Condensation is a prevalent issue in many homes, yet it is sometimes misread or overlooked. It may appear to be a small inconvenience to many people, but it can have long-term consequences for your home and the health of those who live there. It is crucial for homeowners to understand the root of condensation, its implications, and in general some ways and means of controlling and preventing it. First off, let’s understand what condensation is.
What is Condensation?
At the core, condensation refers to the process by which water vapour contained in the air changes into a liquid state upon contact with cooler surfaces. Condensation can be frequently observed on the windows, walls, and ceiling because the surface temperature there is lower than the dew point of surrounding air. The most common source of moisture accumulation is the humidity generated during our daily activities, such as cooking and showering, and even from our breath. This mostly leads to condensation, and in winter, more humidity is expected.
Understanding condensation is important for homeowners because it is not just some slight inconvenience, but it could even have enormous implications for both the home and the inhabitants’ health. Let’s have a closer look at several of these implications.
Consequences of Condensation
1. Health Implications
One of the most worrying effects of condensation is that it contributes to mould formation. The damp conditions made by condensation offer an ideal breeding environment for mould, which thrives in moist surroundings. Further, it releases spores into the atmosphere, which, when inhaled, can cause various health problems.
Mould exposure can result in respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis, allergies, and even infections. The adverse health impact of mould is particularly dangerous for people with a weakened or compromised immune system. In addition, chronic exposure to mould can result in skin irritation and other allergic effects, which further underscores the need to manage condensation issues promptly.
2. Property Implications
Moisture condensation causes not just health problems but also damages your property significantly. The prolonged existence of moisture can lead to the destruction of the property. For instance, wooden constructions could rot, and plaster and paint can deteriorate. It not only impacts the aesthetic appeal of your property but also its structural integrity.
Additionally, it can result in water staining of walls and ceilings, and in more serious cases, it can cause damage to electrical systems and equipment. Mould and mildew growth can also create musty odours, which decreases property value and liveability.
Now that we know the severity of these issues, let’s explore some techniques to help you manage and reduce condensation in your house.
How can you resolve it?
1. Improve Ventilation
Increasing ventilation in your home is one of the most efficient strategies to reduce condensation. Proper air circulation in your home can help reduce the levels of dampness. To improve circulation, open windows frequently, put extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom and keep vents clear.
2. Control Humidity Levels
We already know that humidity contributes considerably to condensation, therefore using a dehumidifier can help you minimise the level of moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers draw in moist air, remove the water content, and then release dry air into the room. If not in every room, you can install a dehumidifier in rooms prone to excessive humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. You should also avoid drying clothes indoors to maintain minimised humidity levels.
3. Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation of walls, roofs, and windows reduces the cold surfaces that are the primary sites for condensation. It decreases the contrast in temperature between the indoor air and those surfaces in which the condensation occurs. Double glazing windows are especially effective as well, where the inner pane is kept warmer, and chances of condensation are reduced.
4. Regular Maintenance
Regular home maintenance can also prevent condensation. Examine the roof, walls, and plumbing systems for any repairs or leaks that could allow moisture into your home.
5. Use Moisture-Resistant Paint
Use moisture-resistant paint in places prone to condensation, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to help protect your walls. These coatings prevent the formation of mould and mildew, adding an extra layer of protection against moisture damage.
Insulation is essential in any home but on occasion it will make a condensation problem worse. Moisture is unable to escape. Cavitech can assess any issue you may have with dampness or condensation and suggest ways to eliminate it. We recommend doing this during summer months, before issues worsen in the colder, wetter autumn period.