HOW TO STOP CONDENSATION ON HOUSE WINDOWS
Are your windows looking foggy and misty? This is a process called Condensation. It is one of the most common household problems in the UK and can affect both period homes or new builds.
Condensation occurs when excessive warm air and humidity levels rise inside your home. When this meets a colder surface, like your windows, it immediately cools and releases a moisture which changes into liquid water.
The form of condensation is usually the sign of poor window quality and insulation. If it is not treated or maintained efficiently, it can cause even more damage. In addition to fogging up your windows, condensation can be quite difficult to clean off.
Different types of condensation can develop unsightly damp and mould which has been linked to many health conditions like asthma and Bronchitis.
It can even cause structural damage, from wall paint peeling, stain marks on walls and ceilings as well as rotting of floors.
WHAT CAUSES WINDOW CONDENSATION?
There are two different places condensation can occur on your windows. These include the internal pane of glass, the external pane of glass and in between both panes of glass.
If condensation is occurring on the internal pane of glass of your windows unit, this is because the temperature of your glazing is significantly colder compared to inside your room. This is known as the “Dew Point” where the water vapour from the atmosphere changes into water droplets.
The form of condensation on the inside of your glazing can be a sign of poor ventilation and excessive humidity levels. This problem causes moisture to become trapped and encourage unsightly looking mould to grow around windows and wall corners.
GUIDE TO PREVENTING CONDENSATION
Here are some ways on how to reduce window condensation at home
IMPROVE HOME VENTILATION
Ventilation is one solution to preventing condensation occurring. If your home has good ventilation, this helps to maintain the air quality inside your home.
One way to improve ventilation is by opening a window in each room. This allows the air to circulate inside and stay at a certain temperature.
When it comes to cooking, make sure you keep the kitchen door shut. This stops the air moisture spreading around the home.
INSTALL EXTRACTOR FANS
Extractor fans are an effective way of reducing the amount of excess moisture in your room. It is important to use them while cooking in the kitchen, showering in the bathroom and anywhere else that is prone to building up high levels of condensation.
An extractor fan system is a good way to remove damp air before it meets colder surfaces, leaving your windows fog free! The extractor fan design is used to control condensation quietly and efficiently.
DRY CLOTHES OUTSIDE WHEN POSSIBLE
Did you know drying clothes inside contributes to condensation? It is important to avoid drying your clothes on radiators or racks as this will increase the damp in your property. To reduce the excess moisture in your home, you’ll need to dry your clothes outside as much as possible.
If the unpredictable British weather puts your mind off, the only other options are to dry your laundry inside with the windows open or to use the tumble dryer with pipe leads all the way outside.
BUY HOUSE PLANTS
House plants can make all the difference to the air quality inside our home! They naturally absorb humidity and moisture from the air through their leaves and roots. The ideal places to keep them are near a sink or bath because these are naturally humid environments.
If you have them near furniture, the moisture can cause mould growth and other damage. This helps to clean the air in your home by removing our toxins and releasing vapours into the atmosphere.
ADEQUATE HEATING
To control condensation in your home, it is important to maintain a constant low room temperature. A quality central heating system will ensure all the rooms of your house remain at a constant low level in order to reduce condensation.
During winter, the colder temperatures increase levels of excess moisture entering your home. By heating and insulating your home properly will help to prevent damp and mould forming.
A thermostat is used for keeping home heating at a steady temperature consistent in all rooms, including unused rooms. The warmer your home is, the less likely condensation will occur.
WHAT HAPPENS IF CONDENSATION ISN’T TREATED?
There is the risk of damage and health complications with condensation left untreated. If your home is showing signs of condensation, it is important to get it looked at quickly.
Here are the things you need to look out for:
- Foggy or Steaming windows
- Wet walls
- Damp areas
- Peeling wallpaper/paint
- Mould growth
- Musty smell on clothes
- Black dots on window frames
HEALTH COMPLICATIONS
The longer condensation is left, it will eventually lead to the growth of mould and damp inside your home. This poses a risk of damage to your property and associated health problems.
Damp and mould growth have been linked with many serious health issues such as allergic reactions, respiratory illnesses and digestive problems.
If fragments or spores of mould are inhaled, this can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and throat irritation.
PROPERTY AFFECTS
In addition to health problems, condensation can result in damage to property structure and foundations.
If you have allowed the condensation to develop or get worse, mould growth and damp will spread across materials like wallpaper, paint and plaster.
Condensation can cause earth or musty smells from mould growth and dampness. Furniture and wooden window frames can rot, including floors and skirting boards.
