Doors and Windows - condensation on new windows

we built a new home this last year. we put in double pane windows with vinyl casings. the outside walls have 6" insulation. this winter most of the windows have condensation on them in the mornings. what would cause this and is there any way to alleviate this problem? Thank you Rena

Heat is attracted to cooler surfaces, where it condenses. If the condensation is occurring at the bottom sash and/or where the two sashes meet, it usually indicates that the window is not shutting tight enough. Call back the contractor and there are ways for him to adjust the latch and/or weather-stripping that will make the closing tighter.

If calling the contractor is not possible or if you'd like to do it yourself, you could buy foam weather-stripping at Home Depot, Lowes, Sears or most hardware stores. Put a strip at the bottom of the inner sash and top of the outer sash. This should make the window tighter when you close it. Just make sure you clean the surfaces before applying the weather-stripping.

resercom, thanks for the help. the moisture is actually on the window glass. so does that mean the window isn't sealed tight into the casing? all the windows in the bedrooms, utility room and one kitchen window are doing this. They are Summit windows. Thanks again Rena

The cause of your problem is too much humidity in the air inside your house. New building materials will take a while to "dry out."
This problem is becomming more and more common as homes are built tighter and tighter for energy efficiency. This does not allow the house to "breath" and "exhaust" excess humidity. Curtains around windows exacerbate the problem as they cut down on air circulation and therefore don't let the moisture dry up. A dehumidifier will work if the problem is really bad. The good news is that you have a "tight" house; the bad news is that excess humidity in a house over time can cause mold if the problem persists.

Good Luck!
John

Thanks Lucky 13. we did want a good energy effecient home, so guess that's what's causing it. i don't have drapes, so that should help and so far the moisture has been minimal. guess i will just keep wiping it away for now. thanks for the help. rena

Lucky is correct about the humidity. If your heating system does not dry out the house and the condensation continues to be a problem, a dehumidifier would be very helpful in reducing humidity levels in your home.