Health Problems caused by Condensation and Top Tips to Avoid its Build-up

When moisture makes contact with a cooler surface, such as a window or wall, the warm air around it is unable to hold the same amount of moisture.

This means the water is released onto the colder surface, creating droplets of water - referred to as ‘condensation’.

Condensation may also form in areas where airflow is limited, such as behind bedroom furniture or inside wardrobes.

Any area that is not open to light and the occasional bit of airing is susceptible to condensation.

The main problem associated with condensation is mould, which may start to form on clothes, furniture and walls if the problem is left unchecked.

Ventilation specialists such as Envirovent have been working for decades to provide products that prevent these conditions.

Condensation - spotting the problem early on

With the rise of so-called ‘energy conscious’ housing, many of us have implemented energy-efficient ways to stop heat escaping our homes.

These measures include insulation, draft-proofing, double-glazing and the blocking of chimneys - all of which increase the humidity of our indoor air, which leads to condensation.

If your home is suffering from condensation you will start to see signs very quickly. Look out for the following:

• Steaming windows.
• Wet walls.
• Damp areas on walls.
• Wallpaper may be peeling.
• There may be signs of mould growth (most commonly in unaired spaces).
• There may be a musty smell on your clothes.
• Black dots appearing on your window frames.
• Soft furnishings and fabrics become more prone to mould and mildew.

Don’t become complacent when it comes to condensation. Steaming windows are the most obvious sign that you have an underlying problem that needs to be resolved.

If you do not react fast enough, you will leave yourself vulnerable to a recurring issue that may have debilitating effects on the residents of your household.

Wet windows are the first sign, and will inevitably lead to problems such as damp patches on walls, peeling wallpaper and - worst of all black mould growth.

However, it is one of the most common problems that home-owners will have to face, and one which can be tackled if you follow our advice.

If you wish to carry out a completely free home survey, provided by Envirovent (a company which was established to provide healthy ventilation through eco-efficient means), then click here to arrange one at your convenience.

Damage and health problems posed by condensation

Condensation remains arguably the largest cause of dampness in indoor areas, and can eventually lead to the growth of mould.

If left unaddressed, condensation can damage property by fraying curtains, peeling wallpaper and creating a generally musty environment.

The health problems associated with mould have to be emphasised also, for mould can lead to a litany of ailments.

Prolonged exposure to copious levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma.

When exposed to mould, those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have more severe symptoms.

It can lead to other serious medical conditions, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a considerable proportion of the world’s 300 million cases of childhood asthma are attributable to exposure to indoor dampness and mould. It is a problem for the entire family, or any group of residents that live in a mould-infested building.

Our tips for avoiding the build-up of condensation

With careful planning, you will be able to prevent condensation forming in your home - before it becomes a problem.

Condensation prevention techniques help ensure that your property remains both damp and mould free.

This will save you having to spend more money in the future by continuously removing condensation. Here are our tips:

• Try to keep your interior temperature reasonably constant.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors.
• Do not dry your clothes over any type of radiator.
• Ensure tumble driers are properly vented or that the condensation build-up is regularly emptied.
• Keep your furniture a good distance away from your walls.
• Do not switch off or disable extractor fans for an extended period of time.
• Ensure your extractor fans are well maintained and offer sufficient airflow.

Many of us fall victim to spotting condensation and not thinking it is not a serious problem. We may only open a window to air out the room in response, but sometimes this is simply not enough.

Opening a window may exacerbate the problem, as the weather outdoors has more moisture and higher humidity than the inside of your home. If humidity levels reach 50% or above, then this could trigger the worsening of existing allergies and asthma conditions.

A great tip for preventing condensation and dangerous humidity levels is to get yourself a dehumidifier. They prevent condensation by providing a continuous source of fresh air into your home.

A prime level of ventilation is essential for locations such as the kitchen, or wherever you wash and dry your clothes.

Good ventilation is also required in your bathroom to eliminate moisture that is produced by taking a shower or bath.

However, there are a few downsides to dehumidifiers. They must be emptied on a regular basis and are only effective in the room where they are placed.

They can consume anywhere between 50 to 800 watts in a single day.

However, these slight setbacks are worth it, if it means staving off the ultimate enemy - harmful and mouldy living conditions.

Envirovent provides environmentally friendly protection from condensation

Envirovent has a ventilation system for every kind of house you could imagine. Their system is engineered to be adaptable, so will fit into apartments, bungalows, houses or even large building projects.

Envirovent boasts a wide range of ventilation systems and products, many of which you can purchase here, at Sparks.

You can rest assured that their tried and tested systems will definitely improve your indoor air quality and have a positive impact on your health and home.

They have identified kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites, WCs and utility rooms as the main break-out points for condensation, and devised a whole home solution.

Enviroment’s HeatSava range of ventilation devices can deliver fresh, filtered air into your home, gently ventilating the property using a technique called Positive Input Ventilation (PIV).

This method dilutes high levels of humidity which cause condensation and harmful household contaminants.

This creates a healthy living environment, free from condensation and the associated risks.

The great news is that hundreds of thousands of households across the UK have already have a condensation control unit or other ventilation product installed.

If you haven’t yet, we here at Sparks fully recommend you look into Envirovent’s range of ventilation solutions.

They are modern, eco-friendly and will keep you safe from dangers posed by condensation.