Condensation in London Homes: Common Causes & Solutions

Condensation forms when there is a lot of moisture in a room or when warm meets cold on interior surfaces and with a wet and cold climate such as we have in the UK, condensation is a very real possibility. Of course, this is mainly a winter issue and there are certain activities that can cause water droplets to form on windows and walls.

Extreme temperature differences

When outside temperatures drop to freezing, condensation is likely to form in the insides of windows; the extreme temperature differences cause water droplets to form on the interior glass surfaces. The best way to eliminate condensation is to replace your windows with double glazing, as the sealed unit provides a thermal break, which is a permanent solution.

Human behaviours

Certain things we do can cause condensation, such as drying damp clothing inside the house and cooking will also cause a build up of steam. Keeping all windows closed certainly doesn’t help in these situations, generating a strong airflow will remove the damp and humid air. Using a tumble dryer can also cause condensation if there is no pipe to send the damp air outside.

Create a positive airflow

This is an effective way to prevent condensation, which you can achieve by opening windows in key locations; another effective strategy is to install extractor fans and use them to generate air movement. Damp and humid conditions are ideal for mould growth; when we carry out an independent damp survey, we do a ventilation flow test, which accurately measures the flow of air within the building.

Heating

If the interior of your home is humid, you should turn on the central heating and heat up the whole house, which will dry out the air and that should prevent condensation from forming. If your home is not centrally heated, use a portable electric heater to dry out rooms that are damp and do this on a regular basis to prevent the onset of condensation.

Removing water droplets

Condensation on window sills can cause significant damage to timber and plaster; you should keep a dry cloth near each window and wipe up water before it can do any damage. While this is not really a solution, it is damage control and by contacting a damp expert, other solutions can be recommended.

 

Use a dehumidifier

Investing in a dehumidifier is a good idea if your home suffers from condensation and you can move the machine from one room to another. If you use a moisture meter, you can accurately measure the amount of moisture in the air, which is something our surveyor does when inspecting a building for damp and mould.

If your home has condensation, book an independent damp survey from London Damp Specialists by calling 020 7205 4886 or leaving your details in our online survey booking form and we will send a damp specialist to inspect your London home. You receive a detailed report within 24 hours, which is sent to your inbox.