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Condensation

Condensation

Date Posted: 09/02/17

Condensation in rental properties is the most common problem our management department deals with, during the autumn and winter months. If it is not wiped away each day, if left, it can cause mould and water damage on walls, furniture, clothes and window frames. This in turn can damage curtains, window blinds, window sills, grout and sealant. A damp environment can also encourage the growth of mites and can increase the risk of respiratory illness.

 What is condensation?

When the moisture that is always present in the air becomes cold, tiny droplets of water will appear.  This is most commonly seen on your breath on a cold day, or on the mirror misting over when you have a bath.  Condensation occurs during cold weather, when wet or dry.  It appears on cold surfaces and in places where there it little movement of air.  It can often be found in corners, on or near windows, behind wardrobes and cupboards, and often occurs on north facing walls.

What can you do?

It is possible to reduce or eliminate condensation. Some of the simple methods are:

1) Wipe down windows and sills every morning

2) Wring out clothes rather than drying them on radiators

3) Use sponge strips and condensation channels (buy from DIY shops)

Treat the mould if it is already in the property and, if done properly, mould should not reappear. Wipe down the wall and window frames with diluted bleach or fungicidal wash. Dry clean mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets.  Use a vacuum cleaner – do not try to brush mould away.   After treatment one can redecorate using a quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould, but, the best way to tackle condensation is to eliminate the dampness in the property.

Produce less moisture

When cooking – cover pans and do not allow kettles to boil endlessly

When washing – dry clothes outside if possible, or in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open.  Ensure your tumble dryer vents externally (unless a self-condensing type)

Bathroom/En Suites - After bathing/showering open window, year round, to allow steam and moisture to leave the room.  Keep door to room closed, to ensure moisture does not escape to other rooms.  If steam and moisture cannot leave the room, mould would eventually appear. 

Ventilate, ventilate & ventilate

To reduce moisture, increase the ventilation in the property.  Keep a small window open whenever someone is in the room.  Even people’s breath creates moisture!  Kitchens and bathrooms need much more ventilation when cooking, washing up, drying clothes and bathing.  Open windows wider and close doors when these rooms are in use even if the room has an extractor fan.  This will help stop moisture reaching other rooms, especially bedrooms that are often colder and more prone to condensation.  Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes and avoid overfilling them.   Position furniture, where possible, against internal walls rather than outside walls.   Do not block permanent ventilators and do not go overboard with draught-proofing rooms that suffer from condensation.  The draughts are a form of vital ventilation.

Turn up the heat

Try to keep on a little background heat throughout the day, even if no one is in.  This is particularly important in flats and bungalows where rooms are not heated from a warm lounge below.  Or keep a small heater in each room to take the chill off the room.  A dehumidifier will help dry out damp rooms especially in new homes. They can also be useful to draw out moisture in damp warm rooms.

Please remember that condensation is not just a problem with the property it is at least equally caused by the use of the property and failure to ventilate adequately.

Any damage which occurs in rental properties due to a tenant’s failure to wipe away condensation and/or poor ventilation, can result in the tenant being held liable for repair and replacement costs.