Condensation
Condensation occurs in almost every home in the UK. In most cases it will be a temporary occurrence, perhaps just causing misting in the bathroom after a shower has been used. In more serious cases it can ruin decorations, clothing and furniture; it can also be a risk to health.
Why does it occur?
Air contains water vapour; and warm air can hold a lot more than cold air. If moist air comes into contact with a cold surface the air next to the point of contact is cooled. If the air is cooled below a certain temperature ( known as the dew point), the water vapour condenses on the cold surface.
What does it look like?
- Walls or ceilings may have a “misty” surface
- Staining or streaks of water running down a wall, particularly in a bathroom or kitchen
- Stains or streaks below windows
- Patches of mould, often found on skirting boards and exposed pipes, not just walls and ceilings
- Dampness/ mould behind curtains or large furnishings set against external walls (wardrobes for example)
Where does the moisture come from?
- Us…we each expel roughly 1.6 litres of water a day
- Showers
- Drying clothes over radiators
- Cooking
- Having a bath
- Unvented tumble driers
How can it be stopped?
In all honesty, it can’t but there are steps that you can take to reduce the likelihood of condensation having a negative effect on your home:
- Limiting the amount of water vapour produced
- Ventilating rooms to remove moist air
- Maintaining a warm temperature in your home
- Not drying clothes on radiators
- Closing bathroom doors during and after a bath or shower
- Ensuring that extractor fans are installed and working well in both kitchens and bathrooms
- Improving airflow by pulling large furnishings away from walls
*Tip - This may sound counterintuitive, but opening your windows each morning for at least 15 minutes will actually help to reduce the cost to heat your home!