Author: Lisa Kinghorn

Millions of homes in the UK experience some form of condensation every year. So if it’s something that you’ve spotted in your property, you’re not alone. The simplest signs that you’ve got condensation are where you can see water droplets streaming down the insides of your windows, particularly in the mornings. You might have even spotted it on your walls too. It’s more likely to affect single-glazed windows than double-glazed, however, it’s not impossible to see condensation there too.

You might be surprised to hear that it happens more frequently when the weather is colder. Condensation tends to happen where humidity rises, and as air can only hold a certain amount of moisture, if the air becomes cooler by contact with a cold surface like a window or wall, it can be seen as the droplets that you will have recognised.

It’s very simple for this to happen. Even breathing can cause condensation. Simple daily activities like showering, cooking and drying laundry indoors can create water vapour into the air which can soon cause a problem. If the moisture doesn’t have a chance to escape you may start to see signs of condensation. So if you’ve seen symptoms like damp walls and blistering of wallpaper or a musty or damp smell, it’s highly probable that condensation has started to affect your property. You may have noticed areas of mould growing, perhaps in the corners of your walls or ceiling. It may have been spotted in your wardrobe – in your shoes or even on bedding where your bed is next to an outside wall.

Managing Condensation

There are quite a few things that you can do to prevent condensation from happening in the first place. If you’re cooking, make sure you use an extractor fan and keep any boiling pans covered with a lid. Make sure your bathroom is ventilated wherever possible, and keep your door closed when showering or bathing. If you’re drying clothes, avoid drying them indoors, if this cannot be avoided then ensure the property is sufficiently ventilated. It’s important that you keep your heating on a low level so that there isn’t a rapid temperature change so that your walls don’t have a chance to get cold.

If you’ve got cavity insulation at your property you may think that this will solve your problem. However, like double-glazing, this can actually exacerbate the problem. The key to getting rid of condensation in your home is making sure that you have proper ventilation so that the condensation doesn’t get a chance to form in the first place. It’s vital to find the right balance between damp proofing and proper ventilation. And that’s where the Schrijver system can certainly help.

Delivering an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution that’s entirely chemical-free, installing the Schrijver system means that your property will have a solution that does not create any mess and there’s no redecoration needed. Not only that, it’s kinder to the environment and safe for all of the family. Handmade elements are installed into your walls which means that dry air is able to flow through from the outside and humid air is able to escape. This means that you’ll now have dry walls and continuous protection against any condensation or damp issues.

Nobody wants damp in a property. Even condensation can be unhealthy and lead to black mould forming on walls, furniture or window frames. Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces although it can develop inside wardrobes or other places where the air is still (See our article on signs of damp).

While condensation is not usually a problem in the warmer months, humidity levels during winter are much higher. Here are just a few of the ways to reduce condensation in your property.

1. Limit moisture levels in the kitchen

Extractor fans or an open window are a great way to reduce moisture in a kitchen. You should do one or the other while cooking and ideally for 15 minutes afterwards. Put the lids on your pans where possible and remove surface moisture where it develops too.

Extractor fans are a great way to reduce condensation

2. Remove steam in the bathroom

It’s easy for bathrooms to get steamed up, especially at this time of the year. In much the same way as a kitchen, keep your extractor fan on or pop a window open slightly. Either will reduce the level of condensation in the room, caused by running warm water in a cool environment. Keep the door closed as well so the steam goes outside, rather than into colder rooms.

3. Keep bedroom wardrobes aired

Although condensation is usually associated with kitchens and bathrooms, bedrooms can also be a breeding ground. Overfilled wardrobes are a typical cause due to the lack of air. Also ensure there is space behind your bedroom furniture so air can circulate.

Keeping your wardrobe aired is another good way to reduce condensation

4. Drying Laundry

Where possible, try to dry clothes outdoors to prevent excess moisture escaping into your property. If a tumble drier is used then it should be ventilated to the exterior of the property.

5. Eliminate moisture in the air

Many newer homes already have extractor fans built in. However, if your kitchen, bathroom or utility room doesn’t have an extractor fan already, it’s worth investing in one. Of course, you can just open a window, but this isn’t always practical as you will be letting in cold air during the autumn and winter months, plus there are potential security issues. So, if you can afford to have an extractor fan installed, it is well worth it as a secure and cost-effective solution.

