How do you Stop your Aluminium Windows from Sweating During Winter in Sydney

21 May 2021

Aluminium windows often sweat during Sydney’s winter. So, how do you stop it? Find out our tips and tricks to avoid it!

With winter approaching Sydney, there’s a common problem that every residential and commercial property owner expects with their aluminium windows – sweating. Sweating in aluminium windows is not unique to the material of aluminium as it occurs with any window during Australia’s autumn and winter. While not a major issue, condensation on windows can be a nuisance in homes and is best avoided.

Why do Sydneysiders experience sweating with aluminium windows?

Whether timber, metal or aluminium, most Sydneysiders will experience sweating with their  windows. Sweating is a symptom of your home’s environment, not the window.

First, condensation occurs when warm air (from the inside) hits cold surfaces (e.g. glass windows during winter). It can also occur when there is  too much humidity in your home. In Sydney, when winter sets in, residents shut all doors and windows, sealing off natural ventilation and airflow because of the low temperatures. Without air circulating throughout the home, condensation builds up in the windows. Warm and humid indoor air cools and contracts; as it contacts the cooler windows, the moisture condenses on the glass.

It’s important to note that window condensation can occur on both new and old windows and is indicative of the temperature inside and outside as well as poor ventilation of the home  (due to the windows being shut because of the weather) rather than the quality of its furnishings.

Interior window condensation is what many people have issues with because of the difficulty to remove it  (you cannot easily physically touch the condensation). While this may be a result of steam from your shower or heat from your stove, it can also be a case of above-average humidity levels in your home.

Should you worry about condensation on your aluminium windows?

While condensation on  aluminium windows, or any part of your home, can be annoying, it will not affect your aluminium window’s life. In addition to aluminium being, by nature, highly weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant, A-Tech Australia’s products are extremely durable, meaning that they will perform and remain aesthetically and functionally robust for years to come, with or without moisture.

With that being said, condensation on your windows is still inconvenient which is why in this article, we’ll examine how to reduce it in your home.

What makes condensation on aluminium windows worse?

Before discussing how to stop condensation, let’s take a look at what exacerbates it. The following factors increase the amount of moisture in the air. When coupled with shut aluminium windows  and doors (poor ventilation), condensation builds up on your aluminium windows.

  • Drying your laundry indoors
  • Cooking 
  • Large number of people living in a small space
  • Showering 

How to prevent condensation on your aluminium windows

Use your fans

When cooking, ensure that you use your exhaust fan to facilitate proper ventilation. Similarly, when drying your clothes using a machine, ensure that the vent is working properly. Cooking and drying are activities that are notorious for producing a quick build-up of warm air inside the home. By ensuring that your vent is in proper working order, you can prevent a rapid appearance of condensation on your windows.

If you do not have an exhaust fan in your home, then consider opening your windows during these activities.

Circulate the air

As mentioned previously, one of the main reasons that condensation on aluminium windows occurs so frequently is that during Sydney’s winter, it is extremely rainy and cold, causing residents to leave windows shut for the  majority of the season. This prevents air from circulating and instead, causes a build-up of warm air.

To circulate the air, try installing a ceiling fan to move warm air from your room. With this option, you won’t have to suffer through having your windows open when  it’s cold outside. Alternatively, you can also try leaving the windows open when you are not at home. For a more permanent solution, try installing A-Tech Australia’s aluminium awning window, which prevents rain from entering your home but facilitates ventilation throughout your home.

Open your window treatments

Condensation is more likely to happen when your window treatments are drawn. Drawn drapes or curtains aid in trapping heat which cools on the window, causing condensation. If you find that opening  your window treatments is too invasive or insecure for you, then try doing it when you’re not at home. This will at least prevent you from coming home to a build-up of condensation.

Though condensation is not a serious issue, it is certainly one that homeowners prefer  to avoid. We hope that our tips will alleviate any issues that you may be experiencing.

If condensation on your aluminium windows or doors is becoming a massive issue, then call 1300 775 525 to speak with an A-Tech Australia advisor. We’ll listen to your concerns and then, walk you through our products and advise you on what will be best for your needs and property.