Sometimes you may notice condensation in your home. Occasionally this is confused with damp and, although it can lead to this, there are many simple things that can be done to keep your home safe, warm and dry.
What is condensation?
Particularly during the winter months, condensation (water residue on surfaces such as tiles or windows) can be an issue. This is usually because we start to feel the cold more and spend more time inside our homes, which lads to greater humidity and a build-up of moisture. Although condensation can turn into damp and mould, there is a lot that can be done to prevent this.
What causes condensation?
The top three causes of condensation are:
- Too much moisture in the air.
- Not enough ventilation.
- Cold surfaces within the home.
What are the signs of condensation?
If your property is suffering from condensation and damp, you may notice the following:
- A build-up of moisture on your windows.
- Musty, damp smell.
- Water running down walls and windows.
- Wallpaper peeling.
- Damp patches on walls.
- A build-up of moisture on windows.
- Musty, damp smell.
- Mould growth (especially on exterior walls).
- Wall staining.
What can be done to prevent condensation?
Below are several tips on how we can keep condensation at bay:
- Ensure that any washing machines or tumble dryers are correctly vented.
- Dry clothes outdoors to prevent excess moisture escaping into your property (if this is not possible, open doors or windows).
- Ensure that kitchen or bathroom doors are closed to avoid excess moisture.
- When cooking, cover pans to avoid steam escaping.
- Use an extractor fan, if you have one, when cooking or showering. Or if possible, open a window for at least 15-20 minutes.
- To prevent the build-up of moisture, cover fish tanks and move plants outdoors, if possible.
- Wipe down and dry surfaces after you finish using them.
- Do not overfill wardrobes or cupboards. Overfilled spaces such as these are breeding grounds for mould as the air cannot easily circulate.
- Place wardrobes against internal walls, if possible.
- Keep furniture at least 50mm away from surrounding walls so that air can easily move around your home.
- Ensure that your home is adequately heated.
- Open windows slightly in regularly-used rooms.
Can condensation be tackled?
It is important to tackle condensation-related issues as soon as they are recognised. Here are some steps we can take:
- Fungicidal wash, available at most decorating stores such as Wickes, can be used to wipe down affected walls and window frames.
- For mildewed clothes, dry clean or machine wash; for mouldy carpets, use carpet shampoos.
- Again, most decorating stores and warehouses stock fungicidal paint and fungicidal-resistant wallpaper paste, for internal use.
If you are still struggling, please contact us so that we can look at any possible issues that you may have.
What can I do if the problem is more severe?
If the problem is more severe, you should contact us at:
- Telephone: 020 7326 3700
- Email: DMC@sw9.org.uk
- Online: using the 'Report a repair' form
We have produced a leaflet on how to recognise and report on signs of condensation, damp and mould. Please see the leaflet below.
Keeping Your Home Safe Warm & Healthy
We have produced a short video all about condensation. You can watch it by clicking on the button below.
Condensation and your home video
Further related advice and information can also be found at:
What is mould and how to get rid of it? (AXA Insurance)
What is mould? (Airtech Solutions)
Burping Your Home!
Have you heard of the saying, Burping Your Home!?
The colder days of winter see our homes having to deal with steamy windows, musty smells, condensation.....which all runs the risk of black mould. But a simple trick our European neighbours have been practising for some years now, could help keep the scourge of black mould at bay. Burping Your Home!
The practice of 'shock ventilation' for your home offers a burst of fresh air to give stuffy rooms the refresh they need and helps to push out the moisture-laden air that encourages condensation, musty odours and mould. And it's a simple technique which can easily turn into a normal habit, delivering maximum ventilation in a very short time.
- Open several windows fully at once, ideally on opposite sides of your home, to create a strong cross-draught.
- Open interior doors as well, allowing the fresh air to sweep from room to room. Leave everything wide open for just 5–10 minutes.
- That short, sharp blast is enough to flush out the damp air without giving your walls, floors or furniture time to lose their warmth.
- Try to concentrate on those rooms that tend to be most prone to damp, i.e. kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.
Get into Burping Your Home as early as you can. However, if you’re already battling steamed-up windows or lingering smells, concentrate your efforts on the problem areas where moisture is most visible. And think about when your home gets the most moisture:
- First thing in the morning – bedrooms collect a surprising amount of moisture overnight.
- After a shower or bath – bathrooms release a big burst of water vapour into the air.
- After cooking - steam from pans can quickly cling to windows and walls.
- After drying clothes indoors - one of the biggest causes of extra moisture in the home.
For further information please visit the Inventory Base, Good Housekeeping, and House Beautiful, websites.
Burping Your Home! Try it!