SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS CONDENSATION?
Streaming windows is usually the first sign of a condensation problem, and if it is left untreated, there is a risk of other further problems. Damp patches on walls, peeling wallpaper and black mould growth, plus that ‘musty’ smell, are signs that the problem has progressed. This may lead to damage to your dwelling, but it can also affect our health. If you have damp and mould you're more likely to have respiratory problems, and it can also affect the immune system.
Condensation forms when moist air meets a cold surface, or when there is too much humidity. Mostly common in winter when the vast majority of households don’t have the heating coming on in the early hours when it’s cooler outside.
Everyday activities such as cooking, boiling the kettle, showering and drying clothes indoors, will all release warm moisture-packed air into the home. When this air starts to cool, it lets go of the moisture which turn into droplets of water on the coldest surfaces within our homes, mainly windows and walls, and it’s this reaction which causes the condensation, usually in the form of streaming windows.
If you add this to all the other airborne particles in a typical home it’s not difficult to understand why this type of poor quality air is a problem. In the past in most dwellings, it was easier for this air to escape through ill-fitting doors and windows, uncarpeted floors, and no insulation in the walls and loft. As this air left it would then have to be replaced by fresher, drier air.
At the other end of the scale, newer, more modern buildings have improved these problems greatly by using solutions such as cavity insulation, double glazing and draught proofing. However, these in turn restrict the once natural ventilation present in older buildings.
As the humid air is now unable to escape as easily, this is what causes the condensation and streaming windows, and while a bit of water might sound harmless enough, if left it will cause the dampness, mustiness and encourage black mould to start growing on walls, ceiling and around windows.
WHAT CAN MOULD CAUSE?
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND INFECTIONS
ALLERGIES
Mould produces allergens and irritants, and inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash, headaches, tiredness or nausea.
ASTHMA
POOR IMMUNE SYSTEM
DIY TIPS TO PREVENT CONDENSATION
ENSURE ALL YOUR EXTRACTOR FANS ARE WORKING
ENSURE THAT YOUR HOME IS PROPERLY VENTILATED
HAVE A CONDENSATION CONTROL UNIT FITTED
AVOID PRODUCING LOTS OF MOISTURE
HOW COMMON ARE MOULD ISSUES?
Mould is a type of fungus which forms anywhere there’s moisture trapped in the air, usually around bedrooms, showers, tumble dryers and in kitchens. Continuous condensation problems can cause mould to start growing on walls, ceilings and around windows. It can also occur on furniture and even on the clothes hanging in your wardrobe. Mould in the home is more common that people think, with most houses in the UK affected by condensation/mould issues, as well as affecting the health of thousands of people.
Isn’t getting rid of black mould as simple as wiping it off or painting over it?
No, unfortunately it’s not that simple. Unless you remove what’s causing the mould in the first place it will return again and again.
We can provide a permanent solution to all problems arising from condensation, dampness and mould. We use PIV System ventilation for long term solutions for condensation control. These vents allow trapped water vapour to escape without the dreaded draft! By solving the causes of poor ventilation and inadequate insulation, we can help you to live in a home without mould.
HOW CAN DRYPRO HELP ASSIST YOU WITH CONDENSATION ISSUES?
INSTALLATION OF POSITIVE AIR
INPUT VENTILATION SYSTEMS
EXTRACTOR FANS & HUMIDISTATS
Need a solution for your condensation problems? We are qualified, approved installers of Nuaire.
DryPro can install a range of cost-effective, low-energy home ventilation systems.
Cures condensation dampness
These systems can reduce the humidity in the air, helping condensation and preventing mould from growing.
Improving your air quality and living environment
Pollutants from both inside and outside your home will be eradicated.
Low maintenance
These systems are cleaned and maintained every 5 years.
Meets regulations
Meets Part F & L of Building Regulations as a low-energy ventilation strategy.
