Condensation and Dampness


Condensation and dampness can pose a health risk to those living in your home; it also has an impact on the energy efficiency of your property. Living with these issues in your home can be upsetting too and there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your home remains damp-free.

In this energy advice guide, we aim to provide you with some practical tips and advice on dealing with these issues.

 

Understanding Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. This leads to water droplets forming on the surface.

You’ll often find condensation on areas including windows, walls and ceilings, usually in the coldest part of your home.

 

Recognising Dampness

Dampness can appear differently depending on the source.

Dampness can be caused by condensation, leaks, penetrating or rising damp.

 

The Moisture Cycle

To understand how best to tackle condensation in your home, it’s useful first of all to know how it can become an issue in the first place. Take a look at the moisture cycle graphic below which shows how moisture in your home can develop into condensation.

 

Combating Condensation

When thinking about how to deal with condensation in your home, we would recommend using the HIVE model.

 

H – Heat

Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. Cold surfaces are more prone to condensation so keeping your home adequately heated can help prevent this. We would recommend heating your home to between 18-21°C.

 

I – Insulate

Having the correct insulation can help maintain the indoor temperature but it also is likely to help reduce the risk of condensation. A thermal barrier on your walls and ceiling will help prevent cold spots.

 

V – Ventilate

You should always ensure there is adequate ventilation in your home, especially when doing activities that can produce a lot of moisture.

You should always have your trickle vents on your windows open, and open your windows for a period each day. If you are cooking or bathing, consider using extractor fans if they are present.

You should also ensure there is adequate airflow around furniture to avoid stagnant air and cold spots, which is an ideal location for condensation to form.

 

E – Reduction of Excess Moisture

Condensation happens because of our lifestyles. Limiting what activities we do that produce moisture into our home can make a substantial difference.

Some suggestions would be to:

  • Avoid drying laundry on radiators or indoors where possible (if you need to do this, ensure there is suitable ventilation!)
  • Use lids on pots and pans
  • Take shorter showers
  • Avoid using bottled gas heaters

 

How much moisture am I producing?

You might be surprised by how much moisture normal human activity can produce. Remember every time you breathe out you are putting moisture into the air of the space you are occupying. There is a very good chance that the condensation on your bedroom window in the morning is your breath!

Take a look at the graphic below for some estimations of how much moisture different activities can produce. Imagine throwing this quantity of water over your walls and floor.

 

Is there anything else I can do?

If you’re having significant issues with condensation and dampness you can try some of the following.

 

Use a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers use electricity to trap moisture in the air and they can make a significant impact on the humidity in your home. They can be fairly expensive to run, and are likely to be quite expensive to purchase upfront too.

 

Moisture Absorbers

Small disposable (or reusable!) moisture absorbers can help deal with problematic condensation in your home. They’re not a long term solution but they can help while you get the problem under control

 

Keep an eye on humidity levels

You can use a hydrometer to monitor the humidity in your home. Humidity is measured as a percentage. A hydrometer can help you monitor this level. Anything above 70% is very high, and could suggest there is too much moisture in your home. Ideally, your home should sit somewhere between 45-60%.

 

Make repairs

If your issue is relating to penetrating or rising dampness, there is likely significant work needing done to prevent this water from infiltrating your home. We’d recommend speaking to a professional.

If you rent your property, you should speak to your landlord to see what support they can offer.

 

Get advice

Do you need more advice on managing condensation in your home? Our energy advisors are always happy to help.

Our energy advisors can be contacted by:

Calling 01592 807930

Texting COSY then YOUR NAME to 88440

Emailing info@cosykingdom.org.uk

Through our website

Or on our Facebook and Twitter social media pages.