A helpfull guide on how to prevent condensation, mould and damp in your home
Damp can occur in any home, from a studio flat to a modern detached house. This is why knowing how to stop condensation on walls and ceilings is important for all. Read the full blog for some helpful advice, tips and videos on how to reduce the build up of condensation and mould.
How to win the fight against Mould & Condensation.
The cold winter months can be a time where we see an increase in cases where properties are suffering from a build up of condensation and mould growth, especially with the current energy prices where we are all trying to conserve energy and perhaps not having the heating on as much as we have done in the past.
Damp can occur in any home, from a studio flat to a modern detached house. This is why knowing how to stop condensation on walls and ceilings is important for all. This can caused by failing to keep up with house maintenance or a lack of understanding on what to do. Clothes and furniture can be damaged and it can also trigger health problems like asthma. That's why, if you do see signs of damp, it's best to get to the bottom of the problem as soon as possible. As with most things prevention is easier than the cure. Once damp starts, it can sometimes be difficult to remedy the issues it causes, such as mould growth and structural damage However there are lots of things we can do to help reduce the risk of mould build up by preventing moisture and condensation build up in our property.
Causes and signs of condensation - Air can hold moisture - the warmer the air, the most moisture it can hold. If moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces, such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets (known as condensation). Mould often occurs because of condensation. It appears as pinpoint black spots, usually on the side surfaces of external walls, in corners and in poorly ventilated spaces, such as behind cupboards and wardrobes.
Understanding Condensation control
The control of condensation requires a combination of sufficient heating, ventilation and insulation.
Ventilation - Adequate ventilation is essential to allow moisture-laden air to escape from the home before condensation occurs. Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, can prove very effective in reducing condensation, especially when fitted with an effective humidistat control. Open windows regularly to allow air to escape. Keep furniture away from external walls as much as possible to allow space for air to flow this will help prevent condensation. Furniture pushed up against walls will accelerate the problem and possibly cause damage to the furniture or items within it. If furniture is placed close to external walls in your home, the conditions are perfect for condensation to form. Air trapped behind the furniture will cool when it comes into contact with the surface of the wall and release its moisture.
Heating - By introducing low level heating, the temperature of internal surfaces will rise. This will reduce cooling of any moisture-laden air and, as a result, the amount of condensation. Ideally, low level background heating should be on continuous, as any short bursts of heat may not result in a suitable rise in surface temperatures. Keeping the property consistently warm will help prevent condensation.
Insulation - Thermal insulation, such as loft or cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and double glazing, will help to reduce the amount of heat lost from a property. This will not only help keep internal room temperatures higher, but will also help to keep fuel bills down.
How to reduce condensation
Below are some helpful tips on preventative measures you can take to stop the build up of condensation and mould. We have also added a handy video that will also help - PREVENTING CONDENSATION VIDEO
- wipe down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth especially first thing in the morning when build is likely to be at its worst.
- try to keep your home at a steady warm temperature. Damp happens when warm air hits cold walls, so by keeping your house warm the surfaces don't get cold enough to create condensation.
- pull wardrobes and furniture away from walls, and keep tops of wardrobes clear, to allow air to circulate. It is important to leave enough space between the wall and furniture to allow the external wall to breath.
- close doors and open windows when cooking.
- keep lids on saucepans when cooking.
- keep bathroom doors closed when bathing, and open windows afterwards to allow steam to escape and walls to dry.
- do not dry clothes on radiators, unless ventilation is increased - Most important one is drying clothes inside, try hanging clothes outside to dry - even in winter. This will help with how to stop condensation on walls and ceilings in the house. If you have space see about investing in a tumble dryer which will help contain the steam and moisture when drying clothes. If you do have to leave clothes to dry inside, position a dehumidifier nearby to suck up the excess moisture.
- only use Liquid Petroleum Gas or paraffin heaters in ventilated rooms, as these fuels produce water vapour during combustion.
In cases where mould starts to appear, try the following:
- a dehumidifier, which extracts moisture from the air, can be bought or hired
- mould can be removed by washing the surface with a disinfectant, bleach solution or a fungicidal wash. This must be used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
- Mould-inhibiting paints and sprays can also help to reduce the effects of condensation.
Other causes of damp - Check the following:
- all accessible plumbing for leaks
- guttering and down pipes for cracks and blockages, for example, leaves
- overflows and waste pipes under sinks for leaks
- possible roof leaks
- damaged outside walls or eroded pointing / render
- high garden or path levels overlapping the damp proof course
(This type of damp is called penetrating damp, and generally leaves 'tide marks' and mould growth around the area of defect)