Condensation and Mould
Why do you get condensation?
Air can only hold a certain amount of water vapour therefore the warmer it is the
more it can hold. If it is then cooled by contact with cold surfaces such as mirrors,
windows and walls the water vapour turns into water droplets, which creates
condensation. All homes need ventilating i.e. opening a window, if there is a
central heating system in place.
When is it a problem?
Every home at some point will get condensation, it usually happens when moisture such as having a
bath and steam are produced, when a main meal is being cooked and when your clothes are being
washed. It often occurs in bedroom, if its been a cold night and there is not a lot you can do about
this. However, if you feel its something that happens too often then please read on for more
advice…..
How do you know if it is condensation?
Condensation is usually found on north-facing walls and in corners in cupboards and under work
surfaces, usually where there is little air movement. You should check for leaks under sinks, check
pipes and overflows. Checking outside is important too as the gutter might have a crack or pipes
may be leaking. All of these repairs can be reported to us on 01869 249499. If you are
living in a new or recently modernised property, you should take into consideration that it may not
have dried out from building materials that have been used. This can take 9-18 months. You may
need to use more heat during the 9-18 months.
What can you do about it?
1. Cupboards and wardrobes - Don’t overfill cupboards and wardrobes , always make sure that some air can circulate freely by fitting ventilators in doors and leaving space at the back of the shelves.
2. Doors - Keep kitchen and bathroom doors shut, particularly when cooking, washing or bathing, otherwise water vapour will spread right through the house and condensation will probably reach other rooms.
3. Extractor fans - always use the extractor fan when you’re cooking, showering or bathing.
4 Reduce the amount of moisture produced in the first place by keeping lids on pans when cooking, drying clothes outside when possible, and if you use a tumble dryer, making sure it’s vented to the outside.
5. Ventilate so the moist air leaves the house – leave any window vents open, and don’t block off any other vents.
6. While you don’t want to waste money heating rooms you don’t use, very cold rooms are more likely to get damp and mould. Set the thermostatic radiator valve to 1 in unused rooms so the radiator gives out a little bit of heat whenever you have the heating on. If you don’t have central heating, consider using a room heater with a timer and temperature control. Remember, unused rooms will need a good airing from time to time.
7. Wipe down your windows every morning as each person roughly breathes about 330mL of moisture into the air over night.
Mould Growth
If you have mould growth, the chances are that it is a result of condensation. It is important that you remove mould by washing down affected areas with a bleach type solution or a mould removal solution (available from most supermarkets) as untreated mould will spread.
The only permanent cure is to reduce the amount of condensation.