What is Condensation and Why is it So Bad for my Home?

In simple terms, condensation is the conversion of gas to liquid. In the home, this usually happens when warm air hits a cold window as it seeks a cooler temperature. The dew point (the temperature at which condensation occurs) happens, resulting in condensation.

Condensation is not only bad for our health but also causes problems in our homes. It can cause respiratory issues and make asthma and skin conditions worse. In our properties, it lowers energy efficiency because existing insulation can get saturated. It can also cause decorative damage such as swelling or stained plasterboard linings, or peeling wallpaper. What’s more concerning, though, is the damage it can cause to our home structure. External walls can be corroded, and timber or cladding can rot. Therefore, some expensive remedial work can often result.

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The Good News is that it’s Easy and Cheap to Fix

Condensation can be kept under control by techniques such as ventilation, insulation, and humidity control. Opening your windows for a couple of hours a day is often a significant first step to lowering the humidity in your home. Here are some other things you could try.

Check your washing machine and tumble dryer, making sure they’re adequately vented.
Dry your clothes in your bathroom with the window open and the door closed.
Close all doors throughout your house to reduce the spread of condensation.
Cover pans with lids or operate the extractor hood if you have one.
Use the extractor fan in your bathroom when taking a shower.
Wipe all cold surfaces to eliminate moisture and prevent it from turning into mold.
Move furniture away from outside walls to allow air to circulate better.
Install double glazing, roof, or cavity wall insulation to reduce heat loss Government backed insulation grants are available for the house owners who will qualify for free insulation grants as well.
Seal around windows so that water cannot enter your home and cause condensation.
Absorb water from the floor in your bathroom using a bath mat.

Suppose you’ve tried some of these techniques but are still concerned about high levels of condensation in your property. In that case, experienced damp investigation experts will be able to locate the source of the problem.

How to Start Managing Condensation in Our Homes Today

Condensation is the process of a gas converting to a liquid; usually, when moist, warm air makes contact with a cold surface and reaches the dew point, which turns it into a liquid.

Excess condensation in our home is terrible for our health. It can also wreak havoc on our homes, lower energy efficiency, or cause decorative or even structural damage.

Thankfully, there are lots of basic things you can do to lower condensation levels throughout our homes. Often, leaving a window open for just a couple of hours a day is enough to eliminate most condensation.