Trade body advice for ‘Condensation Season’
Householders troubled by steamy windows during the ‘condensation season’ are being urged to check-out a free guide from national trade body the Property Care Association.
Condensation is a common problem
Condensation is a common problem during the autumn and winter months when homes are affected by fogged glass and droplets of water on cold wall surfaces.
At the Property Care Association however, we have produced online and downloadable guides, entitled ‘Condensation in your Property,’ providing several key pointers to help control it. Tips include using pan lids when cooking and avoiding drying laundry on radiators.
Householders are also urged to run cold water in their bath before adding hot water as this can reduce the steam that leads to condensation by up to 90 per cent.
Tips on ventilation and fans to combat condensation
Other subjects include guidance on the introduction of extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and the importance of good ventilation overall as well as the use of dehumidifiers to control airborne moisture levels.
Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the Property Care Association (PCA), said: “The most common form of unwanted dampness in buildings is water from the air that forms as condensation. It’s chiefly a winter problem as the external air temperature is low and external walls and windows are cold.
“It forms when the air in buildings has a high level of relative humidity, caused by activities such as cooking, bathing or showering and drying clothes.
“When this water-laden air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and cold walls it can condense, causing water to be deposited.
“Areas where atmospheric moisture levels are usually highest, such as walls in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as solid external walls, uninsulated solid floors and cold bridges, such as concrete lintels set in cavity walls, are commonly the areas in which condensation takes place.
“Maintaining a reasonable balance between heating, ventilation and insulation can reduce excessive condensation.
“However, some other changes are often necessary and this guidance helps homeowners through the steps they need to take to avoid the problem.”
Help & information regarding condensation
For those looking to find out more about condensation, mould and guidance on how to control it, visit our condensation section of the website by click the button below
Homeowner Help - Condensation