Condensation is a common issue for many homes across Ireland, particularly coming into the colder seasons. As outdoor temperatures begin to plummet and humidity levels indoors increase, often homes across the country begin to see a build-up of condensation on windows, walls and other surfaces.
Although this moisture may appear to be harmless, it can often lead to an array of bigger issues, such as; mould growth, dampness, and structural damage. What’s more is that mould and dampness can often pose potential health risks, such as respiratory infections, if you’re exposed to it for a long period of time.
To help you make sure your home is free from condensation, we will take you through a number of steps that you can take to prevent the build-up of condensation in your home. First of all, let’s define what condensation is.
What is condensation?
In the Dublin City Council (DCC)’s guide to controlling condensation and mould, they explain that condensation occurs when warm, damp air comes into contact with a cold surface, causing the moisture to cool down and turn into water droplets.
This is why you will most commonly see condensation on the inside of windows - as warm air from inside your home reacts to the glass that has been cooled from the outside, causing the droplets to form.
It is hard to completely stop condensation from appearing on windows and other surfaces of your home, but the steps we discuss in this article should help you reduce condensation in your home, keeping it dry and comfortable.
Improving ventilation
The first step to reduce condensation in your home is by improving ventilation. Ventilation allows the moisture-laden air to continuously move and reduces the likelihood of this air settling on any cool surfaces. There are a number of ways you can improve ventilation in your home, such as;
Ventilating rooms regularly
Although this may be harder to do in the winter months, the easiest and most economical way of reducing condensation in your home is to open windows regularly and allow fresh air to circulate. This is highly important to do in rooms where people are spending a lot of time - such as in living rooms and bedrooms.
Using extractor fans
Kitchens and bathrooms are rooms in your house that are likely to have an increased build-up of damp air. Installing and using extractor fans when cooking, bathing or showering can help avoid this moisture from building up in the air and causing condensation.
Installing vents
Installing vents in certain rooms where condensation may be a particular problem can help ensure a consistent flow of fresh air through the room. Vents such as trickle vents can also help to stop condensation on windows as the adjustable openings allow for continuous airflow without needing to open the windows fully in the colder months.
Controlling the humidity inside your home
Another step to prevent condensation from building up is by controlling the humidity inside your home. Aside from using extractor fans when cooking and showering, some suggestions on ways to control humidity in your home include;
Drying clothes outdoors
In the Irish Property Owners Association’s guide on avoiding condensation, they state that drying clothes indoors in your house can be a cause for moisture building up in the air. Drying clothes outdoors is one way to control the humidity in your home. However, we all know that during the winter months in Ireland, it can be difficult to dry clothes outdoors with the cold, wet weather we experience! So, when drying clothes indoors during the winter months, it’s advisable to do so in a well-ventilated room or to run a dehumidifier while your clothes are drying.
Investing in a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are small machines you can buy in most hardware stores that extract excess moisture from the air. If you notice certain areas have become prone to condensation, running the dehumidifier for a few hours can help reduce moisture in the air.
Controlling the temperature of your home
By controlling the temperature of your home, you can prevent surfaces becoming cold enough to create condensation. Two effective ways to do this are by;
Maintaining the temperature in your home
When you use artificial heat to warm your home during the winter months, you are actively adding more moisture into the air. Keep in mind that condensation forms when this warm moisture-laden air hits cold surfaces that have not had a chance to adjust to this heat.
The DCC’s guide explains that keeping your heating on at a low temperature all day throughout the winter can help reduce condensation by avoiding the ‘shock’ effect that occurs when warm air hits cold surfaces. When the heating is consistently on, the surfaces adjust to the temperature and excess moisture isn’t added to the air as frequently, reducing the overall build-up of condensation.
Insulating your home
Insulating your home is another step you can take to control the temperature of your house and avoid condensation building up. Insulating surfaces like walls, floors and doors and investing in double or triple-glazed windows helps to keep your home warm and avoids the need for additional heating, thus reducing the risk of condensation.
Monitor and maintain
Another way to reduce the risk of condensation in your home is by regularly monitoring and maintaining your home. Certain areas of your home may be more prone to condensation than others and ensuring you are finding targeted solutions to these issues can help, such as;
Sealing any cracks or gaps
Cracks or gaps can appear around windows or doors in your home and can increase the risk of cold air filtering through. By sealing these cracks you can help keep the warm air in and the cold air out, reducing the risk of condensation.
Checking for leaks and dampness
You should regularly inspect your home for leaks and any dampness in plumbing, the roof, along walls or windows. Leaks or dampness can appear in many forms, such as water marks on walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, a musty smell or black marks growing. Addressing these issues promptly if they are discovered can help you prevent any additional moisture contributing to condensation problems.
Condensation is a common problem in many homes across Ireland, but with the right information you can effectively manage the risks it may pose. Also, be sure to check out our handy guide on preventing mould in your home so you can stay protected from both mould and condensation this winter!
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