Condensation and Dampness

It is important to note that there are different types of dampness which each have different solutions. The types of dampness that you might find in your home are:

• Condensation dampness

Condensation is moisture held in the air, the problem occurs where lot of moisture is being produced, for example in the kitchen or bathroom, which then settles on cold surfaces and may result in black mould. This page gives you advice on how to tackle this problem.

• Rising damp

The damp is caused by moisture rising up the wall from the ground below. This only occurs on ground floor walls and can usually be identified by a tidemark up to 1 metre above the ground. The usual remedy is to install or repair the damp proof course.

• Rain penetration

This is caused by a defect in the outside wall which allows moisture to come through. You will notice that this type of damp is worse in wet weather. The solution to this problem is to repair the wall and check no guttering or drain pipes are leaking.

• Plumbing problems

A small leak over a period of time will lead to a patch of dampness close to the source of the leak. Fixing the leak should solve the problem.

The Energy Savings Trust have published a Guide explaining Energy Efficient Ventilation - it doesn't have to be a choice between damp warm air or dry cold air!

If you think your problem is condensation dampness the following advice should help you.

Where do you find condensation?

• Cold surfaces such as windows
• Cold corners of rooms
• Behind furniture
• In built-in wardrobes

How to avoid condensation

Take the following three steps to reduce your condensation problem:

Reduce moisture

• Keep saucepan lids on when cooking and use your cooker's extractor fan if you have one
• Vent tumble driers to the outside
• Avoid drying clothes inside the house. If you have to dry them inside, use a room where some ventilation can be provided
• Shut the bathroom door when bathing / showering
• Shut the kitchen door when cooking

Raise the temperature

• Condensation is most common in houses that are difficult to keep warm.
• Taking steps to improve your heating and insulation is the best way to raise the temperature in the home
• With the range of grants currently available for these measures they will not costs as much as you might think and households receiving benefits may be entitled to have the work done totally free of charge.

Increase ventilation

• You need to provide ventilation without introducing too much cold air which will decrease the room temperature
• Do this by introducing extractor fans in areas where you produce a lot of moisture such as the kitchen and bathroom
• Leave kitchen and bathroom windows undraught-proofed to allow some ventilation
• Move items of furniture slightly away from outside walls to allow air to circulate behind them

A dehumidifier is expensive to run and will not solve the problem if the damp is caused by condensation. You will not reduce condensation dampness unless you take steps to balance the level of moisture, heat and ventilation in your home.