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Top Tips To Reduce Condensation

Can Condensation Damage My Property?

An often overlooked fact for homeowners, landlords and tenants alike is that condensation is actually the leading cause of damp problems in properties across the UK.

While low levels of condensation are generally harmless, the problem stems from the fact that owners/occupiers assume that this is always the case and fail to take the simple precautions that would effectively prevent condensation developing into serious property problems.

Failing to act on excessive condensation can result in wallpaper blistering and stripping from the walls, the appearance of blotchy damp marks, and in some cases cause the growth and spread of mould - of which some forms have been found to be harmful to human and animal health.

Where Does Condensation Come From?

Essentially, condensation forms when water vapour in the air comes into contact with a surface cooler than itself, causing the vapour to condense and form a liquid, leaving behind the signature droplets of water that we all recognise as condensation.

Unfortunately we can never eliminate condensation entirely because this water vapour is created through unavoidable daily tasks that release moisture filled air into the atmosphere such as bathing, cooking and even simply breathing. Shockingly studies have shown that the average person will produce the equivalent of four pints of water vapour per day just through these routine tasks, meaning that a family of four will release an astonishing 112 pints of water into the home per week.

How To Reduce Condensation In The Home

The good news is that there are numerous steps we can take in order to significantly reduce condensation levels in our homes and prevent associated damp problems from ever appearing.

●      Increase ventilation by opening a window – This will replace damp air with fresh and dry air. We suggest that if possible you should leave a window open for up to 20 minutes after cooking or bathing to allow the moisture to escape.

●      Make use of extractor fans – These help to remove steam and damp air in condensation hotspots like Bathrooms and Kitchens

●      Keep doors closed – As long as there is a source of ventilation in the room, this will prevent damp and humid air entering other rooms.

●      Wipe down cold surfaces – surfaces such as tiled walls and windows will attract condensation so take a moment after showering or cooking to quickly dry them off.

●      Cover pots and pans while cooking – This will reduce the amount of moisture that is released into the cooler air.

Professional Condensation Treatment

A minority of people will find that even despite taking the above precautions, their condensation and damp problems still persist. If you find yourself falling into this bracket then it would be sensible to consider professional condensation treatment before it gets to the point where costly repairs may be required.

There are a variety of condensation solutions to suit your particular requirements, ranging from whole house ventilation units to heat saving extractor fans for particularly humid rooms like Kitchens and Bathrooms.  Alternatively you might have noticed one particular area where staining is particularly persistent, in which case anti-condensation paint could restore the room to its fresh and welcoming natural state.

Find out more about condensation solutions from the property preservation experts at our page: https://www.petercox.com/our-services/condensation/solutions/