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.
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
What’s included:
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.
Add On 2
qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.
Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.
These are the tools we use
Damp Meter
A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.
Borescope camera
borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Drone Inspection
A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.
Air Humidity Sensor
Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.
Air Flow Ventilation Detector
An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.
Mould Lab Swab Testing
A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.
Lab Analysis of Plaster
Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
