How to Prevent Condensation, Mould and Damp in Your Home

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For further advice:
Call: 01202 612726
Email: info@ridgewaterenergy.co.uk
Visit: www.ridgewaterenergy.co.uk


What is Condensation?

Condensation occurs when water vapour in the air meets a cold surface.
It shows as mist or droplets on windows, mirrors, tiles, or toilet cisterns.

Common Causes:

  • Poorly heated or unheated rooms.
  • Single-skin walls in older properties.
  • North-facing walls lacking sun exposure.
  • Leaky guttering or pipes making walls colder.

Reducing Water Vapour in Your Home

Water vapour comes from everyday activities like cooking, bathing, or drying clothes.
An average family produces over 20 pints of moisture daily.

Tips to Reduce Moisture:

  • Use lids on saucepans and keep kitchen doors closed.
  • Use extractor fans or cooker hoods that vent outside.
  • Dry clothes outdoors or use a vented tumble dryer.
  • Run cold water first when filling a bath to reduce steam.
  • Keep bathroom doors closed and use extractor fans after bathing.

Avoid using paraffin or bottled gas heaters; they produce 8 pints of water vapour per gallon of fuel burned.


Ventilating Your Home

Ventilation removes moist air and replaces it with fresh air.

How to Improve Ventilation:

  • Open bathroom windows for at least 1 hour after showering.
  • Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Install trickle vents on windows.
  • Avoid overfilling wardrobes or placing furniture against walls.
  • Use dehumidifiers in heated homes.

Heating and the Dew Point

Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Proper heating reduces condensation.

Tips for Heating Your Home:

  • Heat your home evenly, especially on the ground floor.
  • Run heating for at least 3 hours; avoid short bursts of heat.
  • Set heating timers to turn on before you wake up and off after bedtime.
  • Avoid over-ventilating by leaving windows open all day in cold weather.

Addressing Mould Growth

Mould spores grow on damp surfaces, appearing as black spots on walls or windows.

Safe Cleaning Guidelines:

  • Use approved biocides (see HSE Biocide Approvals).
  • Avoid vacuuming or dry brushing mould; spores can become airborne.
  • Mop excess water on windows and sills.
  • Clean mould-affected clothes and surfaces thoroughly.

Insulation to Prevent Damp

Proper insulation helps maintain warmth and reduce condensation.

Loft Insulation

  • 25% of heat is lost through the roof.
  • Ensure insulation is at least 270mm thick and lofts are well-ventilated.

Wall Insulation

  • 35% of heat loss occurs through walls.
  • Check for cavity wall insulation; ensure suitability before installation.

Draught-Proofing

  • Seal gaps under skirting boards, doors, and windows.
  • Use double or triple glazing to reduce draughts.

Identifying Damp

Penetration Damp

  • Caused by rain entering through damaged tiles or cracks in walls.
  • Look for signs of leaky pipes or gutters.

Rising Damp

  • Found on ground-floor walls due to faulty or absent damp-proof courses.
  • Leaves tidemarks or watermarks on walls and floors.

Additional Tips for Shared Properties

Shared homes, like student housing, are more prone to condensation due to:

  • Increased moisture from multiple occupants.
  • Lack of proper ventilation.

For Assistance

Contact Ridgewater Energy for advice on:

  • Condensation prevention
  • Heating and insulation grants
  • Energy efficiency improvements

Call: 01202 612726
Email: info@ridgewaterenergy.co.uk
Visit: www.ridgewaterenergy.co.uk

Helping to prevent fuel poverty and ensure affordable warmth for healthier homes.

Download: How to Prevent Condensation, Mould and Damp in Your Home