Tips to keep condensation under control

Every home suffers from condensation to some extent. Warm moist air is created when cooking, washing clothes, and bathing. Even breathing releases significant amounts of moisture into the air.

Condensation occurs when warm moist air touches a colder surface and water droplets form. You can see examples of condensation on misted mirrors after bathing or misted bedroom windows on cold mornings. The same process will occur on walls and ceilings particularly if they are cold and poorly ventilated.

Condensation is most likely in places where there is little movement of air particularly in corners, on or near windows, and behind wardrobes or cupboards. Unlike penetrating or rising damp, condensation does not usually leave a tidemark but can lead to mold growth, usually black spots, on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

Condensation usually affects properties between October and April when home ventilation is at its lowest. During these colder months, people tend to keep windows and doors closed which allows water vapour to build up in the home.