The sudden drop in temperature as we move into Autumn isn’t just a shock to the system, it can also lead to unwanted condensation starting to appear around many people’s windows.
Condensation is essentially the water beads that form when hot moist air meets a cool surface. Whilst it’s quite common and doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your windows, if it is not maintained efficiently then it can develop into dangerous mould which is linked to health conditions such as asthma, eczema and Bronchitis.
That’s why it’s important to keep condensation at bay before it worsens and causes damage to your home and health.
The main reason that condensation gathers is due to factors inside your home, such as the ventilation and how many people live in the property, so there’s plenty of ways to try and prevent it.
However small it may seem, it’s a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. If moulds, which contain allergens and toxic substances, begin to form in your home it has been proven to cause serious problems for people with existing health conditions such as eczema, asthma, and those with a weakened immune system.
Ventilation – If your home is suffering from condensation, damp or mould, the best thing you can do is to try and improve the ventilation inside. Try to regularly open windows to allow air to move freely and let moist air escape from the property. Ventilation systems such as extractor fans can also massively help to reduce the condensation in your homes.
Humidity – Reducing how much moisture is in the air can have a huge impact on tackling condensation dampness. Little changes such as having your tumble dryer vented outside and hanging washing in airy spaces, instead of drying it inside warm rooms, can really help to keep the mould at bay.
Heating – It helps to try and keep the temperature inside the property reasonably consistent and to regularly heat your home to a warm temperature. This stops there being a stark contrast in temperature that allows condensation to develop. Having a warm and well-maintained home is an unlikely environment for mould growth.
Insulation – Making sure your home is better insulated can also really help when tackling condensation and dampness. Double glazing, wall insulation and draught-proofing will help to reduce the amount of heat that is lost from your home. Having well installed, energy-efficient windows will help to keep the property’s temperature high which can have a massive impact on condensation and mould growth. Our windows here at Safestyle are all A-rated for efficiency and recommended by the Energy Savings Trust, as they are specifically designed to harvest as much free energy into your home as possible.
For existing damage: To effectively get rid of mould and condensation that’s already settled on your windows, make sure to carefully clean the area with a mould-removing product or solution that kills the bacteria, such as 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
* Adam Pawson is the property expert at window supplier Safestyle *
