Why Do My Windows and Frames Get Wet in Winter?

If your windows and window frames in Bury are wet every morning during winter, the cause is almost always condensation. This is one of the most common issues we see across Greater Manchester and is frequently misunderstood as a window fault or an external damp problem.

Condensation forms when warm, moisture-laden air inside the home comes into contact with cold surfaces such as glazing, window frames and reveals. In winter, these surfaces cool rapidly overnight, making them the first place moisture settles.

At Weather Wise Solutions — a family-run damp and ventilation specialist — we help homeowners identify why condensation is forming and what needs to change to stop it happening long-term.

🪟 Why Windows and Frames Get Wet in Winter

1️⃣ Overnight Cooling

As external temperatures drop overnight, window glass and frames become the coldest surfaces in the room. When heating is reduced or switched off, surface temperatures fall even further, encouraging condensation by morning.

2️⃣ High Indoor Humidity

Everyday activities release moisture into the air:

Showering and bathing
Cooking
Drying clothes indoors
Occupancy and breathing

Without sufficient ventilation, this moisture builds up and has nowhere to go.

3️⃣ Poor Ventilation and Extraction

Underperforming extractor fans, blocked vents or a lack of background ventilation allow humid air to linger — especially in bedrooms overnight.

4️⃣ Cold Window Reveals

Condensation doesn’t just form on the glass. Cold reveals and frames attract moisture, leading to damp staining, mould growth and peeling paint around windows.

5️⃣ Modern Living in Older Homes

Many Bury homes are now more airtight than they were originally designed to be. While this improves energy efficiency, it also increases condensation risk if ventilation hasn’t been upgraded.

🔍 How We Diagnose Window Condensation Problems

Our inspections focus on moisture behaviour, not just visible symptoms. This includes:

Humidity and moisture assessment
Identification of cold surfaces and thermal weak points
Ventilation performance checks
Assessment of window reveals and frame condition
Ruling out penetrating damp or leaks

This allows us to confirm condensation as the cause — and avoid unnecessary damp treatments.

🌬️ How Condensation on Windows Is Properly Resolved

Solutions are tailored to the home and may include:

✔ Improving Ventilation

Reducing indoor humidity is key. This may involve upgrading extractor fans or introducing whole-house ventilation solutions to manage moisture levels consistently.

✔ Managing Heating Patterns

Maintaining steadier background heat helps keep surface temperatures above the dew point, reducing condensation formation.

✔ Improving Air Circulation

Ensuring airflow reaches window areas prevents moisture from settling on cold frames and reveals.

✔ Using Trusted Materials

Where improvements are required, we use products from established suppliers such as:
🔗 PAM Ties – https://www.pamties.co.uk/
🔗 Wykamol Group – https://wykamol.com/

All advice and recommendations follow guidance from:
🔗 Federation of Damp – https://federationofdamp.co.uk/
🔗 Damp Proofing Association – https://www.dampproofingassociation.co.uk/

For independent reassurance, you can also view our profiles on:
🔗 TrustATrader – https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/weather-wise-solutions-limited-damp-surveyor-newcastle-under-lyme
🔗 Checkatrade – https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/weatherwisesolutionslimited