Condensation is a huge problem in UK homes. It can be a issue itself and it can cause a range of different large, more serious, issues in your home. The issues it can create include mould growth, black dots on the window frames (technically another form of mould), unpleasant smells, streaming windows, and a whole range of issues. Condensation can be a massive issue in older properties, but can also plague new builds and some homes that you may not expect it to be an issue in.
Here are some great, easy, ways to avoid having it become an issue you have to fork out money to fix.
Covering pots and pans when cooking
This will avoid the water, when boiling things like rice or pasta, from being let out into your kitchen and becoming an issue through the kitchen or house. However, even sauces that are ‘wet’ should be covered if possible. Of course, if you have an extraction fan then it should be used.
Dry your washing outdoors
Make sure, if possible, you are drying your clothes outdoors. If it’s raining outside then try to use a clothes airer/clothes horse somewhere in your property (maybe the bathroom with the door
closed and the window or fan open). As a continuing point, make sure that you do not dry washing directly on room radiators as this produces a significant amount of water vapour and
cools down your room at the same time.
Run the cold water first
This is a point that not as many people know about, and it may seem strange to some, but water for a bath can contribute massively to condensation. A great strategy to making sure you don’t have this problem as drastically is to pour the cold water in first. By doing this, you limit the steam produced and won’t have the same issues. If you can, open any windows when running the bath as well.
Keep a small window open or leaving a door closed
If you can, when in the room try leaving a small window open. This will have a massive effect on the moisture levels within the room you are in. Try leaving a window open, slightly, at night so the condensation from your breathe can leave the room. Conversely, when you’re in the kitchen or a room with a few people in it, make sure you leave the doors to the colder other rooms of the house.
Sort your bedroom space out
Make sure when you wake up, that you dry your windows and windowsills every morning, this will prevent them soaking the frames and prevent any damage. Make sure not to push your beds and sofas against outside walls, which are always colder and attract condensation. Experts have recommended there is a ‘9 inch (225cm) gap’, but any gap is fine if you are having issues. Bedding can get damp if air cannot circulate around it.
Condensation and damp is a issue for many different properties, but with these simple steps you can easily avoid having any issues with your property. If you have any questions about Damp, or want to know more about property maintenance, there is a great range of Nick Fox books about property.
Nick Fox started his property investment career 10 years ago and his portfolio has grown to one of the largest in the UK. Nick now mainly focuses on HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) and works to help others achieve property success too. Visit here to find out how he can help you.
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