Tackling Condensation

At this time of year (Winter) a big problem, faced by tenants and landlords is the unsightly effects of condensation.

An understanding the causes and effects of condensation will assist you in putting in place some simple steps which could help reduce the effects.

Condensation occurs, when warm moist air inside a property comes into contact with a colder surface and cools down. Since warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, this cooling releases the moisture resulting in condensation on the colder surface.

Condensation is generally much more noticable on non absorbent surfaces , such as glass, tiles and paint work. but it still occurs on absorbant surfaces.
It's just that these surfaces absorb the condensation and that's what can cause the most problems.

You can also notice condensation forming where the air is stiller, like behind furniture or in cupboards, where it could remain unnoticed until a mould growth appears, or in extreme cases, rotting of the material where the condensation has formed. Sometimes mould growth is accompanied by a musty smell.

Moisture ( ie Water) in the air comes from many every day activities within the house.
An ordinary person can produce up to two litres of water every single day, just by doing everyday things , like showering, washing, boiling Kettles.
Even Breathing produces water vapour.
So for a normal household of 4 people, over 50 litres of water a week can be produced. Thats a lot of water, and it must go somewhere!

Tennants can take a few simple steps to reduce the problems caused by condensation.
Keep Rooms Ventilated as much as possible, especially after baths or showers.
If you are drying clothes inside, try to ventilate the room to the outside air.
Wipe away any water caused by the condensation, to prevent mould growth or rotting. Move furniture away from walls a few inches, to let fresh air circulate.

Landlords, will want want to ensure there are no underlying faults which could lead to exess condensation.

Ensure the problem actually is condensation and not dampness, which is a different problem altogether.

Ensure air vents and wall cavities are clear.
Ensure there is sufficient ventilation into the property and consider extractor fans in areas of high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Finally it is unlikely that any brittish home will be completely condensation free, however, by keeping your property properly maintained and thinking about your lifestyle and taking appropriate steps, you should be able to live with condensation, without it ruining your life.

PEOPLE in the south west, including Dorset, are less likely to be protected by a carbon monoxide alarm in their home than any other region in the UK outside London.


New research from the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign reveals that 3.5 million homes in the region are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.


Only 29 per cent of people have an alarm and three-quarters are unaware the gas can kill.
Across the UK, at least 50 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning last year, among them former soldier and scaffolder Ernest Begbie of Bournemouth.


Mr Begbie, 64, had reported a broken gas pipe to his landlord on Christmas Eve. He borrowed a patio heater from a neighbour to try to keep warm, promising her he would only have it on for five minutes to take the chill off the room; he was found dead the next day.


Although more than 4,000 people were treated in hospital last year for carbon monoxide poisoning, it is thought many other victims go unrecognised because the early symptoms can be easily mistaken for tiredness, flu, food poisoning or even a hangover.


A quarter of people surveyed in the south west region admit they do not own a monitor because they are unaware carbon monoxide can be a significant risk to their health.


The campaign’s Christine McGourty said: “We are urging people to buy an alarm now, but there are also two simple steps we’d like the government to take.


“Firstly, building regulations should be amended so that new homes come with alarms installed. Secondly, providing an alarm should be part of a landlord’s annual safety inspection.”


Carbon monoxide has no colour, taste or smell and is produced when gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do not burn fully. It can also build up when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.