"Combatting Window, Door, and Skylight Condensation: Winter Tips"
- mooreskylights
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14
Condensation can occur in skylights when they aren’t properly sealed/installed, or when your home has excessive humidity. If you're dealing with this issue, there are a few temporary fixes to help you get through the winter months until you can schedule a proper repair in the spring. (Note: Skylight repairs are not recommended during winter months, as membranes and sealants may not adhere properly in colder temperatures.)
Today’s skylights often feature built-in condensation gaskets that are designed to remove moisture from the perimeter of the glass and expel it outside. However, if your gasket is old, broken down, or frozen due to winter conditions, the moisture may overflow, causing water to run down your drywall or drip onto the floor below. So, how can you manage this issue during the winter months?
1. Use a Floor Fan to Improve Airflow and eliminate Skylight condensation
Point a floor fan up into the skylight’s tunnel. This airflow will help dry out the gasket and circulate warm air, preventing excess condensation from building up. Airflow is one of your most effective solutions.
2. Lower Humidity Levels
Consider turning down your home’s humidity or using a dehumidifier in the area near the skylight. Warm air, especially air with moisture, rises and meets the cold surface of the skylight, which creates condensation. By reducing the moisture in the air, you can minimize this effect.
3. Keep Exhaust Fans On After Showers or Baths
Always run the exhaust fan when taking a shower or bath. Without proper ventilation, steam from the hot water rises and moves toward the skylight once the bathroom door is opened. This can lead to significant moisture buildup. Keep the fan on to help expel the steam and moisture.
4. Cover Pots While Cooking
When cooking, especially in the winter, keep lids on pots to contain steam. Steam naturally rises, and if left unchecked, it will travel to the highest point in your home—your skylight. Make sure your kitchen exhaust fan is running to help remove the moisture from the air.
5. Turn On Your Ceiling Fan at Night
If you have a ceiling fan near your skylight, turn it on and set it to the updraft mode. This will help circulate the air and reduce condensation by keeping the air moving, especially during the colder months when still air tends to trap moisture. Air movement is your friend when it comes to controlling condensation!
6. Allow Time for Your Home to Acclimate
Once there’s a temperature swing of about 10 degrees or more, it typically takes 3-4 days for your home to climatize. During this time, keep the fan running. This will help the gasket regain its effectiveness, and you’ll start seeing it perform properly again as the temperature stabilizes.
6. Windows and Doors
The easy part of dealing with window and door condensation is simply grabbing a rag and wiping it away. Lowering humidity levels, keeping blinds fully open at night, and improving ventilation can also help tremendously. However, skylights are often out of reach, making them more difficult to manage. For skylights, we recommend applying the same methods—lowering humidity, improving airflow, and keeping the space well-ventilated. If you can access your skylight, such as in a loft, then you can simply wipe away the moisture, just like you would with a window.
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