How to spot and get rid of condensation in your home

In fact, according to a survey by consumer experts Which?, 31% of participants reported that they had experienced issues with condensation in their homes.

What is condensation?

Condensation is droplets of water that appear on walls and windows, sometimes leading to the formation of dark mould. While more modern properties are designed to keep water out in the first instance, older properties were often built to ‘breathe’, meaning they can typically suffer from condensation issues.

What causes condensation?

A very common form of damp, condensation can be exacerbated by poor ventilation and heating, as this allows warm, damp air to condense. Bathrooms and kitchens can be particularly affected by moist condensation and this can be worsened in the colder months.

How to spot condensation

You can typically identify condensation in your home by noticing water droplets on walls and windows. Sometimes you might see dark mould appearing in the affected areas which may give off an unpleasant, musty smell. To clear condensation from a window, you can simply wipe it with a clean cloth.

If condensation isn’t treated, it can damage plaster and paint and may cause your window frames to decay.

Ways to tackle condensation

There are some things that you can do to resolve issues with condensation in the first instance:

• Increase ventilation in the affected rooms
• Open windows where possible. This can really make a difference
• Consider getting vents installed in air bricks, roof ventilation tiles and in windows
• Install a fan in affected rooms like the kitchen or bathroom. This can help to remove the moisture from the air
• Use a dehumidifier
• Use pan lids when cooking to reduce the moisture created by water boiling. If you have one installed, be sure to use your extractor fan (leave it running for 10-15 minutes after cooking, to help to clear the humid air)
• Dry your clothes outdoors where possible. If this isn’t possible, try to hang them in the bathroom to dry and keep the windows and door fully closed
• Ensure your washing machine and tumble dryer are correctly vented
• Use your extractor fan when using the shower or having a bath. This will remove the steam and moisture that is created by running warm water in a cold environment. If you don’t have an extractor fan in the bathroom, it’s worth considering
• Move furniture away from external walls. This helps air to circulate

Need help with condensation in your home?

Each type of damp needs to be treated in different ways, so the first port of call is to identify the cause of damp and mould in your home. If you’re unsure about the type of damp you have in your home, or the above tips aren’t enough to tackle your condensation properly, our experienced team are here to help.

We have over thirty years’ experience installing damp proofing solutions that can tackle existing damp and stop it coming back. For more information or to arrange a survey of your property, please get in touch with our friendly team today on 01202 737739.