After warm moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, condensation will occur. Failure to treat condensation could lead to mould, fungus and rot thus reducing the strength of the surface affected. Condensation on windows is the most common complaint. Below are 10 quick tips to combat condensation effectively.
1. Always look to dry your clothes outside. While this may not always be possible thanks to the weather, it is important to note that allowing clothes to dry indoors on radiators increases the level of condensation within the home. If you are forced to dry clothes indoors, leave them in the bathroom with a window open if possible.
2. When cooking, use minimal water and keep the lids on the pans.
3. Ensure all doors in your home are closed when rooms are not in use. As well as saving energy, you will stop moist air from spreading.
4.After showering, ensure your bathroom is ventilated for around 15 minutes afterwards. The easiest way to do this is by leaving a window open.
5. Cross-ventilation is a great way of preventing condensation from affecting your home. While we already stated that you should leave all your doors closed whenever possible, break this rule for 60 minutes each day. Leave every single internal door open and open one window upstairs and another one downstairs. These windows should also be in opposite positions within the home.
6. Even your cupboards and drawers need to be ventilated on occasion to stop the spread of condensation. Always try and make sure that these drawers and cupboards are placed against internal walls instead of external ones. If possible, put your heavy furniture on top of small blocks for a short period of time to allow air to circulate beneath and never push household appliances or furniture against the wall.
7. As much as possible, try and keep every room in the home heated in some way during cold weather. With rising energy prices, it is not a good idea financially to have your heating running all day but it is important to note that condensation is caused by cold surfaces. A small amount of heat over a long period of time is much better than a short burst of heat.
8. Steam production can be a real issue when running a bath. To reduce the steam produced by around 90%, run cold water first before adding the hot water.
9. Resist the urge to draft-proof every door and window in the home. Ensure one or two doors or windows are open and allow air to circulate.
10. Never leave condensation on your windows in the morning. Wipe it away as soon as possible or else water will spread to the walls thus causing black mould. Interestingly, UK Tenancy agreements state that it is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure condensation does not damage property.
When it comes to the issue of condensation, follow the tips above and you will hopefully avoid damage to your home. Prevention always trumps cure but if mould does appear, there are special sprays that can treat it which are available in most DIY stores.
