As vexing as condensation can be, it’s the most common form of dampness that can threaten the condition of people’s homes. We are all familiar with the anxieties that appear when we start to notice a build-up of condensation; that mould will foster, paint discolour, or wallpaper ripple.
And the British winter does us no favours with the unhelpful temptation to close windows and doors against the cold snap. But there are simple steps you can take to get rid of condensation fast and protect your home from its unwanted consequences. Aptly preserve your property for longer and spare yourself from the costs and hassle of any future structural renovations with these effortless tips.
What is condensation?
Made most noticeable by the surprise appearance of water droplets or cloudy windows and mirrors, condensation is the conversion of gases and vapours into water.
It is caused by excessive moisture in the air that typically manifests on windows thanks to the cold air outside meeting the much warmer air inside the house. However, cooking, showering, drying laundry, and boiling kettles can similarly produce condensation.
Condensation is a normal issue to encounter – according to EnviroVent, one in five homes across the UK have condensation. Condensation is the most common form of damp, and is much more prevalent when people heat their homes and close all their windows and doors to avoid the cold snap during winter.
Older properties that have been renovated are occasionally more vulnerable. Their solid cold walls and poor conversions that have failed to take into account proper ventilation can accentuate the problem of condensation.
What happens if you don’t treat condensation?
Untreated condensation threatens not only the visible surfaces of your home but also risks its structural integrity, and this jeopardy is what may leave you facing a big bill a few years down the line.
Even more concerning is the impact ignored condensation can have on your family’s health, with black mould being the worst eventuality. Black mould can exacerbate and onset allergies, eczema, and respiratory illness that are particularly dangerous for people who are asthmatic, pregnant, suffering from long covid or other respiratory ailments, and the elderly.
How to avoid condensation on windows
The great news is that there are plenty of avenues you can take that immediately work to reduce the condensation on your windows overnight.
Interior condensation
Condensation appearing on the inside of your windows is the most common type of this issue and indicates that the inside of your home is much warmer and more humid than outside.
1.Limiting the use of humidifiers
Humidifiers are especially popular amongst new parents for managing pesky symptoms of dry skin and common colds that like to target youngsters. But, of course, humidifiers release excess moisture into the air, ultimately goading condensation. Simply turning down the humidifier to a low setting will go a long way in reducing the likelihood of damp and mould.
2.Extractor fans
Using an extractor fan is a great way to tackle all those unavoidable but highly vaporous day-to-day activities that risk a build-up of condensation. Having one in the bathroom and kitchen will allow you to ventilate after showers, baths, cooking, or doing laundry. These fans draw away the steam and keep the air well-circulated.
3.Open windows
Perhaps the most obvious, easy, and efficient method of avoiding condensation, opening your windows lets all the humidity immediately escape the confines of your home. It may take a little willpower to keep the windows open during the winter months, but really it’s the cold weather that makes proper ventilation all the more necessary.
4.Insulate your home
There is a reason a whole movement dedicated itself to promoting insulation in all of Britain’s homes back in 2021. Not only is insulation a tremendous money saver in the wake of soaring energy bills, but it also works to protect your home from developing structural damages from dampness, rotting, and mould, not to mention the potential risk to residents’ health. If you’re looking to renovate an older property, proper insulation is foundational to protecting any further home improvements you hope to carry out.
Exterior condensation
The issue of exterior condensation is less common and usually springs from prolonged hot weather. Although, with the UK reaching record-breaking temperatures just last year, it would be wise to expect drier, more humid summer spells on the horizon.
Exterior condensation is born from the same problem of drastically different temperatures inside and outside of the home, but keeping curtains and blinds open and curtailing any plants and shrubbery that might surround your home will help curve this.
Condensation between window glazings
If you notice condensation between the glass then this isn’t usually something that can be easily fixed. It indicates an issue with the seal within the window where it has perhaps come loose or misshapen. But this isn’t necessarily disastrous news, since it opens up a great opportunity to reap the benefits of new window technology. Working with professionals like the staff at Framemaster will be able to identify the style of window best suited to the aesthetics and needs of your home.
Get your windows sorted with Framemaster
For further expertise on everything windows, doors, and wider home improvement, the staff here at Framemaster are equipped with over 25 years of experience.
We work with you from the design process right through to installation and completion to make your dream home a reality.
If you’re curious about our impressive projects in double glazing installation, and our diverse range of modern and traditional designs, view our dedicated page here. We operate in and around Birmingham and Solihull, so contact us today to begin devising how we can help enrich your home.