The symptoms of condensation are most prevalent during colder months when windows, doors and vents are closed to prevent heat loss. This leads to reduced ventilation in your home where trapped moisture cannot escape. This excess moisture can cause problems from damage to decor and furniture, to potential health issues from mould growth.
Identifying Condensation – What to keep an eye out for:
Check your walls – Use your hand to feel the temperature of the wall. Does this feel cold or damp? Very early signs of damp include tiny black specks on the paintwork or wallpaper, this is actually mould growth. Be sure to look in the corners as these tend to be ‘cold spots’. Peeling wallpaper and cracked or bubbling paint are also potential indicators of condensation.
Check your ceilings – Look up and check the corners of your ceiling. Alongside any splatterings of black mould or moisture that may be appearing, also take note of any discolouration of the paint.
Doors and entrances – Check your front and back doors, as sometimes external issues can often cause internal damp problems. Also be sure to check your doorway entrances, and inspect the gap stoppers, or silicone sealant for signs of black mould.
Windows – It’s common to spot signs of condensation around windows, look for heavy moisture on the inside of your windows, or small puddles of water on your window sills. This is caused when the warm air inside of the house condenses on the cold surface of the window. Again keep an eye out for signs of black mould appearing at the base of the windows, and on the sealants around the windows.
Bathrooms, laundry rooms & kitchens – These rooms usually have increased moisture levels and it can be more difficult to ventilate these rooms in winter. Look inside cupboards for the signs of black mould beginning to appear, or a dank and dusky smell. Remember to leave lids on pans when cooking, and to use extractor fans when bathing.
Curtains and other soft furnishings – Check behind your curtains, blinds and sofas for signs of damp or mould. Curtains that are used as windstoppers by doors are also prime spots for black mould growth. Condensation can form behind headboards or bedroom furniture – they prevent ventilation and prevent areas from drying out, meaning mould can form.
Attics and Lofts – These are places you may not check often, but they may have a damp or musty smell indicating signs of damp or mould growth. Make sure that loft insulation hasn’t been forced down the eaves, preventing natural ventilation into the roofspace. It’s also worth checking the brick and paint work for signs of discolouration or penetrating damp from rainwater.
I have noticed condensation – how do I solve my problem?
The best way to prevent and remove condensation problems is simply to increase ventilation flow in your property – this can be done through installing or unblocking air bricks, opening windows, or using anti-condensation thermal paint. When washing or bathing making sure to use extractor fans, and try to refrain from drying clothes on radiators, as the moisture will remain in your property.
If you have spotted these signs of damp and need expert assistance to remove and prevent future damp outbreaks, or are interested in anti-condensation paint, speak to one of our Property Care Surveyors and we can organise a survey of your property.
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