Do Roller Blinds Cause Condensation?

Do Roller Blinds Cause Condensation? Do Roller Blinds Cause Condensation?
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How to Prevent Condensation on Windows



If you are wondering whether your roller blind is causing condensation on your window or just looking for tips to help limit the impact, you’re in the right place!


The issue of condensation on windows has been going on for years - unless you’re of the generation who remembers ice on the window.


The simple answer to whether roller blinds cause condensation is this: no. This is because the roller blind is excluded on a pedantic technicality. The technicality is this: a roller blind can’t cause condensation because it doesn’t produce moisture or heat. There, I’ve got that out of the way, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.


Causes of condensation, an analogy


Condensation on a cold glass bottle of beer on a hot summer's dayThink of a hot, humid summer’s day; the sun beats down on your sweating brow. You reach into your fridge and pull out an ice cold bottle of beer. Between refreshing sips, you notice your beer-holding hand is damp from the beads of moisture running down the bottle. You’ve never stopped to consider this phenomenon before, but today is the day you find out just why moisture appears on the bottle.


The crux of it is this: the warm air cools in the air around the bottle, reaching its dew point.


The dew point is the temperature air cools to and becomes saturated with water vapour, which is settling on the bottle of beer. Science and beer are one and the same, who’d have thought it? And there you were thinking the beer bottle was just sweating.


A similar concept applies to your windows during the winter. The air inside your home should be significantly warmer than the cold air outside, and as such the warm moist air comes into contact and cools on the glass, creating condensation.


The levels of condensation can increase if there is a higher level of humidity in the room, such as from drying clothes, a tumble dryer, a group of people, steam from cooking, showering and other forms of warm running water. This all adds humidity to the room.


Problems caused by window condensation


Mouldy window caused by condensation and dampSo what’s the big deal? It’s just water after all. Condensation itself is harmless but the issues arise when the moisture causes damp. Once damp sets in you can end up with mould, which looks like little black dots around your window frame (or even on it), and the wall of the recess.


If you come across mould in your home you really should treat it because it can release harmful spores which are not very nice to inhale. You can end up with an allergic reaction, irritated eyes and nose, and you may struggle to breathe, particularly if you’re asthmatic.


Damp can also cause mould to grow on your blind, perhaps up in the rolls or down by the bottom bar. This is particularly noticeable if the blind itself becomes damp through contact with the wet glass. This is an indicator that the blind is too close to the glass and you should consider moving it away. Bring the blind down, un-roll it and let it dry out fully.


Also, damp can spread through the walls and ceiling and becomes tougher to remove, which can end up being quite a costly task. It is best to tackle it as soon as you see it, or do your best to prevent it in the first place.


Preventing condensation on windows


A window being opened by someone to let in fresh airWhilst we’ve established roller blinds can’t cause condensation (because they are breathless and warmthless), they can exacerbate the situation.


The secret is air flow. Preventing the air from remaining still will reduce the amount of condensation, simply because the warm air can’t become trapped between the blind and the window.


Ideally, you would want warm air to cool off and sink, with fresh warm above air moving in to replace it, which in turn cools off, drops and is replaced. This creates a continuous cycle of air moving over the cold surface but never sticking around long enough to reach the dew point. Air will naturally cool near the window, but keeping the flow of air is what will save your panes from a drenching.


This is where a roller blind can encourage condensation on windows. This is because they can trap warm air against the glass, giving it nowhere to go but Dew Point City on the Cold Air Express.


With this in mind, it is important to encourage air flow to the window whenever you get the chance. When the blind is not in use, raise it and open a window for a short while to dry out the window and frame. Consider improving the ventilation in the room; don’t keep doors closed (particularly bathroom doors) and consider combating the humidity level with a dehumidifier.


With regards to whether a roller blind is right for you, then consider this: if you have an excessive amount of condensation then it would suggest that there are bigger issues at play here. A lot of people can have a roller blind and get a small amount of condensation but it will never develop in to mould or damp - a roller blind won’t cause damp every time.


However, if you’re finding excessive levels of condensation, you may find that the overall ventilation in your home is a wider problem that should be addressed. If it is too airtight then you may find ventilation to be a problem. Some newer homes are well insulated which can keep them very warm which encourages more moisture in the air whilst stopping cooler air entering. You may need an air brick to let in external air or a ventilator or extractor fan. Older homes are usually a little draftier and this may negate this need.


Practical condensation considerations when installing a blind


Here are some handy tips if you are concerned about window condensation in your home and are thinking of buying a blind.


- Don’t install the blind too close to the window. Consider an exact fit blind (outside the recess)

- Consider breathable fabrics such as Teramo and Palermo which has a slightly more open weave. Avoid PVC blackout fabrics if the problem is serious

- If condensation is a particular problem in your home, consider buying a venetian blind or vertical blind instead. This will allow air to flow more easily through the slats and louvres.

- Allow your window to dry by raising your blind when not in use, opening a window or wiping off excess moisture.

- Experiment with different heights of closing the blind, as you may find that having a gap between the window sill and the bottom of the blind can improve airflow around the window.


Overall, a roller blind is a great way to shade your window and will not cause major levels of condensation if you apply some consideration to the installation and keep an eye on things. We don’t believe condensation to be a true negative to owning a roller window blind, in fact, it shows how well the roller blind is helping to keep the cold from entering your room.


Browse our selection of roller blinds today and order your free sample to see our fabric in person!