Modern day living has changed the face of today’s family home. We now have showers, central heating, constant hot water, and double-glazing. All these items and many more help to keep the family home warm and cozy, but at a price.
Condensation occurs when warm moist air meets a cold surface. The risk of condensation therefore depends upon how moist the air is and how cold the surfaces of rooms are. Normal everyday living sends a large amount of moisture into the atmosphere. In a room with a cold outside wall, the temperature of which falls below the dew point temperature, it is quite normal for condensation to occur.
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It is generally noticeable where it forms on non-absorbent surfaces (i.e. windows or tiles) but it can form on any surface and it may not be noticed until mould growth or rotting of materials occurs.
Condensation occurs mainly in winter, because the building structure is cold and because windows are opened less and the moist air cannot escape.
Any sign of mould growth is an indication of the presence of moisture, which if left alone will increase and multiply until it covers a large area.
If caused by condensation this gives warning that heating, structural insulation or ventilation, or all three, may require improvement. It is particularly fond of such areas as the kitchen, bathroom and of course, the wardrobe built onto an outside wall, especially when it does not have a back panel. This on many occasions has been mistaken as dampness. Bottled gas fires without ventilation and damp clothing on the radiators also adds to the problem.
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Condensation is very difficult to cure completely but it can be held to an acceptable level by good ventilation of kitchens and bathrooms when washing or drying clothes or cooking. If there is an electric extractor fan, use it when cooking, bathing, washing clothes etc., and particularly whenever the windows show any sign of misting, leave the fan on until misting has cleared. If there is no extractor fan, open the kitchen or bathroom window, but keep the door closed to prevent moist air spreading to other rooms. Circulation of air throughout affected rooms is important and air changes should be undertaken approx. four times per day. Good vents are also very important.
Try to make sure that all rooms are at least partially heated. Condensation most often occurs in unheated bedrooms. Houses and flats left unoccupied and unheated during the day get very cold. Whenever possible, it is best to keep heating on, even if at a low level.
The mould growth of condensation must be eliminated and the best way to do this is to wash the affected area with a mixture of household bleach and warm water (1 part bleach to 3 parts water). Remember to wear rubber gloves when washing the walls and care should be taken to avoid the solution coming into contact with eyes and skin. Afterwards keep an eye on the area. Wipe the fungus with a sponge and the solution, should it start to reappear.
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