How to Prevent Condensation on Aluminium Window Frames?
Main takeaways
- Condensation on aluminium windows happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface
- Common causes include high humidity levels, poor ventilation and temperature drops
- Modern aluminium windows from Sherborne are built with thermal breaks and energy-efficient glazing to minimise condensation
- Regular cleaning and good airflow are essential to maintaining aluminium window frames
- Preventing condensation helps protect your home, improve comfort and avoid costly repairs
Condensation on aluminium windows is a natural occurrence, especially during the colder months. It’s what happens when warm air full of water vapour hits a cooler surface, like your window panes or metal frames, and the water condenses into droplets. This is often called window sweating, and while it’s normal, it can be frustrating.
In this guide, we’ll explain what causes it, how to prevent it, and why Sherborne’s modern aluminium windows are the smart choice for keeping your home dry, warm and energy efficient across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and London.
Understanding condensation
Condensation forms when the surface temperature of your windows or aluminium frames drops below the dew point of the air inside your home.
The dew point is the temperature at which air can no longer hold all its moisture – causing that excess moisture to settle on colder surfaces.
Common causes of window condensation
- High humidity levels – From cooking, showers and even breathing
- Temperature drop – Especially overnight when air temperature cools suddenly
- Poor ventilation – Not enough fresh air flow to remove moist air
- Old aluminium windows – May lack modern insulation features like a thermal break
- Window seals or air leaks – Letting in cold draughts around the outer frame
Rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, where there’s more water vapour in the air, are often the worst affected.
How to maintain aluminium windows?
Aluminium windows are low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean no maintenance at all. Regular upkeep helps avoid issues like condensation build-up and prolongs the lifespan of your frames.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Wipe down window sills and inner frames regularly with a dry microfibre cloth
- Check window seals to make sure they’re intact and free from defects
- Open windows regularly to release moist air and let in fresh air
- Clean trickle vents and ensure they’re not blocked
- Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathroom vents after showers
How to prevent condensation on aluminium window frames
Preventing condensation isn’t about removing all moisture from the air, it’s about controlling it. With the right practices, you can keep your home healthy and your windows dry.
- Improve airflow
Open windows for short periods each day to allow fresh air to replace humid air. Use extractor fans or dehumidifiers in different parts of the house, especially where moisture builds up.
- Manage humidity levels
Indoor relative humidity should sit between 30%–50%. You can measure this with a cheap hygrometer. Aim to dry clothes outdoors and use lids when boiling water to reduce excess moisture.
- Upgrade to modern aluminium windows
Our modern aluminium windows feature a thermal break, a layer of insulating material between the inner frame and outer frame that reduces thermal transfer. This keeps the inner frame warmer and minimises condensation forming.
- Use double or triple glazing
Efficient windows with double glazing or triple glazing keep cold air out and warm air in. This reduces the chance of cool surfaces forming indoors and prevents condensation on aluminium window frames.
- Regular maintenance and inspection
Keep an eye out for air leaks, defects of the window, or damage to the seals. If cold air is sneaking in, the surface temperature of the frame will drop, creating the perfect conditions for condensation.
Why it’s important to prevent condensation
You might be tempted to ignore a bit of water on your windows, but long-term condensation can lead to a range of problems.
The risks of regular condensation
- Mould growth – This can cause respiratory problems, especially in children and elderly residents
- Damage to the window frame – Moisture can lead to staining or corrosion of metal parts
- Warped sills or plaster damage – Persistent water build-up can damage window sills and nearby walls
- Reduced energy efficiency – Damp windows can create cold spots and encourage heat loss
Benefits of condensation-free aluminium windows
Keeping condensation at bay isn’t just about avoiding damage, it also brings a number of clear benefits to your home.
Why aluminium windows are a great choice
- Slim sightlines – Maximise natural light intake through large panes, perfect for patio doors, bay windows and more
- Energy-efficient design – Our windows achieve U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K when triple glazed
- Durable and low maintenance – Powder-coated finishes resist corrosion, even in exposed environments
- Secure by design – Our windows meet PAS 24 and Secured by Design standards for safety
- Stylish flexibility – Over 200 RAL colours available, including popular grey, Chartwell Green and cream finishes
Aluminium windows from Sherborne
At Sherborne, we supply and install high-quality aluminium windows across Southern England, designed to withstand the region’s varied climate while offering exceptional performance and longevity.
Styles available
We offer a wide selection of aluminium window styles to suit every home:
- Casement windows – Classic, versatile and practical
- Tilt and turn windows – Ideal for easy cleaning and improved ventilation
- Bay windows – Open up your space and make the most of outdoor views
- Aluco steel-look windows – Inspired by Art Deco and industrial design for that desirable steel look
Colours and hardware
Our aluminium windows come in a full range of RAL colours with optional dual-colour finishes. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of vintage cream or the bold statement of modern grey, we’ll help you find the perfect match. Sleek hardware options are available for a seamless finish.
FAQs
Can condensation damage aluminium window frames?
Yes, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause discolouration or corrosion, especially around metal parts or damaged seals.
How do thermal breaks prevent condensation?
A thermal break separates the inner and outer frame, reducing heat loss and keeping the interior frame surface warmer—so condensation forms less easily.
Why do older windows get more condensation?
Older windows often lack double glazing and insulation. This means their frames and panes get colder, encouraging moisture to condense on the surface.
Who are Sherborne?
We’re Sherborne Windows—your local home improvement experts with over 30 years of experience. Since 1990, we’ve proudly delivered honest advice, top-quality products and award-winning installations across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and South West London.
With showrooms in Windlesham, Farnborough, Hartley Wintney and Sunningdale, we offer a truly local service backed by long-term guarantees and a friendly, expert team. We’re certified by FENSA, BlueSky and Assure, and we’re winners of the GGP Installer Awards and G11 Awards for our excellent standards.
Whether you’re upgrading your windows, doors or planning a full conservatory project, we’re here to help, start to finish. Call us today on 01252 370917.
