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As Surrey’s trusted window and door experts, Sheerwater Glass has helped homeowners in Guildford, Woking and across the county tackle condensation challenges for over 50 years.
Condensation isn’t just a nuisance, left unchecked, it can damage windows, encourage mould growth, and even impact your health.
This guide explains why it happens, how to prevent it, and when to call in local professionals.
Why Condensation Forms on Surrey Homes
This occurs when warm, moist air meets a colder surface like glass. In Surrey’s variable climate – where winter temperatures can and do drop below 5°C this problem becomes particularly common. Warm air holds more moisture, which condenses when it meets a colder surface. Key factors include:
- High indoor humidity from cooking, showering, or drying clothes
- Temperature fluctuations between heated interiors and chilly outdoor air
- Insufficient ventilation in modern, well insulated homes
While condensation on the outside of windows indicates effective insulation, internal or between-pane condensation signals issues needing attention.
Preventing Condensation: Surrey-Specific Solutions
- Optimise Ventilation
Guildford and Woking homes benefit from:
- Trickle vents in modern windows (keep open year-round)
- Extractor fans in kitchens/bathrooms, which can improve air quality by removing humid air
- Air bricks as another method to ensure adequate ventilation
- Daily 20-minute “shock ventilation” by opening windows, emphasising the importance of introducing fresh air to replace humid, stale air
Pro Tip: During Surrey’s cold snaps, ventilate bathrooms post-shower while keeping doors closed to contain steam. Remember to keep window vents open to ensure proper airflow and reduce condensation.
- Control Moisture Laden Air
- Use dehumidifiers in problem areas (40-50% RH ideal)
- Dry laundry outdoors – Surrey’s 1,300+ annual sunshine hours help, and ensure proper venting for tumble dryers to prevent excess moisture release
- Install moisture-absorbent plants like Peace Lilies in bathrooms
- Keeping the glass ≥3 °C above dew point stops moisture condensing
- Upgrade Glazing
Many Surrey homes still have single-glazed or failing double-glazed units. Modern solutions:
| Glazing Type | Condensation Resistance | Thermal Efficiency |
| Single-glazed | Poor | Low |
| Standard DG | Moderate | Medium |
| Low-E DG | High | High |
| Triple-glazed | Excellent | Very High |
Sheerwater Glass Tip: Our Guildford showroom demonstrates how argon-filled, Low-E double glazing keeps internal pane temperatures 3-5°C warmer than standard units. Additionally, having loft insulation can further improve thermal efficiency in your home, helping to reduce condensation issues.
When Condensation Signals Window Failure
Condensation between panes means failed seals – common in windows over 15 years old. Signs include:
- Permanent fogging/water droplets in the cavity
- Drafts or rattling panes
- Visible seal degradation
In Guildford’s conservation areas, we often replace failed units in heritage frames to preserve character while boosting efficiency. Secondary glazing can only go so far!
VELUX windows are not immune either, so check if they need repair or replacement also.
Surrey Homeowner FAQs
“Our new build in Woking has terrible condensation – are the windows faulty?”
Likely not. New builds retain construction moisture for 6-12 months. Daily ventilation accelerates drying – we recommend:
- 5-20 minute window openings daily
- Dehumidifiers in worst-affected rooms
- Patience during the “drying out” phase
“Can double glazing eliminate condensation?”
While modern DG reduces it by keeping inner panes warmer, complete prevention requires balancing humidity (ideally 40-50% RH) with ventilation.
“How do I clean mould from window seals?”
- Wear protective gear
- Scrub with diluted white vinegar (1:3 with water), you can also include bicarbonate of soda for extra cleanliness.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
- Improve ventilation to prevent recurrence
This resource from the Energy Savings Trust is also worth a read to further understand how to prevent damp and condensation.
For severe cases: Our Guildford team offers professional mould remediation with new seals alongside window upgrades.
Addressing the underlying causes of condensation, such as poor ventilation, excess moisture, and cold surfaces, is essential to stop mould from recurring. Improving air circulation, using dehumidifiers, and ensuring proper insulation can significantly reduce the risk of mould growth in your home.
Local Expertise
Always try to find fitters within your area, they usually know best and and give more tailored advice as to the types of windows or doors that would help your home, not only in looks but also for energy efficiency and security.
Proven Solutions:
“Sheerwater Glass installed triple glazing in our detached home over a flight path. No more condensation, no more noise and heating bills dropped 30%.” – Mrs. Ellis, Twickenham
Take Action Against Condensation Today
Whether you need:
- Condensation diagnosis
- Seal repairs
- Window repairs
- Full window upgrades
Visit our Guildford showroom or call 01932 344 415 for a free Surrey wide consultation. Don’t let winter condensation become spring mould – call Surrey’s glazing experts.
Find out more information from the Glass & Glazing Federation here
By Jessica Stevens
