Condensation affects many homes and seems to be most commonly present in properties that are poorly heated and poorly insulated and generally appears to worsen over the winter months.
Condensation is moisture in the air. There is always moisture present but it is when the air gets colder that it cannot hold all the moisture and therefore tiny drops of water start to appear. The easiest way to view it is when you see your breath on a cold day or when mirrors mist near steam or a bath. Problem rooms are nearly always Kitchens and Bathrooms, as they are major sources of atmospheric water. Activities such as cooking, washing up, drying, showering and bathing release moisture into the air.
Condensation commonly appears on windows and doors, external walls or areas with cold surfaces within a property. Corners of walls and near or on windows, behind wardrobes and cupboards are common place culprits for condensation to appear. North-facing walls are often prown to condensation. The problem is not normally the condensation as such but, that it often then leads to staining and mould growth, this then damages fabrics such as curtains, window frames, walls and wall paper and is not a pretty sight!
Mould is a fungi and therefore to prevent it in the short-term condensation moisture should be wiped from windows, doors and sills every morning. The cloth used should then be rung out in a sink and not left to dry on a radiator. Mould should be cleaned away from walls and windows by using a mouldicide or fungicidal wash which can then be sprayed onto the walls and wiped off with a cloth.
Simple Solutions to avoid condensation:
*Never Dry Laundry on Radiators (we have all done it!)
*Dry Washing Outside If Possible But if Not Then Dry Clothes in a Bathroom With the Door Shut and the Window/Vent Open.
*Ensure Tumble Dryers are the New Condensing Type and/or you Have an Outside Vent
*Cook With Pan Lids On. Turn Heat to Low Once Liquid Has Boiled
*Never Use Gas Cookers to Heat A Kitchen. It Produces Moisture When Burning Gas
*Extractor Fans Should be Automatically Humidistat Controlled and not activated with a light switch.
*Filling a Bath with Cold Water First before Adding Hot Water Will Reduce the Steam which Leads to Condensation. Sometimes by up to 90%!
Ventilation is the key to removing moisture in the air and it can be done descreetly without creating a draught. Trickle vents can be included in replacement windows and can be left open (back ground ventilation). Or top opening fan light windows can be left on the night lock position. Just opening a window/door for an hour a day is enough to refresh the air and draw out any moisture (perge ventilation).