How to avoid condensation and mould in your property

January is no doubt one of those months when all you want to do is put the heating on full blast and retreat into hibernation. It’s also the time of year when you really notice condensation! You may find small areas of mould creep in to the house that can easily be mistaken for damp. Read on for our top tips on how to avoid condensation and mould in your property…

Firstly – let’s take a look at some of the key areas in the home that add moisture to your property:

1. Hanging damp washing out (especially if it’s on the radiators) this is a particular problem for families where the washing is probably on a continuous cycle!
2. Prolonged hot showers and baths
3. Cooking on the stove (think; increased boiling and steam from winter dishes rather than summery salads!)
4. You! Did you know that your body can give off half a litre of moisture overnight through breathing and perspiration?

The first thing people spot is condensation on window frames and doors, but you can also get mould patches forming in corners, walls and ceilings. If left untreated, your property will no doubt develop more serious problems.

So if you want to avoid condensation and mould, there are three key things you need to do!

1 – Produce less moisture

Simply by reducing the amount of moisture you have in the home will help reduce condensation, here are some tips:

1. Keep bathroom doors closed when in use and keep a window open and/or and extractor fan on
2. Open the window in the kitchen when cooking and have an extractor fan that pushes the air outside (rather than recirculates through a carbon filter). You can also keep a lid on the pans to stop too much steam.
3. Dry washing outside – not easy in the winter we know so if you need to, put the airer in the bathroom with the door closed and window open

2 – Ventilate more

One of the key things of reducing condensation is to make sure air can ventilate and move round:

1. Keep a small window open when you are at home – this doesn’t have to let a draft in, but will help move air around the house
2. In key rooms like bathrooms and kitchens – open these windows wider when not in use to let out any extra moisture in the air
3. Where possible, position wardrobes and furniture against internals walls as placing on external walls increases the possibility condensation
4. If you are replacing windows – make sure your new ones have ventilators

3 – Insulate and heat your home

Reduce the need for central heating and cut your bills:

1. Where possible improve the insulation in your home via walls, roof and windows so you reduce the amount of central heating needed to warm up the home
2. Keep the heating on a low continuous setting even when there is no one home. This can be more economical and reduces the fluctuation in temperature

If you are experiencing condensation – follow these tips above and hopefully you’ll see improvements (but please note – make sure you close the windows before leaving the house!).

If you would like to speak to us about your property or discuss our block management services – please call us on 020 8866 0001 or email us here.