Condensation FAQs

How do I prevent condensation?

Though we do recommend the installation of PIV Units & extractor fans with humidistats to control condensation, we always offer the below advice to our customers prior to the installation—potentially you could control condensation and eradicate mould without spending any money. The key to eliminating condensation is to change the way you live in your property. The most important change is to increase the air circulation to minimise the amount of moisture and to ensure the property is heated adequately. Try following the condensation control steps below. If you need any advice, please don’t hesitate to call our office. Sometimes the below steps do not solve the issue—if that is the case it is worthwhile organising for one of our surveyors to complete a chargeable inspection on the property.

  • Keep your property well ventilated – open windows as regularly as possible to allow moist air to escape.
  • As it is cold air that causes warm air to release moisture, try to keep heating levels within your property at a constant temperature, especially in the winter.
  • If drying clothes, do it outside. If this is not at all possible, put them in a closed room with plenty of ventilation and keep the window open. If using a tumble dryer, make sure the vent pipe runs outside your property or out of a window
  • If cooking or showering, keep the door closed, use extractor fans and open the window when you can.
  • Check to make sure airways within your property are not blocked, such as air bricks or chimneys.

The most common form of unwanted dampness in buildings is water from the air that forms as condensation.

The air in buildings can have a high level of relative humidity due to the activity of the occupants (e.g. cooking, drying clothes, breathing etc.). When this water-laden air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and cold walls it can condense, causing water to be deposited. The point at which the water held in the air changes from vapour to liquid is known as the dew point.