Belvoir Hull advice for Condensation Damp.
Its that time of year were you may get condensation damp with in your property. Condensation can cause problems in any age home not just the older properties.
Condensation happens when the warm air caused form showering, cooking, drying washing etc meets with a cold surface such as an external wall or window. All this warm air remains internally unless ventilation occurs it then settles on external walls or windows.
Condensation occurs during cold spells of weather, it will appear on cold surfaces and in microclimatic areas were there is little movement such as behind furniture. This usually creates mould especially in the corners of rooms.
EXAMPLES OF CONDENSATION
Lack of insulation at construction: Properties constructed in certain eras did not have the stringent construction and insulation that is now required within any newly build properties. Because of this the older properties are more susceptical to condensation then the newer built homes. The areas that haven’t had any insulation such as walls, under balconys or false ceilings get the consensation as there is no insulation to give it a warming effect.
Cold spots and Bridging: Certain construction elements such as concrete beams are cold and insulating them can be difficult, because of this it creates cold spots or thermal bridging.
Lack of ventilation: The development of condensation can be controlled by increasing ventilation throughout the property. In rental properties there is this preconception that increasing ventilation increases energy bills. Also most windows have trickle vents these are there to allow some ventilation if there are no trickle vents there is usually an air vent within the room. People seem to believe if they close the trickle vent or block the air vent it will keep the room warmer and stop the condensation which is very wrong.
HOW TO AVOID CONDENSATION:
With the correct balance of warmth and ventilation, The heat warms up the property and the ventilation allows excess moisture to escape.
HOW TO AVOID CONDENSATION:
1. Whilst cooking cover sauce pans with lids
2. Dry clothing outside rather than on radiators
3. As soon as you see any condensation dry it as quick as you can.
4. If you have trickle vents on your windows keep them open and after cooking or showering open a window as much as possible to allow the air to flow whilst maintaining a heat balance.
5. If you have extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen ensure you use them and that they are working adequately. You can test them by holding a sheet of kitchen roll against it and see if it sticks.
6: When running a bath put the cold tap on first so that it doesnt produce as much steam.
7: Close doors in wet rooms to stop moisture spreading into other rooms within the property.
8: If possible position furniture in front of internal walls rather than external walls.
FIGHT MOULD
If you have mould developed from condensation wipe the walls and windows with an antifungicidal wash. Dry clean any mildewed clothing, shampoo any carpets but do this carefully as disturbing any mould can cause respiratory problems. After treatment redecorate using a anti fungal paint to help prevent the mould reoccuring.
