Condensation – Top Tips

 

 

Autumn is approaching and it’s that time of the year again – yes condensation is back!

Here are some simple tips to reduce condensation……….

 

• When taking a shower or a bath, keep the bathroom door closed and if there is an extractor  fitted, make sure it’s on.
• Don’t forget to pull the plug and drain the water out of the bath as soon as you’ve finished!
• Drying clothes on radiators generates plenty of moisture, it will reduce condensation considerably if you use a tumble dryer instead and extract the moist air outside.
• Modern windows have trickle vents fitted to allow a little air to keep condensation down, if these aren’t fitted, opening the window just a tiny bit will help reduce condensation
• Hob extractors are great for removing moisture but only if they are set up to extract to an outside wall and they’re used every time the oven or hob is on. If they’re the recirc type then they won’t remove any moisture, just smells – consideration should be given to extracting outside if condensation is a problem in kitchens.
• People generate moisture just by breathing so the more people in the property the more likely condensation will be a problem – public houses, village halls, community centres, offices and properties with large families are particularly vulnerable so ensure ventilation is adequate.
• Fix leaks – Check inside the house to make sure there are no plumbing leaks. Particular attention should be given to overflows , double check that overflow pipework is connected to the outside and works. Checks drains aren’t leaking under the sink and under the bath.
• Fix leaks – Check outside that rainwater gutters are clear and downpipes are connected and not blocked. When its raining hard, go outside and take a look to ensure the rainwater is flowing away from the property and not soaking into outside walls.
• Put the heating on – warm air holds considerably more moisture than cold air but don’t be tempted to seal up the house by closing every window, see next tip……..
• vent vent vent vent vent – we can’t stress this enough but ventilation is the key to reducing condensation, combined with improving insulation, reducing damp and heating the property.