Maintenance

Doorglass

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How to minimize condensation

Conditions that cause condensation are present in all households. Condensation is caused by day-by-day activities such as showers, baths, cooking and laundry. Also, the evaporation of anything containing water (wood, wet clothing drying inside, fresh paint...) and outside temperature (rain, humidity) can cause condensation.

In order to minimize condensation, it is NECESSARY to respect these simple rules:

• Ventilate the house by opening windows for a brief period every day.
• Open curtains to allow circulation of air around the window.
• Bathrooms should be well ventilated and the doors should be closed when the bath tub or shower is in use.
• Always use the kitchen fan when cooking.
• Follow CMHC recommendations concerning the use of a humidifier.
• All rooms, even if unoccupied, should be heated to a minimum of 10 degrees C.
• Humidity level in the home should be balanced with outdoor temperature.

Condensation on your window and door

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation recommends the following concerning condensation on windows and doors:

To prevent window and door condensation during the heating season, the recommended indoor relative humidity is 30 to 50%. When it is below -10°C (14°F) outdoors, the recommended indoor relative humidity is 30%.

We need humidity for our comfort and health. But too much or too little humidity can produce a host of difficulties for householders:

	Too much humidity	Too little humidity
Typical symptoms	Condensation on windows Wet stains on walls and ceilings Moldy bathroom Musty smells Allergic reactions	Chapped skin and lips Scratchy nose and throat Breathing problems Static and sparks Problems with electronic equipment
Long-term effects	Damage to the house and its contents Ongoing allergies Other health problems	Continuing discomfort Damage to furniture and other items

Source: Moisture and Air: Householder's Guide - Problems and Remedies, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Venting units

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Practical advice

If the venting unit does not slide up and down easily, apply a silicone based lubricant on the moving part of the vent.

Installing a screen in a venting unit :

To remove the screen

1. Pull back on the left plastic screen clip and hold.
2. Slide screen towards the left plastic clip.
3. Remove screen by pushing out right side of screen.

To install the screen (from the outside of the house)

1. Fit the screen into the left track.
2. Slide the screen to the left.
3. Push in on the 2 right corners for a snug fit.