
3 min read

We love autumn for the pumpkin spice and changing leaves - but it also brings a real pain in the neck for many Scottish homeowners: condensation. Creeping in with the colder weather, it can leave your windows dripping by morning. Read on to find out what causes it - and what you can do to fix it.

Window Condensation — Condensation on a Window

First Things First: What Is Condensation?

Condensation is caused when warm, moist air in your home meets a cold surface, like the inside of your window glass. The air can’t hold the moisture anymore - so it turns into water.

That’s why it shows up on windows first thing in the morning, or after cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors.

And in Scottish homes - where the heating’s on, the windows are closed, and the weather’s doing its usual thing - it builds up fast.

What Does It Mean When You See It?

Let’s break it down. The location of the condensation can tell you a lot.

Condensation on the inside of the window

This is the most common - and usually not a huge worry (yet). It means there’s too much moisture in the air and not enough ventilation. You’ll often see it in bedrooms (from overnight breathing), bathrooms, or kitchens.

If you leave it, it can lead to mould, damage your window frames, and affect air quality - especially if it settles on wood or plaster.

This is often where well-fitted, modern double glazed windows can make a big difference - especially when paired with proper ventilation.

Condensation on the outside of the glass

This one’s actually a good sign - believe it or not. It usually means your double glazing is working properly.

The outer pane gets cold overnight, and if the air’s damp outside, it can settle there. Your window is keeping the warm indoor air in, which is exactly what it’s meant to do.

No action needed here. It'll clear as the day warms up.

Condensation between the panes of glass

This one’s a red flag. It means the seal on your double glazed windows has failed - moisture has made its way into the air gap, and it shouldn’t be there.

Once that happens, the window loses most of its insulation performance - and it can’t be “fixed” with a wipe-down. You’ll either need the glazed unit replaced, or if it’s older, consider a full window replacement.

If you're a Doorquay customer and you're not sure, you're always welcome to ask. As a trusted window fitter in Dundee, we’re here to help.

5 Ways to Reduce Moisture Indoors

You’ll never completely remove moisture from the air (and you shouldn’t - we still need some). But you can reduce the build-up with a few simple changes:

1. Dry clothes near ventilation

Avoid drying laundry in closed rooms. Crack a window or use a vented space.

2. Use extractor fans

Make sure fans in the bathroom and kitchen are working properly - and use them every time.

3. Open windows briefly

Even 5-10 minutes a day helps reset the air indoors. Short bursts work better than leaving them on the latch all day.

4. Wipe windows in the morning

If you’re getting heavy condensation, wipe the glass and sill - don’t let the moisture sit.

5. Use your trickle vents

Most modern windows have them - a small, slim vent at the top of the frame.They allow gentle airflow, even when the window’s closed.Just make sure they’re open and not blocked.

Are Your Windows and Doors the Problem?

Not always - but sometimes, yes.

If your windows and doors are:

Constantly dripping with moisture
Feeling cold to the touch
Growing mould around the edges
Letting in draughts
Or showing condensation between the panes

…it might be time to have them looked at.

Old or poorly sealed double glazed windows can trap moisture, lose heat, and undo all the good habits you’re trying to build. And in Scottish winters, that adds up - in both comfort and cost.

If you'd like to discuss upgrading your windows and doors, we offer a free design service - or if you already know what you want and have your sizes, we'll be happy to give you a quick price.

We have a trusted team of joiners and installers ready to start upgrading your home. We work across Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perthshire.