Condensation is one of the most common and persistent household nuisances, often first appearing as misty windows or small puddles of water on cool surfaces, here are five ways to tackle it
Condensation stands as one of the most widespread and stubborn domestic problems, typically first manifesting as foggy windows or tiny pools of water on chilled surfaces.
Nevertheless, it represents far more than merely an unattractive irritation. The root cause involves an accumulation of poorly ventilated moisture, which may threaten your property’s structural soundness.
George Edwards, managing director of property care specialists Timberwise, explained: “Put simply, condensation is a problem caused by humid air created in a property which is not safely ventilated.” The dampness contained within this heated air transforms into vapour, which subsequently returns to its initial liquid state upon meeting a cold surface, such as a window, wall or shelf.
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Should this confined moisture fail to be properly extracted from the dwelling, it may result in considerably more serious problems than merely wet window ledges, reports the Express.
George warns that insufficient proper ventilation “can lead to potentially harmful damp and mould issues”. The positive aspect is that addressing the problem frequently doesn’t demand dramatic or expensive property modifications.
“The key starting point is understanding the causes of condensation in your home or property,” said George. After you’ve accomplished that, there exist numerous guaranteed methods to fight the problem, often via straightforward, daily modifications.
1. Keep furniture away from external walls
Despite addressing the dampness in the atmosphere, you may still encounter mould development if areas of humid air become confined. Maintaining a small gap between large pieces of furniture and cold external walls is essential, said George.
This small gap enhances air circulation, preventing moisture from becoming trapped in dark, cool corners, which are the most common spots for mould growth to begin.
2. Ventilate your home
While opening windows won’t eradicate mould, proper ventilation is the single most effective way to tackle the root cause of condensation. This is because the core issue is humid air that cannot escape.
You should ensure windows are opened regularly, especially in moisture-heavy rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, where steam from washing and cooking is common, advised the property expert.
Trickle vents, which are small vents built into modern window frames, or extractor fans, are one of the most effective ways to let moist air escape.
3. Avoid drying clothes indoors
Drying laundry indoors is one of the biggest hidden sources of excess moisture in a home. Radiators or drying racks release a substantial amount of water vapour directly into your internal air.
It is recommended to avoid drying clothes indoors on radiators wherever possible, said George. If you cannot dry clothes outdoors or use a tumble dryer, the advice is to use a dehumidifier or place the drying rack in a dedicated, well-ventilated room to minimise moisture spread.
4. Use your heating properly
Sudden and drastic changes in internal temperature are a major catalyst for condensation. When the heating goes off, surfaces can cool down rapidly, increasing the likelihood of warm, moist air condensing.
George advised that to tackle this, you should aim to maintain your heating at a lower, steady temperature. This method helps keep surfaces above the dew point, minimising the risk of moisture settling.
5. Use condensation bags
While not a lasting solution, condensation bags or moisture absorbers can play a useful, temporary role. These bags can help lessen the visible moisture near windows and prevent water beading.
However, George emphasises that this is not a durable solution: “A permanent fix needs to consider both where the moisture is being created and how it’s being removed.” They must always be used in conjunction with proper ventilation and moisture reduction practices.
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