Nearly 4% of all homes in the UK are affected by damp. This works out to around one million residential properties in total.
One of the biggest causes of damp is condensation, which is when water droplets form on the inside of your windows or walls.
Although condensation damp is common, treating it is rarely simple. Damp can penetrate deep into your walls, floors, and ceilings. If left unchecked, it can damage the structure of your home and lead to the growth of harmful mould.
As with all structural issues, prevention is better than cure. Read our guide to find out what causes condensation at home, how to prevent it, and the steps you should take if you do discover damp in your home.
Why does condensation form?
Condensation occurs when vapour changes into a liquid. This typically happens when the temperature of the air drops and reaches its dew point. This is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated and can no longer hold the amount of moisture it contains. The moisture then condenses into droplets on surfaces, such as window panes and walls.
The more filled with moisture a room’s air is, the more likely it will be that condensation will form – this is why condensation is usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
Why is it bad for a property to have condensation?
When left unaddressed, condensation can lead to rot and decorative spoiling, as well as the formation of mould and mildew.
Not only is mould unsightly to look at, it can cause health problems for people living within the property. These include breathing problems, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and more.
As condensation can form within hidden areas in your property, you may not be able to detect it easily. This is why preventing condensation damp is so important.
How do I prevent condensation at home?
Proper ventilation is key to a damp-free home.
1. Keep windows open as much as possible, especially when showering, cooking, or doing anything that produces excess moisture.
2. Install extractor fans in all kitchen and bathrooms. When turned on, they will extract the moist air from inside the room and transfer it out of the building through an insulated duct.
3. Avoid drying your washing indoors, and if you do, place it by an open window.
4. Invest in a portable dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by absorbing warm air and contracting it into condensation, which is then left inside the dehumidifier. They’re a good alternative if installing an extractor fan isn’t an option.
5. To prevent temperature fluctuations, keep your home at a constant temperature. Between 18 – 21°C is ideal.
6. Keep furniture away from walls to help air circulate.
If you’ve tried the above steps but are still struggling with condensation, Prokil can help. We can design a bespoke ventilation system for your home that effectively removes moisture from the air, eliminating the risk of damp affecting your walls or ceiling.
What should I do if I find damp caused by condensation in my home?
Despite your best efforts, you’ve discovered signs of condensation damp in your home. Now what?
Damp can be very difficult to remove. Unless you have the tools and expertise needed to take care of the problem yourself, your best bet is to get help from a damp expert.
Prokil have been dealing with damp and mould problems for over 50 years. We’ve treated over 37,000 damp cases in properties across the South, and have built up a strong reputation for both quality and affordability.
When you book a property survey with us, our team will use specialist tools to identify the type and severity of your damp problem. We’ll then come up with an effective course of action to solve it. This usually involves removing the defective materials and installing a damp proof course.
After you sign off on the competitively-priced quote we provide you with, we’ll get to work treating your property. The end result will be a clean, moisture-free home that’s safe for you and your family to live in.
Book a damp survey online or call us on 0800 048 9488 today!
