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Condensation In Flats – How to Manage it Effectively
Condensation in flats is a perennial problem – not everywhere, but in specific flats with specific characteristics. Residents living with this problem often try to cure it by ‘turning up the heat’ in the mistaken belief that a warmer room will eliminate the damp, the mould and the water running down the window glass. Unfortunately, turning up the heat won’t solve the problem – and will increase the utility bills unnecessarily.
This article provides a number of solutions to help manage this annoying situation.
Condensation is caused by too much moisture in the air within the property. That moist air condenses on the coldest surfaces, causing mould and other damp symptoms. These symptoms are particularly noticeable where there is little air circulation, such as behind wardrobes, under beds, and behind sofas which are close to the wall.
There are only two ways to reduce condensation problems:
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Eliminate the production of moisture within the property, OR
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Remove the moisture from the property.
Eliminating the production of moisture is impossible to do completely - even if the occupiers stop breathing! But there are things which can be done to reduce moisture production, including:
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If possible, washing shouldn't be hung inside the property to dry. Moisture coming off wet towels and clothes will become airborne and will condense on cold surfaces, as well as water-absorbing fabrics, such as sofa covers, bedding and leather shoes/trainers. Therefore, whenever possible, washing should be hung outside – on a clothes line in the garden. Of course, that's not always possible.
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Boiling a kettle and boiling water in saucepans for cooking will produce steam – which will condense on cold surfaces and water absorbing fabrics. Clearly, we all need to eat and drink and this can't be stopped but it's good to be mindful not to produce steam unnecessarily. Keep the door closed to contain any steam within the room will help, along with some of the other measures we'll be talking about shortly.
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Hot water showers produce a lot of water vapour. Keep the door closed to contain the water vapour within the room. From a condensation control perspective – having a bath is better than having a shower.
Removing moisture from the property can be done in a number of ways:
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When cooking, use an extractor to remove steam and water vapour from the room and the building. This can be combined with opening a window in the room(s) affected.
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When having a shower, use an extractor to suck steam and water vapour out of the room and building – and open a window (even slightly) so as not to trap the steam in the room/flat.
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When out at work all day, with the windows locked shut for security reasons, leave an extractor switched on and the doors within the flat open. This will gradually change the moist air for fresh air throughout the flat.
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When returning home from work, open all the windows in every room for ten to fifteen minutes. This will give the property a thorough airing and moist air will be changed for fresh air. (Don’t do this if it is raining).
Whenever possible, repeat this throughout the day; e.g. when at home at weekends.
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If all else fails, use a dehumidifier – but this can be expensive - especially, if you're trying to replace the other measures we've discussed. It won't do that. A dehumidifier works most effectively - and most efficiently - when used in tandem with the other measures we've discussed.
You can't eliminate moisture - it's just not possible - but following the above steps will improve the situation and may even eliminate the worst symptoms like condensation, damp and mould – but it won't happen overnight. Dealing with condensation in flats may well take many weeks, even months, to manage effectively to the point where it's nolonger apparent - so persistence and discipline are required.
And it will return if you stop taking the measures we've been discussing here.
Condensation in flats is a problem city-wide. This is probably why Manchester City Council has produced a guide on “How to tackle damp and condensation”. You can read it and download a copy by clicking here.
And because condensation in flats is a nationwide problem, our professional body; TPI has produced a guide too. You can read it and download a copy by clicking here.
Best wishes,
Paul
Paul Casserly
Casserly Property Management
P.S. If you've found this article interesting, informative or useful in any way, please share it using the following links. And I'd love to hear your thoughts, as well. Just leave your comments below. Thank you.
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