Dealing with
condensation
Condensation and your home
In British homes condensation is a problem that usually happens in the winter, when
draught proofed windows and doors are firmly closed and moist air from the warmer
living areas moves into colder parts of the house. Most homes suffer from condensation,
but by properly maintaining your property and thinking about your lifestyle and
decoration, you can do a lot to minimise its impact in your home.
Condensation is the most common cause of dampness in buildings. Condensation affects both
old and new properties, but can be worse in houses that have been modernised, particularly
those fitted with new energy efficient windows which, unlike older style windows, are
designed to keep cold air outside and warm (moist) air inside.
Condensation is not the same as damp. Both can cause mould to grow on walls, which is why
they are often confused – but the way to deal with them is very different.
What is damp?
Problems can also occur as a result of rising or penetrating damp. These problems are usually
identified by a tide mark at the edge of the area of damp.
• Rising damp is caused by a failed or ‘bridged’ damp-proof course that allows moisture in
the ground to rise up through the ground floor walls.
• Penetrating damp is usually caused by overflowing pipes or gutters, holes in the roof,
cracks in walls, or poor brickwork.
What is condensation?
All of the air inside and outside your house contains water vapour. The warmer the air is, the
more water it contains. When the air comes into contact with a surface that is colder, the water
vapour turns into droplets of water. This is condensation.
Every household suffers from condensation, usually when moisture and steam are being
produced. We even produce water vapour during our sleep – as we breathe we create about
half a litre of vapour every night. This is why bedroom windows mist over during a cold night.
In areas where condensation occurs regularly, surfaces can stay damp for a long time, which
is when mould can begin to grow. The following tips will help you tackle the problem of
condensation in your home.
www.derbyhomes.org/energy
Reduce the amount of moisture that you produce
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Don’t leave kettles or saucepans boiling for longer than necessary and put lids on pans.
Close kitchen and bathroom doors when you’re cooking or bathing, and open the
windows or use an extractor fan.
Don’t dry clothes indoors unless you provide some extra ventilation.
Put some cold water into the bath before filling it with hot water to reduce the amount of
steam you create.
Make sure tumble driers are vented to external air.
Remove any moisture that is produced
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Open a window slightly at each end of your house to allow air to blow through.
Don’t overfill cupboards or wardrobes or stand items of furniture against the wall. Leave
enough room for air to circulate.
Dehumidifiers can help, but they only work when the house is warm and damp, not cold
and damp. They only treat the symptoms of condensation and they are expensive to run.
Keep your home warm and reduce cold surfaces
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Try to leave some background heating on throughout the day in cold weather, ideally at
around 18 degrees centigrade.
Check your heating system regularly to keep it running efficiently.
Make sure your house is well insulated. Extra insulation helps to reduce condensation,
reduces energy usage and saves you money.
Close the curtains at night to conserve heat and, if possible, open a window slightly for
ventilation or open the trickle vent at the top of the window frame.
Dealing with mould
Mould growth can be caused by condensation and usually forms on decorative surfaces,
especially wallpaper, where it can cause severe and permanent damage. The mould and its
spores create a musty odour and can sometimes cause health problems. Black mould can only
grow in the pure water associated with condensation, and is not a sign of rising damp.
Mould and growth can be washed off walls using a special fungicidal wash. You can use
special paints to help prevent mould returning. However, unless you take some of the
measures mentioned in this leaflet, the mould will eventually return.
If you need help or advice please contact the Derby Homes Energy Team on 01332 888777.
www.derbyhomes.org/energy
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