Condensation

Condensation is a form of dampness which occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cool surface and water froplets form.

For example, when your bathroom mirror steams up after a shower or a bath or when the glass on your window mists up and drops of water run down onto your sill.

If moisture attaches itself to a wall or another surface such as window sills, and it is left untreated, this can result in mould growing.

Condensation is more likely to occur in the winter.

Condensation can come from a few different places, like:

• From you, when you breathe or perspire it is more noticeable when you do exercises and overheat.
• Bathing.
• Showering.
• Cooking.
• Drying clothes indoors or in unvented tumble dryers.
• Ironing.

Condensation happens in an area where there is a lack of air movement. A change in temperature and ventilation is often all a home needs to protect it from condensation.

It can appear on:

• Walls - particularly in corners near the skirting and on the ceilling. The side walls are often affected as they can be even colder.
• Areas with poor ventilation will get condensation. This could be behind furniture, particularly wardrobes and beds if they have been placed against an outisde wall.
• Double glazed windows are unlikely to have surface condensation except temporarily. If it is on the window, then you must wipe it up. Condensation settling where the glass meets a timber window frame can cause the timber and seals to ROT.
• Tiled surfaces can alse be affected by condensation, make sure you wipe the tiles down when you notice this.
• Moisture can form on the cistern and on the walls behind toilets so make sure you dry this to prevent mould.

There are a couple of simple things you can do to prevent condensation in your home:

• Keep the windows open when drying clothes indoors.
• Don't dry clothes over warm radiators.
• Keep the kitchen door closed when cooking.
• Keep lids on pots and pans when cooking.
• Keep the bathroom door closed when running a bath and bathing.
• Don't overfill cupboards and wardrobes - make sure the air can circulate.
• Don't keep furniture and beds hard against walls - air must circulate.
• Keep your heating low throughout the day in cold weather.
• Set the time clock on your central heating so that you heat your home for at least part of the day. Using the timer in your house can be warm for getting up in the morning or getting home from work in the evening.
• Don't use gas or paraffin heaters - they produce a lot of moisture.
• Make sure the tumble dryer hose is put out the window or door.
• Dron't trap heat - don't put furniture in front of a radiator.
• Keep curtains above radiators.
• Thick curtains stop heat escaping - remember to close them at dusk.
• Keep curtains open on sunny days to help warm rooms.
• Keep doors open in sunny rooms. Let warm air circulate in your home.

If you do not take the appropriate steps to prevent condensation or do not treat it when you notice it condensation can cause damp patches to form where mould can grow which can affect your health as well as damage your home.

Moust moulds only need 24-48 hours to start growing.

If you notice condensation on your windows, make sure you wipe away the moisture with a dry cloth as soon as you can and open any windows to ventilate your house.

If you have left condensation to fester in your home and it has eventually turned into mould, you can treat this by yourself using common household products.

Mix one part bleach to four parts water, wipe and gently scrub the mould until it is gone. Finish by wiping away the bleach mixture and dry the area well with a soft cloth.

If you continue to find condensation and are having problems with mould, contact the association.

We will visit to discuss this with you.