David Morton, Consultant Surveyor, CSSW, CSRT
Condensation and Mould Problems
by David Morton, Consultant Surveyor, CSSW, CSRT
After long summer days, when we’ve been able to open doors and windows to fully ventilate properties, which creates a healthy living environment, where the air within the property changes regularly, it is that time of year again, when the nights are beginning to draw in and the temperature is starting to drop.
Winter will soon be here, and with it comes weather which can result in higher levels of humidity within your property. This can be a result of higher levels of humidity outside, the likelihood that properties aren’t so well ventilated, as windows and doors are not left open, plus the generation of moisture within properties, from cooking, bathing and generally living. All of which can lead to condensation related damp and subsequent mould growth.
Condensation
As soon as temperatures start to drop outside, your home is at risk of condensation which can lead to unsightly mould which can cause damage to clothing, furniture and fabrics, along with decorative finishes within the property. Preventing condensation is far more cost effective than repairing damage caused by it. Although condensation tends to be seasonal the high humidity has meant that some of us have found evidence of condensation during the summer months this year.
As the temperatures start to drop this autumn the likelihood is that more of us will experience signs of condensation within our homes so here are some tips to help prevent problems occurring:
Generally
- Ensure that you have adequate insulation fitted in the loft (and walls if applicable i.e. cavity walls).
- Try to make sure that heating is even throughout the property, as condensation forms on cold surfaces. It may seem right to turn off the heating in some areas of the property that may not be used, in order to save on heating bills. However! this can lead to a higher risk of condensation forming within those areas. It is generally better to turn the thermostat down a little, while trying to ensure all areas benefit from some (lower level) heating.
- Consider having extractor fans fitted in areas where there is a build-up of moisture such as the kitchen and bathroom. If you ask the advice of a qualified surveyor, they can suggest the best unit for the lay out of your property and the best settings to use.
In the Kitchen
- Try to leave lids on pans to prevent moisture from the steam being released into the air.
- If you have one, turn your extractor fan on in the kitchen and if you don’t have one yet then open a window to allow excess moisture to escape.
- If possible, close your kitchen door whilst you cook, so that steam doesn’t escape into other rooms.
In Living Areas
During the colder months, it is likely that you will spend more time indoors as. This also means that you may have to dry washing within the property, on your radiators, rather than on the washing line.
- Sometimes, there is no alternative and where this is the case, it is so important to try and get a balance between heating and ventilation in areas used for drying laundry, by opening windows etc.
- If possible, use a condensing drier rather than drying washing on radiators. The drier will prevent the moisture release into the air.
- Where surface moisture does occur, wipe it up from window cills, etc as soon as possible and this will help to prevent mould growth.
In the Bathroom
Although you may be tempted to enjoy a long hot bath or shower on a cold day, the steam created within the bathroom can exacerbate condensation issues so:
- If you have one, turn on the extractor fan in your bathroom whilst you bathe. Ideally, the fan you have will operate on a “trickle” basis and will turn itself on and off automatically.
- If you don’t have an extractor fan then, if it is not too cold, try to leave a window open to allow moisture to escape. If not while you are bathing or showering, then certainly afterwards.
- If you have a tiled bath / shower room, use a squeegee to remove all excess surface moisture as soon as you have finished bathing or showering. This will have a positive effect in reducing humidity levels.
- As with the kitchen, keep the bathroom door closed while bathing or showering, to help prevent steam escaping.
Some facts about condensation:
Government figures suggest that 1 in 4 homes in the UK, has an issue with either condensation and/or damp. A lot of damp-proofing company call-outs are for condensation related problems.
Condensation is seasonal and the condensation season coincides with dropping temperatures. If your property suffered with condensation last Winter but there haven’t been symptoms over the summer this doesn’t mean the issue has gone away as it will, unfortunately, recur the following autumn.
Condensation is caused by excess moisture in the air settling on cool surfaces. Air can hold a certain amount of moisture, but the amount varies depending on temperature; The colder the air, the less moisture it can hold. This means that, when air temperature drops below a certain level, the moisture that it can no longer hold – referred to as the Dew Point – is deposited as free moisture, onto the coldest surfaces. You often see condensation on windows, which are older single-glazed units, as these are generally cold surfaces. External walls, along with the edges of ceilings where they meet the walls may also be cold and subject to the effects of condensation and mould.
Double glazing will not eliminate condensation within a property. It will reduce the amount of condensation on windowpanes, by keeping the temperature of the internal glass warmer and above the “Dew Point”. However, this means that condensation related moisture may end up forming on other cool surfaces elsewhere, particularly adjoining wall surfaces, within cupboards, on walls behind furniture etc.
