Tips to limit damp in your home
Damp is a fairly common problem - particularly in older homes - and is more noticeable as the weather cools down and windows are less likely to be left open. When detected and dealt with early, it can be an easy issue to resolve. However, if damp is left untreated, it can cause immense damage that can be costly to fix. The most common type of damp is caused by condensation.
What is condensation?
Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with a surface that is cooler (for example, a wall or a window).This commonly happens in cold weather when a room is warmer than the outside temperature, but windows in particular remain cold due to the outside temperature.
Stopping condensation in your home
To stop condensation in your home, ventilation and insulation are key. To ventilate your home, make sure that extraction fans are installed in kitchens and bathrooms to allow moisture to escape. To reduce condensation, consider double glazing and insulation for floors, ceilings and walls.
If condensation is not dealt with quickly, mould will begin to develop. It is important to wipe away condensation regularly, as this will deter mould from developing.
What does condensation look like?
- Dripping windows
- Damp walls
- Peeling wallpaper
- Mould on walls or windows
- A musty smell inside cupboards on enclosed spaces