With temperatures plummeting and cold weather upon us once more, you may have noticed condensation cropping up around your home.
You may think of condensation as a minor inconvenience, but if left, it can end up causing significant damage and creating the ideal environment for mould to grow. But what causes condensation? And how can you prevent it from occurring in the first place?
The team here at SWR Home & Outdoor is here with this helpful guide explaining how to stop window condensation.
What causes condensation?
The air all around us contains minuscule droplets of water that are invisible to the naked eye. Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cold surface, which causes the air to cool down and reach its dew point; this causes water droplets to form.
Common places to find condensation
Several factors affect whether or not condensation is formed, such as temperature, humidity and ventilation. Therefore, some areas of your home will be more prone to condensation than others, such as:
- Windows: Condensation is especially common on windows during the winter when the cold temperatures from outside meet the warmer indoor air.
- Kitchens: Cooking generates steam and vapours which, in turn, cause condensation.
- Bathrooms: Hot steam from your shower can cause condensation to occur on bathroom mirrors, surfaces and windows.
- Attics: As the warm air from your home rises, it can cause condensation in the colder attic areas above, especially if your property has poor ventilation and insulation.
How to stop condensation in the house
If water is left to sit for an extended period, it can damage any surface, no matter how waterproof or durable. Wooden surfaces are particularly vulnerable to water damage and can become cracked and warped.
Ongoing dampness can also lead to mould growth which, as well as being unsightly, can make you seriously ill. Therefore, it’s vital that any condensation is proactively addressed.
Although condensation can be easily removed by just giving the surface a quick wipe, it’s much better to prevent it from forming in the first place. There are a number of ways you can prevent condensation, including:
Increase ventilation:
Condensation is usually an underlying sign that your property is poorly ventilated. Try to open your windows and doors at least once a day and allow air to circulate.
This is particularly important for rooms with a high level of moisture, like your kitchen or bathroom, so you should also open the windows during activities like cooking or showering to help manage moisture.
Dry clothes outside:
When you dry your clothes inside, whether that be on a clothes horse or a radiator, this raises the humidity of the room and releases moisture into the air, causing condensation. Ideally, you’d always dry your clothes outside, but if bad weather makes this impossible, be sure to open a window to improve ventilation whilst drying.
Consider a dehumidifier:
As the name suggests, a dehumidifier reduces the humidity level in a room by extracting the excess moisture from the air, making it an effective tool for fighting condensation.
Purchase indoor plants:
Indoor plants aren’t just there for decoration; in fact, some houseplants can absorb excess moisture and help to regulate humidity levels, making them a useful and aesthetically pleasing way to prevent condensation.
Act quickly:
If you notice condensation on your windows, it’s important that you act quickly before it has the chance to damage your window frame or develop into mould. Mop up the moisture with a damp cloth, or you could use a window vacuum if you have one.
Invest in a window replacement:
Condensation may partly be occurring because your existing windows offer poor insulation and allow draughts inside. By far the most effective way to stop window condensation for good is to invest in a high-quality window replacement.
Here at SWR Home & Outdoor, we supply and install double and triple-glazed windows from Origin and Homeframe – two of the most respected manufacturers in the industry. Our aluminium and uPVC windows offer exceptional thermal efficiency, with some products using low-emissivity glass to further enhance insulation.
If you’re experiencing problems with excessive window condensation in your home, why not get in touch with the team at SWR Home & Outdoor? With a comprehensive range of high-quality windows available, we can carry out a swift and efficient window replacement that will maximise the energy efficiency of your home and help to reduce condensation.
With more than 30 years of experience under their belt, our experts can work with you to find the right windows for the needs of your home in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden and the wider Hertfordshire area – simply contact us to arrange a free consultation.
