No building is free from condensation.
Every building has colder spots where condensation will accrue, usually exposed edges and corners, also called Cold-Bridging. Excessive moisture leads to damp and mould and rot if untreated.
Things you should do to combat condensation
- It is not enough to open one window or vent that is getting steamed up – you need airflow, which means also opening one on the other side of the room or flat.
All windows have trickle vents above them, they should be left open.
- Open curtains and blinds in the daytime. Closed curtains and blinds hinder airflow and retain condensation. Open the windows regularly to get air flowing through your flat.
- Turn the heating down.
- Close doors and put the extractor fan on when cooking or running a bath or shower.
- Dry wet clothes in a room that is not prone to mould.
Homes For Change unfortunately has many areas where cold bridging and condensation act together. The main example is where flats have windows/doors meeting at an exposed corner, often in bedrooms. These areas need regular attention. In some rooms like these the skeleton structure of the corner is metal, which cools and heats rapidly, attracting moisture.
Flats that are badly affected by design include:
G01, G02, G08, 103, 104, 207, 215, 216, 217, 218, 231, 232, 303, 406, 501
What to do if you get condensation and mould
- Wipe excessive moisture off windows and open your windows and blinds/curtains. Condensation disappears and frames dry out in 1 – 2 hours on dry days if the windows are opened even only a little.
- Clean off mould on windows with a sponge scourer soaked in vinegar perhaps once a week in very cold weather.
- Clean wall/ceiling corners with mould-killer (we have some strong stuff available – contact Lee @103). You can also buy it from the supermarket.
- DON’T JUST SIT WATCHING IT AND THEN COMPLAIN