Condensation: 5 Ways to Prevent Excess Moisture in your London Home

London sits on a bed of clay and ground moisture can impact a building, especially if the damp proof course is damaged in any way. The DPC is a critical component of any UK build, as this layer prevents ground moisture from attacking the structure; older London buildings would have a black bitumen DPC that is sandwiched between the first few courses of bricks and rising damp is a cause of condensation.

Here are a few effective strategies to prevent droplets of water from forming in your London home.

1. Heat the whole house – Yes, energy is expensive, but if you turn on all the radiators in the central heating for a few hours, it will dry out the air, removing excessive moisture. Invest in a hygrometer to measure the RH (Relative Humidity) levels, which would give you a definitive answer.
2. Avoid drying damp clothes indoors – It takes a long time to dry clothes with the eternal cloudy and damp weather we have in London, so many families dry out the garments indoors. While this does dry the clothing, the moisture is transferred to the atmosphere and without ventilation, damp and mould will follow. Condensation experts would tell you to refrain from drying wet clothing in the house.
3. Use a portable dehumidifier – You can remove a lot of moisture from the air with a dehumidifier, which can be used in any room with excessive moisture. In the event you remove damp patches on the walls and they return, this is a sign of a leak or penetrative damp. The best solution is to book an independent damp survey from London Damp Specialists; we have been inspecting London homes for 40 years and have a great reputation within the industry.
4. Generate a positive airflow – Ventilation is critical when it comes to moisture control; a still space with moisture is a place where mould can thrive. You could install a few extractor fans around the home and create ventilation artificially. Of course, simply opening windows will have the same effect and many London homeowners do this in the winter months to prevent droplets of water from forming on windows and walls.
5. Bathroom & kitchen – Of course, condensation will form when you run a hot bath or take a hot shower; make sure the door is closed and open a window, which will dissipate the moisture. You should mop up condensation with a dry cloth before it can damage timber and plaster. 

If you notice a buildup of condensation, book an independent damp survey with London Damp Specialists by calling 020 7205 4886 or using the booking request form on this website. We have the know-how and the equipment to pinpoint the cause of condensation and make treatment recommendations from a leading London damp-proofing contractor.