One of the major threats to London homes is excess moisture, or condensation, as it is commonly known. Droplets of water form on cold surfaces in damp and humid environments and this can seriously damage building materials such as masonry, cement, plaster and timber. In this short article, we offer a few effective strategies for dealing with excessive moisture in London homes.
Dissipating condensation
Whether you are taking a hot bath/shower or cooking in the kitchen, condensation is likely to form on the windows and other surfaces; opening windows will help to quickly remove excess moisture in the room, as would turning on extractor fans to create an airflow. Ventilation is a critical factor in dissipating water droplets, not just for kitchens and bathrooms, but for any room in the house. An important part of our damp survey is called a ventilation airflow test to determine the air circulation throughout the house. Air circulation dries out the air and that means condensation cannot form; if your home has inadequate ventilation, this could be one of the causes of condensation and you need to create a circulation of air.
Add extra insulation
Adding an extra layer of fibreglass in the loft is advised, as this will help to retain the heat, thus drying out the humid air; if you have cavity walls, a special foam can be injected into the cavity and this will insulate the interior, retaining your precious heat for longer. Double-glazed replacement windows and doors also boost home insulation, while also boosting the value of your home. If your windows have timber frames and they are not exactly in prime condition, replacing them with double (or triple) glazing with aluminium or uPVC frames is a wise long-term investment, which saves energy and boosts your home security.
Wiping up water droplets
In the event condensation forms on window panes and sills, keep a dry cloth at each window and mop up the water in a timely manner. The longer condensation sits on surfaces, the more chance there is that damage will be caused. Aside from cooking and bathing, if you have a level of condensation in your home, perhaps it is time for a damp survey from London Damp Surveys; we cover all London Boroughs and our customers receive a detailed written report within 24 hours of the survey completion. Condensation can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which is a health hazard.
Book a professional damp inspection
At London Damp Surveys, we pride ourselves on our ability to perform accurate damp, mould and condensation inspections for London Homeowners. If you have a condensation issue in your property, give us a call on 0207 305 5997 or fill in the online form on this website and one of our certified surveyors will arrange to carry out a thorough inspection, looking for signs of damp, condensation, mould, mildew and timber rot.
Don’t delay, call us today and start the process of identifying the root causes of condensation in your London home.
