Condensation Leaflet

Treating mould growth The first step in treating mould growth is to treat the surface with a cloth soaked in a fungicidal solution to wash down the surfaces. These can be purchased at most DIY stores.  Do not brush or vacuum the area as this will release spores into the air, further spreading the problem. 

How to prevent it in your home

Re-apply a second fungal wash to the affected area and allow to dry.  Redecorate using an appropriate fungicidal paint again these can be purchased at most DIY stores. 

Further information Please contact our maintenance team if you are still having issues with condensation or mould and have followed the advice in this leaflet. Tel: 01292 880120 (option 1). Email: repairs@ayrshirehousing.org.uk

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Condensation comes from water vapour that is produced within a building and cannot escape. Moisture is always present in the air, even if it cannot be seen. Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface and water droplets form on windows, mirrors, and cold spots on external walls.

Condensation happens mostly on the colder parts of external walls, particularly where there is not much air movement. For example, in corners of rooms, behind furniture, beds and even inside wardrobes. Its presence is often first seen by the development of mould growth on walls and ceilings. In some cases, it can also grow on furniture and clothing. It can also lead to the rotting of affected timbers such as window cills. Condensation usually occurs during the colder winter months (October/November through to March/ April), commonly known as the ‘condensation season’.

Ways to reduce condensation

Moisture sources in the home 

SHOWERING & BATHING

 SLEEPING

BREATHING

 

WASHING CLOTHES DISHWASHING COOKING

DRYING CLOTHES

PORTABLE GAS HEATER

Causes of condensation: Activities that allow water to evaporate will increase humidity and lead to condensation. Some examples of these are:  Inadequate heating.  Lack of ventilation.  Boiling liquids when cooking.  Sleeping in an unventilated room with the door closed.  Steam ironing or ironing damp clothes.  Drying clothes.  Tumble drying without ventilation.  Showering or bathing.  Decorating e.g. stripping wallpaper with water.  Leaks from washing machine.

On average a family of four produces up to 13 litres of water vapour per day in the ways listed above. It has to go somewhere and can end up as condensation on the walls, windows and surfaces around the house.



Hang your washing outside to dry if possible or hang it in the bathroom with the door closed and the window slightly open or extractor fan on. Try not to put your washing on the radiators.

Always cook with the pan lids on and turn the heat down once the water is at boiling point.

When filling a bath run the cold water first. This will reduce the amount of steam by 90%.

If you use a tumble drier please ensure it is vented to the outside or alternately use a condensing or heat pump dryer.

Turn on the extractor fan when using the shower, if you have one.

Improving ventilation In homes some ventilation is required all of the time. This creates changes in the air, reducing condensation by removing moist air from the house and replacing with drier air. This can be achieved by:  Keeping trickle vents open.  Opening windows, even slightly and on the security setting.  Opening windows wider when cooking.  Trying not to overfill cupboards and leaving sufficient space for air to flow.  Avoiding putting furniture against external walls.

The best way to heat your home effectively is to maintain a constant, but low background heat. This will enable not only the air to be warmed but the building itself, therefore creating warmer surfaces that won’t gather condensation. It is easier and cheaper to heat fresh cold and dry air than moist air.