What IS Condensation?
Condensation is possibly the most common form of dampness you can find in your home, and occurs when warm, moist air meets a cold surface. This is why people often see condensation on their windows and it is often found in both kitchens and bathrooms, where ventilation can be restricted.
Condensation, although it may seem like a small issue, can cause big problems within your property. It can cause damp patches to appear on your walls, in addition to causing wallpaper to peel, and creating a build-up of water and moisture on windows.
There is a long list of the effects of condensation and it’s important to be able to spot the problem quickly and seek a professional to fix and prevent the problem from reoccurring. A lot of people try their hand at managing condensation in their home, and without knowledge of the root problem or how their efforts might work out, they actually end up making the issue worse.
If you’re hoping to manage a condensation issue before seeking the help of a professional, be sure to avoid doing the following:
Heating Your Home on a High Setting Once Daily
It’s no surprise that many people put their heating on when they come in from work on a very high setting so that the house warms up quickly, then they proceed to turn it off. However, this can cause big condensation problems in your home. To avoid this, rather than letting temperatures go from one extreme to another, try and keep your home at a constant temperature, not to mention that heating a cold house (rather than a warm house) uses more energy.
Using Extractor Fans Incorrectly
When you’ve finished cooking in the kitchen, or showering in the bathroom, it’s important that you leave your extractor fan running for around fifteen minutes afterwards. There will still be moisture in the air that you can’t see. By turning the extractor fan off too soon, you’re leaving the room at risk of developing serious condensation problems. If you don’t have an extractor fan in your kitchen or bathroom, be sure to keep a window open as this will have a similar effect.
Placing Furniture Flush Against Walls
Whether it’s a cupboard, a bookcase, a bed, a settee, or any other type of furniture, do not push it right up against the wall. If air becomes trapped between said furniture and the wall, it could quickly condense and would eventually form mould. To prevent this from occurring, you should always try and leave a small gap between the walls and the furniture to stop black mould from appearing and causing issues.
Putting Wet Items on Hot Radiators
Normally, your clothes come out of the washing machine damp, but certainly not soaked. If you find yourself often hanging wet items on radiators throughout your home, all that moisture will evaporate back into your home. Where possible, hang washing outside, tumble dry or ensure that items aren’t sodden if they are placed on radiators around your home. This will work to prevent any issues with condensation in the future.
Thinking about condensation control for your home? Get Keith Rennie to assess your property, he will thoroughly survey the condensation issue and make a full assessment on works required to repair any damage. Contact Keith Rennie today!
