For most of us, condensation during winter is as normal as endless rain and the occasional storm. However, condensation isn’t necessarily as harmless as it seems.
What is condensation?
Condensation is the result of water vapour in the air condensing when it comes into contact with a cold surface. In the winter, warm air in your house, especially your kitchen or bathroom, can deposit water droplets on cold windows and walls.
How can you reduce condensation?
The best way to avoid condensation is to keep the air moving around your home and reduce the amount of water vapour (humidity) in the air. The easiest way to do this is by ventilating your home properly. This means using your extractor fans when you are cooking or showering and keeping doors and windows open to allow a steady flow through the home. During winter, when your focus is on keeping warm air in, try to keep doors open as much as possible and open windows on warmer, dry days.
Dehumidifiers are an effective way of reducing condensation. There was a time where domestic dehumidifiers were limited to disposable ones or small ones, which aren’t incredibly effective. Now it is possible to buy relatively low-cost, high-volume dehumidifiers that you can keep on in your home all the time. These have the advantage of effectively reducing the moisture content of the air as well as making it easier to heat your home.
Can you prevent condensation?
Condensation prevention depends on its causes. If you are guilty of cooking or showering without using an extractor fan, then prevention may be relatively easy. Tempting as it is to hang your washing on your radiators to dry, this is a serious condensation-causer and can damage your décor, too. If you have to dry your washing inside, use a dehumidifier or invest in a heated, covered drying rack. At the very least, hang your washing in a contained space such as the bathroom with the extractor fan on.
However, if you live in an older house with after-build installed double glazing, you may need to look at a more structural solution, such as installing vents or additional extractors. A builder or damp specialist will be able to advise you of the best course of action.
If you feel as though your condensation is becoming a problem, for example if your walls and windows are always wet to the touch, if you notice damp patches on the walls, or you feel as though you are fighting a losing battle, it is wise to call a damp specialist. They will be able to assess your situation and determine whether you have a more serious damp problem.
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