Condensation presents a very real threat to London properties, largely due to the damp and muggy climate we experience here in the South of England and in this blog, we take a look at what causes condensation and the best methods to deal with excessive moisture.
What is condensation?
Condensation forms when humid air meets cold surfaces and if an interior is damp with little or no ventilation, droplets of water are likely to form, typically on windows and walls. The bathroom and kitchen provide perfect conditions for condensation, so when you run a hot bath or take a hot shower, you should air the room by either opening windows or turning on extractor fans. Don’t open the door until the condensation dissipates and when cooking in the kitchen, turn on the canopy extractor fan.
Common causes of condensation
Common causes of condensation include the following:
- High humidity – Normal daily activities like cooking, showering and drying wet clothes all release moisture into the air.
- Lack of ventilation – Lack of airflow, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, allows droplets of water to form on surfaces.
- Cold surfaces – When moist, warm air meets cold surfaces, droplets of water can form.
- Living habits – Drying clothing indoors, improper use of ventilation fans and not covering cooking pots can lead to condensation forming.
Every London homeowner should regularly inspect the interior, looking for condensation, which can be dissipated by creating a strong airflow; condensation on windows should be immediately wiped up with a dry cloth before it can damage timber and plaster.
Recommended treatments for condensation
The following can be very effective ways to deal with excessive moisture in the home:
- Insulation – The loft and cavity walls should be well-insulated, which would reduce the level of condensation and might even remove it completely. This helps to maintain a higher interior temperature.
- Improve ventilation – Generating a positive airflow will reduce the amount of condensation in the home. This can be achieved by opening specific windows around the house, plus using extractor fans correctly.
- The use of dehumidifiers – A dehumidifier will extract excess moisture from the air and as the device is portable, you can use it in every room to make the air drier.
- Change your living habits – If you usually put damp clothing on a rack and let it dry out, this is going to add to the moisture into the atmosphere, which is likely to result in condensation forming.
Professional damp surveys
At London Damp Surveys, we offer a comprehensive pre-purchase damp survey, designed for those who are planning to buy a property in London. Our surveyors use high-tech equipment to help them accurately measure the moisture content and a close inspection of all aspects of the building brings you a detailed report on damp, mould, condensation and timber rot.
Call us on 0207 305 5997 during regular office hours or fill in the online form on this website and let the damp professionals assess the property and provide you with a detailed report within 24 hours of survey completion.