Cooking, washing, drying clothes, having a bath or shower and even breathing can produce up to 5 litres of moisture a day per person, within the average home. This moisture will usually dry in well-ventilated and heated properties. In colder rooms / areas within properties, it is likely to form as surface condensation.
Condensation does not always occur in the room where the moisture has been created. Moisture moves around with the air. It can also move through walls, doors and ceilings as moisture vapour. It helps to close the kitchen door when you are cooking but you may also need to look at an extract unit to help air circulation, air changes and to remove the excess moisture from the air.
You may be experiencing some of the symptoms of condensation without realising their cause. There may be musty smells within the property, water on windows and window cills, peeling wallpaper, mould growths on walls, clothes, shoes or on areas of the walls and ceiling.
If condensation isn’t treated it can result in a lot of expense. Clothes and bed linen may be damaged by mould and subsequently, may need replacing.
Living with condensation can cause health problems as a result of the mould and mildew to growth, along with mould spores, which can aggravate chest conditions, such as asthma. Dust mites also thrive in damp atmospheres, which can affect people who suffer from Allergic Rhinitis.
Controlling condensation and related dampness can be improved by controlling the internal humidity levels. It is important to control moisture levels in the entire property and not just single, isolated areas. Also, to ensure that there is adequate ventilation to create the required number if air changes within a property.
How to control condensation and mould growth within properties
- Ventilation: Open windows and vents to allow moist air to escape and dry air to circulate. This is especially important when cooking, washing up, or showering. You can also use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Furniture placement: Leave a 5 mm gap between furniture and walls to allow air to circulate. You can also place large furniture against an internal wall.
- Avoid drying clothes on radiators: This can increase condensation, unless you also increase ventilation.
- Use anti-condensation paint: This type of paint is designed to prevent condensation from forming.
- Use a squeegee to dry the surfaces of tiles and the shower-screen in bath / shower rooms.
- Avoid painting over mould without killing it first: Painting over mould without treating the source of the problem can make it look worse.
What causes mould?
Mould is a microscopic organism related to fungus that is common in homes. Mould can grow anywhere in your home provided that it has access to the following:
- Organic materials (including, wood, plaster or paper)
- Moisture
- Oxygen
Over time mould will destroy whatever it grows on because it consumes the material and uses it for nutrients. As mould matures, it releases microscopic spores that are carried on the air to other places. In some mould species, these spores have mycotoxins and allergens attached to them. It is the mycotoxins and allergens that can affect our health and cause allergic reactions.
Mould can become a problem in your home quickly. If the conditions are right for it to grow, it can quickly spread on walls and ceilings to create large dark patches that can affect your health. If your home is suffering with mould, you want the best mould treatment and an effective solution. If you are concerned about mould growth, you should seek advice form an experienced professional.
Treating Mould
Mould can be temporarily cleaned from walls, but it is important to protect yourself from the spores by wearing goggles, long rubber gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Keep the doors of the room where you are cleaning closed to stop mould spores escaping into other areas of the house but leave the windows open to ensure that the air is circulating.
- Any soft furnishings, fabrics, clothes and soft toys that have become affected by mould growth should be removed from the affected areas. All items affected should be thoroughly cleaned to remove mould and kill off mould spores.
- When it comes to cleaning and removing mould, there are a number of options, including, specific mouldicide solutions which come in a trigger spray bottle, using a water and bleach solution (4:1 ratio) and / or, a water and basic white vinegar solution (1:1 ratio) in a spray bottle. In all cases, care is needed and the right personal protection should be used.
- When you’ve finished, use a dry cloth to remove surface moisture from the wall.
- Afterwards, put the rags in a plastic bag and throw them away.
- All the surfaces in the affected room should be thoroughly cleaned. It may then be sensible to consider painting the cleaned wall / ceiling surfaces using a specialised mould inhibiting paint.
- Open windows on dry days to let fresh air blow into your home, which will reduce humidity levels and create air changes within the property, which in turn, will help control potential condensation issues.
For further information please see https://preservationtreatments.co.uk/thermokote/ which is a paint preventing surface condensation and black mould.
Preservation Treatments surveyors have many years of experience in dealing with condensation related problems. If you would like to know more, or would like to arrange for one of our Surveyors to carry out a diagnostic survey and provide recommendations, along with a specification for the control of condensation and related mould problems, please contact our office on:
Telephone: 02176 66466
