Condensation is a common damp issue that can be found in houses and buildings across the world, both new and old. It is caused when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces, resulting in water moisture settling on the cold surface as the warm air cools. It can also happen when there is too much humidity in the air.
For the most part, condensation is easy to treat and doesn’t present a serious risk, but mold can occur if the issue isn’t sorted and persists over time.
Mold can affect asthma and eczema sufferers, so it’s important you try to prevent condensation from occurring in the first place if anyone in your home has skin or respiratory conditions.
If you have condensation in your house but are unsure as to why here are three things that could be causing it.
1. Your Windows/Insulation Are Insufficient
Windows play a vital role in retaining heat within your home. The higher the glazing, the better the insulation will be. If you have single glazed windows and condensation, that could be the reason why. More heat is lost through single glazing which means more cold air is let in.
When you have the heating on or begin to cook or take a shower, warm moisture is released into the air. When it comes into contact with cold surfaces like single glazed windows, water droplets form and condensation happens.
In the case of single glazing, there is more cold air being let in to mix with the hot air, resulting in a higher risk of condensation.
In addition, even if you have double-glazed windows, there’s still a chance the seal could be broken or the windows need replacing. Telltale signs are increased condensation and higher energy bills. If this is happening to you, it may be time to replace your windows.
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2. You Have a Leak in Your Roof
Another leading cause of condensation is a leaky roof. If you have a loose tile or a hole somewhere, it will let cold air in.
As heat from your house rises into the roof space and clashes with the cold air, it will cause condensation. It might not seem like a big deal to have condensation in your roof space, but it can cause major issues.
Firstly, any belongings you have stored in your roof space may get damp or covered in mold spores, ruining them as a consequence. The mold can penetrate the ceilings below the roof, causing unsightly patches and potential health issues.
In addition, the wooden structure of the roof may become damaged as a result of increased water moisture, and this can cause deep-seated structural issues that are costly to fix. You may also hear scratching within your roof space as small animals find their way in through an opening.
For these reasons, it’s essential you check your roof regularly and inspect the tiles, making to fix and replace any tiles as necessary.
3. You Don’t Have Proper Ventilation
The third and most likely reason you have condensation in your house is that you don’t have adequate ventilation.
This could be because you don’t open windows every day, it could be because you don’t have extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom, or it could be because you don’t have vents on your roof.
Inadequate ventilation is an easy fix – make sure you open your windows every day, even if it’s just for five minutes, install and switch on extractor fans in high humidity rooms, and buy proper roof vents (online stores like ERoofing sell them).
By doing all of these steps, you’ll be able to maintain a fresh airflow in your home and reduce condensation as a consequence.
Summary
Condensation isn’t the end of the world and is an easy problem to prevent and fix, but if you find you can’t identify the source of the issue is persistent, make sure you get a professional survey done.
