Condensation
Condensation is often mistaken for damp, but they are very different.
Condensation is produced by normal activities like cooking, bathing or showering.
All air contains water vapour. When the water vapour meets a cold surface, it will become liquid, producing condensation. Unless water vapour can escape through an open window, air vent or extractor fan, it will stay in your home until it finds a cold spot where it can condense.
Signs to look for are:
- windows are misted up
- pools of water on your windowsills after a cold night
- mould appearing in corners, cupboards and behind furniture
To help avoid condensation, you can:
- improve air flow by leaving trickle vents open and windows partly open, if safe
- cover cooking pots and pans
- avoid leaving kettles boiling on the hob
- keep rooms at a low background heat during cold weather
- wipe condensation from windows each day with a dry cloth
- close kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use, even if they have an extractor fan
- put wardrobes and furniture against internal walls, or slightly away from external walls
- dry clothes either outside or in a well-ventilated area – don't dry wet clothes on a radiator