The condensation in my home was so severe that on winter mornings I’d wake to misty windows with pools of water on the frames and sills. Mopping up the puddles with a sponge became my daily a.m. chore!
The timber framed leaded glass windows are an original feature of the house, which was built in 1926. Regular maintenance of the exterior was to be expected, however the condensation caused the inside of my windows to look weathered! The excess moisture streaming off the glass made the paintwork blister and flake. Having to decorate the inside of my windows almost as often as the outside was crazy!
I needed to find out what was causing so much condensation, and how I could prevent it. Would a few simple, inexpensive changes make a difference or did my home have structural defects in need of attention? Was the mould, which was starting to form, hazardous to health?
Condensation results from warm, moist air coming into contact with a colder surface or air which is at a lower temperature. Water vapour held in the warm air releases to form condensation on the cooler surface. Much like the steam from a bath, shower or kettle ending up on a cold window or tiled wall.
The daily activities of a family of four living in an average three bedroom home could quite easily release 10kg of water into the air. Having a bath or shower, cooking, putting on the kettle, drying laundry on a radiator and even breathing, all contribute to causing condensation.
More serious causes lie in defects such as rising damp, a failed damp proof course, faulty guttering and rainwater pipes, a damaged roof and internal plumbing leaks. If you suspect any of these to be the issue, it would be wise to call in a professional.
Black mould which grows when there is severe condensation can cause ill health in some people. The mould produces tiny spores or seeds which when inhaled can irritate the lungs and throat. Also, dust mites, which are a common cause of asthma and other allergic symptoms, thrive in a home with higher levels of humidity.
Thankfully, there were no structural faults with my home, however a problem did exist and it had to be dealt with – after all, I was fed up wiping the wet windows sills and cleaning the mould that was starting to form.
Here are some tips I discovered and used to reduce condensation in the home:
Dehumidifiers - How a good dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from your home and how to select the right one.
Extractor Fans - An absolute must for kitchens and bathrooms
Other points to take note of in reducing condensation:
Air Bricks allow for air circulation below suspended timber floors – ensure they are not blocked – a damp specialist advised me to install an extra airbrick in my lounge.
Single glazed windows will always attract condensation as their temperature on the inside is almost the same as that on the outside. So, like me, you will always have wet window sills in the morning. Secondary or double glazing can help with this issue; of course, one resolution is much more expensive than the other.
Wherever possible try to dry laundry outside of the home – weather permitting. In our home we've no space for a tumble dryer, therefore in winter, clothes end up on the radiators. Our dehumidifier has a laundry drying setting, which is useful.
After a bath or shower, open a window in the bathroom and then close the door when leaving. This will ensure that excess moisture leaves the building instead of escaping into the house.
I implemented several of the above tips in my own home and have reduced the condensation to the point where I no longer have streaming windows and wet window sills. We all have to accept a bit of condensation, as long as it’s not causing a problem for us. However, the condensation I’d like to learn to live with is the one on a cold bottle of beer served in a bar on a Mediterranean beach!
Thanks
MM
