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Condensation, Damp & Mould

What is it?

You can't see it but there is always some moisture in the air. Warm air holds much more moisture than cold air. As soon as warm air hits a cold surface, it cools down creating the droplets of water. The mist on the bedroom window in the morning or the steam that fogs up the bathroom mirror, this is all condensation.

How does condensation damage my home?

Condensation appears mainly in cold weather and is found on the coldest surfaces or in places where there is little or no movement of air. You will find it in the corners of rooms perhaps behind furniture and near windows. It can appear on north facing walls which are colder because they don't get the sun. The dampness caused by condensation can cause mould to grow on the walls, fabric and furniture which, if neglected, could eventually lead to rotting. It can also cause paint to blister and wallpaper to peel off.

Why is it worse these days?

Modernising of homes with insulation, draught proofing and sealed window units have made it easier to keep our homes warm and stop heat escaping. These improvements though also stop moisture escaping.

How can I get rid of it?

Make less moisture:

Wipe water from your windows and sills with a cloth but don't then dry the cloth over a heater as the water will evaporate back into the air!

Don't dry washing in your home unless the room is well ventilated, put lids on saucepans while cooking, vent your tumble drier outside if it is not a condensing drier.

Increase the ventilation:

Use the trickle vents in the windows (if you try them and find them not working, report this as a repair to the BHEMB repairs line on 0800 328 4090).

It also helps to keep kitchen and bathroom doors shut for about 20 minutes after they have been used to stop the moisture getting into other rooms. When not in use, leave the doors open so heat can spread evenly through your home.

Allow air to circulate:

Don't put furniture against outside walls, inside walls (walls between rooms) are warmer and therefore less prone to condensation. Leave a gap between the wall and the furniture so air can circulate.

Keep your home warm:

When moisture condenses on your walls it makes them colder, this causes you to lose heat and increase the risk of mould growing. It then takes more energy to heat your home to a comfortable temperature which then costs more more money.

Remove mould as soon as you find it:

Your MUST remove mould as soon as you find it to stop it spreading and damaging your home. There are various products on the market that will help with this, but be sure to read the instructions carefully on how to use it.

For more information, please take a look at our 'Guide to reducing condensation in your home' leaflet. or view the view this video which contains more advice and guidance > Moisture guidance for existing homeowners - YouTube.

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