There are several reasons as to why there may be a build-up of condensation and excess moisture in your home. There are also several solutions to the problem at hand and a few simple changes you can make in order to prevent this occurrence.

The accumulation of condensation can cause window frames to rot and wallpaper to peel if it is not treated adequately. Black mould can also start to develop near windows, in the corners of rooms and on soft furniture. Mould is especially susceptible to developing in the winter months and on the North facing walls that lack sunshine.

Here is a guide on how to stop condensation on windows, helping to future-proof your home and reduce future damage.

Tips On How To Stop Condensation On Windows

There are various ways condensation and mould may form in your home, and it can cause serious health risks to those living inside. Dampness is produced by the build-up of condensation, which occurs when moist air and cold surfaces, such as windows or walls, come into contact with each other. The build-up of tiny water droplets forming on your walls can result in the growth of black mould, which looks unpleasant, can cause further, more serious damage and can impact your health. To find out more about what could be causing condensation in your home and how to prevent it, take a look at our advice and tips:

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    What Causes Condensation On Windows?

    There are many reasons why your windows will form condensation, and identifying how it happens can help you find ways to reduce the amount of water forming and creating mould. For example, steam produced in the home, most often in the kitchen or bathroom area, causes condensation; this can be from cooking, boiling kettles, showering, bathing or drying laundry. When there is not enough ventilation in the property, damp air from enjoying a nice hot bath cannot escape, and condensation is formed.

    Another reason for condensation forming is when there is not enough insulation in your home, and heat comes into contact with a cold surface. When the hot area from your heating hits a cold window, water droplets form and begin to work their way down to the window frame and cause damage to the material. Having poorly insulated walls and ceilings will also contribute to the amount of condensation forming in your home. When the building can’t retain its heat, and the surfaces become cool, there is a build-up of dampness and condensation.

    If you can identify where the issue is arising, you can make changes around the house to ensure that you avoid damage caused by condensation. Alternatively, you can ensure that you protect your windows by keeping up with regular maintenance. If you would like to find out more about how you can maintain your windows, then take a look at My Move article.

    windows on traditional house

    How To Prevent Condensation On Windows

    There are a number of ways to prevent condensation that our specialists in windows in Milton Keynes recommend. These include letting go of habits you do in your home and taking steps to alter small areas of your home to make way for more ventilation, which will all help to reduce the risk of future damage in your home and helps to keep your property as pristine as possible!

    Dry Clothes Outside

    Leaving wet clothes to dry around your home will increase the amount of moisture in the air and contribute to the build-up of condensation. Instead of airing your clothes in the house, dry them outside on the washing line to prevent excess moisture from forming in your home. If you are unable to dry your washing outside, then hanging them out to dry in the bathroom with the door shut and the windows open is a good alternative. This will allow the moisture to escape through the window rather than circulate around your home.

    If you have a tumble dryer, then make sure to vent it to the outside through an open window or an outside wall. Ensure that your washing machine is also vented correctly. 2 litres of water is emitted into the air from just one load of washing, so it is essential to have an effective vent installed correctly.

    Alter Your Cooking Habits

    The kitchen can be one of the worst culprits for emitting large amounts of heat and moisture into the air, making it vital that you create a good ventilation system in the room and try to avoid too much steam entering the room when using your cooking appliances. When cooking, try to ensure that lids are covering pans at all times to help reduce the amount of moisture created by boiling water. If you have one installed, make sure to always use your extractor fan or extractor hood above the cooker, which is designed to minimise the amount of moisture created when cooking. Remember to leave it on for 10-15 minutes once you have finished cooking, as the moisture is likely to still be in the air even after you’ve cooked your food. It is also a good idea to keep internal doors closed when cooking to prevent the moisture from spreading further.

