Is your home prone to condensation? How you can prevent it

Condensation happens when water in the air settles on a cold surface and dampens or wets it. As this moisture can cause an array of issues, including peeling paint and the growth of mould spores, prevention is certainly better than cure when it comes to condensation.

DIY Doctor explains: “As soon as warm air, containing vapour, hits a cooler surface, it will condense.” Fortunately, though, there are various things you could do to interrupt warm air’s journey towards that surface and so prevent condensation.

Leave windows open – when you practically can

One method of preventing condensation can be summed up in one word: ventilation. Naturally, you can ventilate a home simply by leaving its windows open –a potentially very attractive option when you are actually at the house and the weather is warm.

However, for many people, it can only be a short-term, makeshift solution – as it can sometimes leave you feeling cold when you are at the house and fearing burglary when you aren’t there.

Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air

Like Ronseal, a dehumidifier largely does what it says on the tin, as it indeed makes an environment less humid. Ironically, this electrical mechanical device itself uses condensation to make air drier and so prevent condensation from happening where you don’t actually want it to happen.

A dehumidifier basically works by taking moisture out of the air and into a tank in the machine. Depending on how quickly this tank fills up, it will have to be emptied from time to time.

Add trickle vents to the windows

Yes, you can do it yourself –DIY Doctor even has a step-by-step guide to fitting trickle vents. Each of these vents comprises two halves, with one meant to be installed on the inside of the window and the other half intended for, yes, installing on the window’s opposite side.

These vents would allow moist air to escape your home without you having to compromise the property’s security when you are away at work or on holiday.

Leave your loft’s insulation with room to breathe

If you loft indeed does have insulation, you should make sure standard loft boarding has not been laid on top of it. Unfortunately, this type of loft boarding will squash the insulation to at least some extent – potentially leading this insulation to collect moisture and cause interstitial condensation.

Many UK households could, however, utilise raised loft boarding and loft ladder installation from Instaloft – resulting in a loft that can guard against condensation while remaining a practically usable living space.

Dry your recently-washed clothes outdoors

This tip comes from the Express, which explains that “moisture released into the air when drying wet clothes can contribute to excessive water particles in the air”.

So, when the weather permits it, put your clothes on a washing line. When the weather isn’t good and you lack access to a tumble dryer, you could alternatively dry your clothes on an airer placed in a bathroom with its windows open and door closed.