6. Make your home warmer

The colder the room in your property, the more likely it is to be affected by condensation. Where feasible, consider having your central heating on in all rooms even if it’s just for part of the day. Keeping all rooms regularly aired will also help keep your property free of condensation.

7. Insulate your home

As warmer properties suffer less from condensation, make sure yours is well insulated. This includes the loft space, cavity walls and windows. Secondary glazing is a good solution for drafty windows. As with surfaces, if your windows and sills are already affected by condensation, they should be wiped down, otherwise, you will have a build-up of moisture and black mould can develop, which is not good for your health.

For a more long-term option, damp proofing is the best solution. Traditional damp proofing creates a physical or chemical barrier between the ground and porous building materials. The Schrijver System, however, offers an alternative method relying on natural processes continuously working to reduce the overall moisture and humidity levels in your home.

For further information, contact us on 01689 800101 or email info@damp.co.uk

As a landlord, you’ll want to maximise the return on your investment. That means offering a well-maintained property for a reasonable price.

If your rented property has a damp problem then it is well worth fixing. Not only will your rented property be more cosmetically pleasing but it will be clean and healthy and command a better rental price.

Only last month a landlady in Ellesmere Port was ordered to pay over £2,000 by Chester Magistrates Court. This included £1,200 of fines, over £800 in court costs and a £120 victim surcharge. This was in addition to having to conduct the remedial work to fix the damp problem in the flat she rented to private tenants.

So, to avoid costly fines, it is essential that you maintain your property to ensure that it is in an acceptable condition and state of repair.

If you have a damp problem then it is in your best interests to get a solution in place as soon as possible.

Contacting Frank Schrijver is quick and easy:

Just call 01689 800101 now or fill in our easy contact form.

One of our damp specialists should be able to attend your property within 2-10 days to perform a damp inspection. If you are the property owner then the assessment is free of charge.

If your property requires damp control then we will provide a written quote with a lifetime guarantee. Compared to other methods of damp proofing, the Schrijver System is extremely cost-effective.

The most appealing benefit of our system to landlords is that it is installed from the outside of your property so there is no costly interior redecoration needed, as with other systems, and no disruption to your tenants.

For further information on our method of damp proofing, find out about The Schrijver System and how it works.

If you’d like to keep your property in tip-top condition, comply with housing law, keep your tenants happy and get the best price for your rented property, then fix any damp problems in your portfolio.

Living in a damp and mouldy environment carries a number of potential health risks. Black mould can cause skin irritation whilst the inhalation of spores can cause problems from sneezing and coughing to asthma attacks.

What is Black Mould and What Causes Mould?

Mould is a form of fungus, usually found in soil and grain but most commonly in buildings with a damp problem. The fungi Stachybotrys chartarum thrives in high moisture environments, and can be seen on window frames, window sills, curtains and, if your damp issue is severe, in the plaster and wallpaper on damp walls.

Mould is commonly caused by condensation within buildings, usually as a result of poor ventilation. Damp, dark and steamy conditions are ideal for mould to thrive, especially in kitchens and bathrooms but also bedrooms where breath condenses on windows.

Structural problems such as rising damp also exacerbate internal moisture further.

Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Problems

Because moulds reproduce by producing large numbers of small spores, these can become airborne and present a hazard to humans.

Common symptoms are allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Allergic reactions to mould include watery, itchy eyes and skin rashes.

Respiratory issues can include chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, sinus problems and frequent sneezing.

These health problems can be even worse for vulnerable groups such as babies and small children, pregnant women and the elderly. People with pre-existing skin problems, such as eczema, and those with respiratory issues, such as asthma, may well be further affected my mould in their home.

Fixing Your Mould Problem

If you find any signs of damp and have black mould problems in your home then the first thing to do is eliminate the sources of moisture.

There are numerous actions to be taken, such as improving ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom, checking for water leaks etc. The best place to start is in our article, 10 Ways to Prevent Mould in Your Home.

If none of these remedial actions work, then it might be time to call in Frank Schrijver, the damp experts.

If you are the homeowner then the Damp Inspection from one of our damp specialists is completely free of charge.

Once your property has been inspected and approved for fitting of the Schrijver System, then our innovative, eco-friendly damp-proofing system can be installed to act as a long-term solution to your damp problems.

What’s more, the Frank Schrijver system is installed without the need to replaster or redecorate your interior walls and comes with a lifetime guarantee.