    If you do not have an extractor fan, it is a good idea to purchase one if you are struggling with condensation and dampness problems in your home. These devices have humidity sensors which will work more effectively when you are producing steam and then slows down when the humidity levels have dropped. You can have these installed onto either ceilings or walls in your property’s kitchen. You can also opt for eco-friendly fans to lower your energy bills and help protect the environment.
    sealing windows

    Use Alternative Heating Methods

    Although it is essential to keep your home well heated in order to prevent the build-up of condensation, avoid using paraffin heaters which produce a lot of moisture. This method of heating is not only a massive safety hazard to you and your family, but this form of heat tends to create an excess of condensation inside your property.

    Keep all of your room temperatures at a minimum of 15 degrees celsius and invest in effective wall and ceiling insulation. It is essential to keep room temperature levels consistent and try not to let them fluctuate excessively. Having a thermostat can be useful for monitoring temperature levels and making sure they are consistent. During the winter months, it is a good idea to leave the heating on all day in order to sustain an even temperature. Even in the rooms that you don’t often use, make sure the heating is still set in order to avoid cold areas. It is better to keep all of your rooms set to a cooler, consistent temperature rather than creating a drastic change in temperature by turning it from off to on when you return from home. Some thermostats such as those found on Pocket-Lint are perfect for setting temperatures during the winter months, as you can use their app to slowly turn your heating on before returning back home.

    You can also avoid damp entering your home through the effective installation of wall, loft and ceiling insulation. Through draught-proofing your doors and sealing gaps in your windows, you can effectively minimise draughts. Not only will this save you money on your energy bills, but it will further help to reduce the build-up of condensation in your home.

    Create Effective Ventilation

    Effectively ventilating your home is another crucial way to avoid excess moisture, dampness and condensation. Most modern windows are now fitted with trickle vents, which means that when your home becomes hot or you notice slight condensation, you can open these vents to encourage airflow. Make sure you leave these open or keep windows open slightly to improve ventilation. Breathing is also a primary cause of excess moisture in the air, so it is essential to leave your trickle vents open in the rooms you use most.

    Dehumidifiers are an effective way of filtering out the moisture in the air and increasing ventilation in your home. However, this is only a temporary solution to the problem and cannot be left running for long periods of time, so it is important to think about other options for a long-term solution.
    crown installer fitting window

    Replace Windows

    If you are experiencing a rise in condensation within your home, then it may be a sign that your windows need replacement. When seals break and windows become warped, cold air begins to seep into the home, causing condensation to occur on the windows. If you are unsure about whether this is an issue you are facing, then you can find a host of other signs that your windows may need replacement in our previous article.

    Luckily, there are now a whole host of window designs that you can choose from if you need to replace your windows. This makes it easy to find windows that match your property and style or to colour-match your existing windows while using new and improved materials. For example, uPVC windows allow you to choose from various colours as well as those that mimic the appearance of oak or other woods without the disadvantage of fading or having to repaint the windows regularly. Not only this, but you can also choose from a range of styles, such as our casement or slide and sash windows, making it easier than ever to find your perfect window style.

    Install Double Glazing

    Single glazed windows are one of the biggest causes of condensation on windows, and while you may not think it will have a significant impact, double glazing is one of the best solutions to this problem. As mentioned before, when warm air hits a cold surface, it causes condensation, which is created when heat from within the home hits a cold window. Unlike single glazing, double glazed windows will eliminate this issue as the inner pane of glass remains at room temperature while the outside pane is cold, preventing cold and warm air from meeting. Double glazed windows not only reduce condensation but also come with a whole host of other benefits, including the following:

    • Improves insulation
    • Reduces energy bills
    • Reduces noise pollution
    • Adds value to your home
    • Increases home security

    If you are looking to incorporate double glazing into your new windows, then please feel free to contact our team. With a selection of window designs and styles to choose from, you can find the perfect windows with double glazing in Milton Keynes.

    modern windows on property

    No More Window Condensation!

    Hopefully, this guide will help you find some effective ways that you can help to reduce the moisture levels in your home and the accumulation of condensation and dampness. If you are finding that your temporary solutions are no longer working and that it is time to start thinking about replacing your windows, then please feel free to speak with our team. Having specialised in conservatories, doors and windows in Milton Keynes for many years, we have collated a range of designs, colours and styles to suit all preferences, and our team are more than happy to help you find what you are looking for.

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