Ironically, condensation is often caused by improvements to buildings. Insulation, draft proofing and double glazing are great things to have, but they all reduce ventilation and can increase the relative air humidity, which is the amount of moisture in the air in your home.
The moisture content of the air in your home can be raised by everyday living – from simple things like running a bath or drying your clothes. Moisture can build up during warm temperatures and then condense on cold surfaces when it cools back down, which can lead to damage within your home.
Look out for the most common signs of condensation, which are:
- Water running down windows
- Damaged decorations
- Black mould growth
- Unpleasant musty smells
How To Stop Condensation?
COOKING PRECAUTIONS
Simple things like keeping the lids on saucepans, keeping extraction fans on and not letting kettles boil continuously will all help keep moisture levels down in your home.
IMPROVE VENTILATION
Improve the air flow in your property by keeping windows open and opening the trickle vents on windows, especially during times of high moisture. Also ensure that your mechanical ventilation system is working properly.
FURNITURE GAPS
Keeping a small gap between furniture and walls can improve airflow and prevent moist air from being trapped and causing condensation and mould over time.
PROPERTY AIRWAYS KEPT CLEAN
Air bricks are built into properties to let fresh air in, and if they become covered or obstructed the air will not be able to circulate.
COVERING FISH TANKS
A simple cover over a fish tank will greatly reduce the amount of water vapour being released into your home.
CHANGING BATHROOM BEHAVIOURS
Bathrooms generate considerable moisture, so you should keep extractor fans on, open windows while showering, and keep the door shut to stop moisture laden air reaching other rooms.
DRYING CLOTHES OUTSIDE
Clothes should be dried outside whenever possible to prevent increased moisture levels. If this cannot be done, then dry them in a room with good airflow with the door shut or use a vented tumble dryer.
TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT
If you lower the heating by a few degrees in the winter but leave it on longer, then you will be able to prevent major temperature swings in your property and potential moisture build up and cold spots to surfaces.
DOUBLE GLAZING AND INSULATION
Installing new double-glazed windows and increasing the amount of insulation in your loft will reduce heat loss and can reduce condensation in your property.
Mould is a fungus that originates from airborne spores that then germinate in areas where condensed water is present. Mould will develop on organic materials such as wallpaper, plaster and paint, and tend to be a result of humid conditions and a lack of ventilation.
Bathrooms and kitchens are usually more vulnerable to black mould due to the excess moisture that is created in these rooms. If the ventilation systems are not adequate in these two areas then condensation will occur and black mould could result. Bedrooms can also suffer from this problem due to the amount of moisture created by people breathing overnight when sleeping and a lack of ventilation. If excessive moisture and condensation is allowed to gather over a prolonged period, this may result in black mould developing.
There are many cases when simply opening a window or installing an extraction fan will not solve your condensation problems, and when this happens, it is time to seek help from a professional. Our professional damp surveyors will inspect your property and specify the most appropriate condensation solutions for your property problem. This might involve removing a structural cold spot, or it could be a powerful extraction fan or a positive ventilation system to keep air moving through your home.
CONTROLLING HUMIDITY
In order to control the humidity levels in your home, you can help your extractor fans work more efficiently by closing the door to these rooms after cooking or bathing. You can also reduce moisture levels by drying clothes outside or in a vented tumble dryer.
PROVIDING VENTILATION
You can provide more ventilation to your property by keeping your window trickle vents open at all times. However, if the issue persists, you may need to introduce mechanical ventilation in the form of a positive air system. These units draw fresh air from outside, pass the air through filters, and if required, heat the air before blowing it into your property. This in turn pushes moist air out of the property and reduces the humidity and condensation levels.
ADDING INSULATION
By adding insulation to your walls, you prevent warm air from condensing on a cold surface, which means less condensation and potential mould. Insulating your property in general also lifts the temperature in your home above the dew point, which therefore stops condensation occurring.
Our qualified condensation specialists will investigate your property to determine the cause of the condensation. Our team of experienced property surveyors are highly trained in all types of damp and rot problems, which means we always give the appropriate remedial recommendations no matter what problem is identified.
