Condensation is particularly prominent during the winter months when the outside air is far colder than that of inside your property. Condensation occurs when warm air, holding moisture hits cold surfaces. This is why is is mostly noticeable in bathrooms and the bedroom you sleep in.
When condensation is not managed it can lead to mould and damp
When droplets form on surfaces due to the mixture of air, moisture and the colder environment this can create the appearance of damp. In rooms which are poorly ventilated this issue is magnified. Many of us notice black mould forming around bedroom windows in the winter, which is the cause of this build up of moisture not being able to escape. A continuous problem with is could mean damp getting behind wall paper, into paper board and eating away at your walls.
Open your windows
While the thought of opening your windows to the elements in the middle of winter might not sound very appealing, even in short doses this can make a huge difference. Allowing this trapped moisture a place to escape through a vent or open window is a particularly effective remedy for condensation. After taking a shower, leave your window a jar for a short while and close again before you leave the house. That way you won't be coming home to all the heat escaping from your home but the room will have had sufficient ventilation time. This goes for your bedroom too. Once you're up and out of that warm cosy bed, crack a window and let the room breath. It will do wonders for the air quality in your home too!
Heat up the room
In damp environments such as bathrooms which also contain a lot of cold wall surfaces, usually tiled or cladded. These rooms require more heat. Try to ensure radiators are being left on for long enough to heat up the entire room, including these tiled and cold surfaces. If you can afford the luxury, underfloor heating can work a treat in distributing heat evenly around a room and it is great for your toes on cold mornings.
Purchase a dehumidifier
While dehumidifiers have traditionally not been recommended for use in damp environments, there are many on the market now which are fit for just that purpose. A dehumidifier works by collecting the access moisture out of the air, stopping it from landing on those cold surfaces and therefore stopping the creation of condensation, mould and damp.
Leaving a dehumidifier running once you're finished in the bathroom can really help purify the air, increase the quality and of course, help with those black mould issues.
If you have noticed a significant build up in condensation, more so than usual in your property, it is recommended to get it checked out by a professional. This could be a greater problem, perhaps a leak from pipe work, burst pipes or worse. Contact Mayne Gas Heating if you need advice today 01472 241211.
