With temperatures dropping into single figures in the evenings, most homes will be affected by condensation at some point.
It’s caused by water vapour or moisture meeting a colder surface, like a window or wall, and soaking into wallpaper, paintwork, or plasterwork. Over time, black mould grows in the affected areas. Mould can appear anywhere around the home, but you may notice it in corners of rooms, on external walls and around windows. It’s also found in areas with poor air circulation, such as behind furniture that’s been pushed up against external walls. By making some changes to
your routine, you’ll start to notice a difference, and the level of mould should reduce.
-Wipe down your windows and windowsills every day to remove condensation.
-Where you can, keep your home warm and at an even temperature: between 18 and 21 degrees.
-Keep internal doors closed to prevent heat escaping and moisture transferring into other rooms.
-Open windows and doors slightly and often. Newer UPVC windows will have trickle vents that’ll allow you to ventilate your home more easily.
-Don’t block airbricks or vents.
-When bathing, use your extractor fan if you have one and open the window. Keep the door closed until the room cools down.
-When cooking, use your extractor fan if you have one, cover pots with lids, and open the window.
-Where possible, dry clothes outdoors, or use a clothes airer in the bathroom with the door closed.
If you already have mould growth, it won’t go away unless it’s treated. You can do this by regularly wiping it down with a shop-bought mould killer spray, or diluted household bleach. For more tips, check out our video at www.vimeo.com/rhpgroup/preventingcondensation.
If you’re worried that the damp or mould in your home is a bigger issue than any of the things mentioned, please let us know straight away. You’ll be asked to provide more information and photographs and if we need to carry out further investigation, we’ll arrange for a surveyor to come and take a look.