How do I keep moisture from getting into my windowsills?

Every winter condensation builds up and my window sills have moisture on them. How do I make a better seal?

  6 answers
  • Mary Dodge Mary Dodge on Jan 05, 2019

    Ouch! I had this problem before I got replacement windows. Haven't had it since.

  • Gk Gk on Jan 05, 2019

    Hello Mare! This is one of the reasons why I use the plastic shrink wrap products over my windows in the winter. I had condensation and moisture along the bottom of the window glass and on the area where in the double hung windows meet each other and lock. Sometimes my windows would even be frozen shut so I couldn't open them on a nice winter day. Knowing that over time the moisture would destroy the inside wood frames I made the decision to use the window kits even though I have newer windows. I have no condensation now and my interior wood window frames will last much longer. I do live in a very cold climate, have good quality brand name windows, and I thought I could get by without the plastic kits--but adding them has made a difference to the condensation issue that comes with living in a c old climate and keeping a house warm!

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Jan 05, 2019

    Mare,. Your house isn't warm enough. With heating bills skyrocketing in the winter this is not the time to lower the heat. I have the same problem,. I wipe the windows with a rag and set up an humidifier, that should take out the moisture. We keep our heat on, and keep it low, I live in the North East. Aloha!

    • See 1 previous
    • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Jan 06, 2019

      Disregard the message I sent you. I meant heating bills are high, and we have to try to keep the temperature down if we can. Yes, use a dehumidifier, to remove moisture. Sorry. Aloha!

  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 05, 2019

    Hi, Mare,

    Have you any plants under your windows? If so, they can add unwanted moisture/humidity to windows. Removing screens and storing them in your basement during winter should also make a difference.

    Purchase a dehumidifier and set it to run until humidity attains a level of no more than 40%. If your windows still have too much moisture, lower the humidity setting by 5% until the problem is cured.

    Using exhaust fans in the winter may remove some heat, but you'd be stunned by the amount of humidity created when cooking/baking/microwaving.

    Be strict about using bath exhaust fans during baths/showers and for at least 20 min. after every shower. Use a squeegee to wipe walls, tile, ceilings of excess moisture (once you start wiping ceilings, you'll be surprised at the amount of "hidden moisture".

    If you have a large patio window, cover it with thermal draperies to reduce room heat transfer to colder glass.

  • Mare Owens Sheppard Mare Owens Sheppard on Jan 08, 2019

    Thanks. Due to health reasons, I have been told to run my cold mist humidifier. I will look into sealing the windows.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 01, 2022

    Place damp collectors on the window ledge and empty or replace them as required. They are really cheap.