condensation problems

Although there are many ways to reduce condensation problems in the home, truth is, relying on a quick fix won’t get rid of your condensation problems permanently or prevent them from returning in the future, it will only reduce them in the short term!

Condensation problems

Condensation forms on a surface when the temperature of that surface is below the dew point of the surrounding air. The relative humidity of your property rises when air is cooled, until it reaches a point (dew point) where it is saturated and can no long retain the moisture in the atmosphere.

As an example, when you take a can of drink out of the fridge or cooler, you’ll notice that small water droplets will have formed on the outside of the drink; this is condensation. This happens because the temperature of the canned drink is reduced when air passes over it, therefore depositing the moisture from the air onto the cold surface.

Similarly, window condensation is very common in households; you might notice that your windows stream with tiny water droplets when the weather is relatively cold outside.

Why is important to reduce condensation?

Continued condensation problems can lead to peeling wall paper, black mould on your walls, around window frames and in some cases on furniture and carpets! Apart from making a visual mess of your home prolonged issues with condensation and mould can also affect your health. Breathing in stale, contaminated air can lead to headaches, sickness and lethargy – so if your home suffers from condensation you may want to nip it in the bud now!

In order to put an end to condensation, you need to control moisture levels in the air. However, no short-term solution will banish your condensation problems completely…

Short-term condensation solutions

Although the following procedures can help reduce condensation levels, they won’t banish the problem for good. The following ‘quick-fixes’ will have to be completed every time you participate in a household activity that releases moisture (such as bathing, cooking, washing, etc).

Opening windows to air out the home – which means heat loss and higher energy bills.

·         Shutting the bathroom door when bathing or showering – if you don’t, humidity can migrate into the living areas of the home.

·         Closing the kitchen door when cooking Keeping the lids on all of your saucepans while cooking

·         Hanging your washing outside as opposed to drying them on radiators

·         Painting over damp patches or black mould – added inconvenience and more money!

·         Invest in a long-term condensation solutions

If you think that a long-term solution will prove to be costly and a load of hassle, think again!

Preventing condensation and diminishing condensation problems is so simple; all you need is good ventilation. In addition to preventing condensation, damp and mould problems, ventilating your property can help to reduce house dust mites, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Radon levels; all of which can take its toll on those living in the poorly ventilated property.

Sentric Design has a range of energy efficient condensation-control solutions that can significantly reduce humidity, therefore providing your household with fresh, filtered air for a damp, condensation mould-free environment. Contact us today for more information on 020 8935 5159 or visit www.sentricdesign.co.uk to arrange a home survey.