Tackling condensation in your home

This can be inconvenient but in the worst cases condensation can cause paint to flake, wallpaper to peel and mould to form.

Moisture is created by doing every day things like breathing, showering, cooking and laundry. It can’t be prevented but we can prevent the damage it can do.

Condensation can be reduced with adequate ventilation. Modern living has meant our homes have become more efficiently sealed and almost all the reports we get about mould are found to be caused by a lack of ventilation causing condensation.

Follow these simple tips to reduce moisture in your home:

• Cover pans when cooking and don’t boil water in kettles or pans longer than necessary
• Try to keep the door shut when cooking, so that moist air doesn’t spread to other rooms
• Use an extractor fan (where fitted) or open a window slightly until the air is clear
• When taking a bath or shower, keep the door shut and open a window slightly

• If possible, hang your washing out to dry in the open air
• If not, try drying it in a bathroom with the door shut and window open
• If you use a tumble dryer, run the vent pipe outside
• Avoid hanging clothes on radiators around the home

• Make sure your home is ventilated by using window trickle ventilators or open windows slightly if moisture is present
• Never block ventilation grilles or air bricks
• Don’t let your home get too cold – keep your heating on low so there are no cold surfaces for water to collect on
• Some types of gas and paraffin heaters are known causes of condensation
• If you have condensation on windows or frames, wipe them down – every day if necessary

The vast majority of damp and condensation problems can be solved by taking these precautions. However, if you have followed all the steps listed and you still have an area of dampness in your home that will not disappear, please contact us.

If you do not follow the steps listed, we may need to charge you for the work to your home, such as mould removal treatment.