There is always some moisture in the air, even if you cannot see it. This often appears, if left, as black marks on walls. This should not be confused with damp which generally shows as leaving a water tidemark and causes plaster to come away from the wall.
If the air gets colder, it cannot hold the moisture in it and tiny drops of water form. This is condensation. Condensation mainly appears during cold weather and is found on cold surfaces such as bathroom mirrors or in places where there is little movement of air. Condensation can appear in corners, in or behind wardrobes or cupboards.
How to avoid condensation
Some everyday activities produce lots of moisture. Here are some tips on how to reduce condensation.
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Cover pans and do not leave kettles boiling.
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Wipe wet windows dry.
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Dry your washing outdoors on a line, or put it in the bathroom with the door closed and a window open. Don't dry washing on the radiators!
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Open small windows to air rooms, but remember to close ground floor windows when you go out.
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Vent tumble dryers to the outside.
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In cold weather keep heating on low all day to keep a constant temperature in your home. Turning your heating on for a short time makes condensation worse.
How to improve ventilation in your home
Ventilating (getting air to circulate around) your home can help to reduce condensation. Here are a few ways to help improve the ventilation.
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When kitchens and bathrooms are in use, open windows wider.
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Close kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use, even if they have an extractor fan. This will help to prevent moisture reaching other rooms, specially bedrooms, which are often colder and more likely to get condensation.
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Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes. Avoid putting too many things in them as this can stop the air circulating.
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When possible, position wardrobes and furniture against internal walls - that is not against walls that face the outside of the home.
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Do not draft-proof rooms where there is already condensation or mould.
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Do not draft-proof windows in the kitchen or bathroom.
Other causes of damp
Damp can also have other causes. Damp caused by condensation doesn't leave a tidemark (a line or mark e.g. on the wall). Damp can be caused by:
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Leaking pipes, wastes or overflows.
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Leaking roofs, where tiles are missing.
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Overflow from blocked gutters.
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Rising damp.
These causes of damp often leave a tidemark. If you think the damp in your home is caused by any of these, call our repairs service on 0800 515 287.
