Controlling Condensation in Flats and Bungalows

How to control condensation in your flat or bungalow

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

What Is Condensation?

Have you ever noticed droplets of water forming on the inside of your windows? This liquid forming on your windows is called condensation, and it can appear on your windows in your living room, bathroom, kitchen and bedrooms. The reason why it happens is all to do with the temperature inside and outside the building and the amount of moisture in the air inside the property.

Ways to control condensation There are three primary measures that can be taken to prevent condensation. These are to:

1. Increase ventilation – to remove moist air from the building and not allow it to come into contact with cold surfaces
2. Increase insulation – to prevent a cold surface reaching below Dew Point
3. Maintain consistent heating – to prevent the structure to become cold

When warm, moist air comes into contact with either a surface or air that is colder than it is, the warm air is unable to retain the same amount of moisture as it did and the water is released either into the cold air or onto the colder surface, causing condensation to form.

Before the days of double glazing, wall and loft insulation this humid, stale air would find its escape route through ill-fitting windows and doors, lofts and so on. It would be replaced by fresher, colder air or to you and me - a draught.

Condensation problems can be a regular occurrence for homes in Britain, the constant cold climate means properties tend to be heated for long periods of time - causing excess moisture. 

The Problem with Condensation in Flats and Bungalows

As flats and bungalows tend to be all on one level which can be problematic as it doesn't allow excess moisture to move and dissipate. Naturally, we all want our homes to be well insulated and warm whether a house, flat or bungalow. Unfortunately, when the property is on one single floor it can mean that it is difficult for the air to circulate.

Most bungalows have been built in the 1930's or from the mid 1950's to the 1970's. Over this period many changes may have been made that unwittingly restrict the amount of fresh air making its way into the home. Furthermore, Bungalows are often owned by people who are retired and therefore likely to spend more time in the house. The amount of humidity is directly related to the size of your family and the length of time at home.

Flats or apartment blocks take an equal amount of condensation casualty, with numerous occupancies all living in the same dwelling. Activities such as, cooking, bathing and washing clothes couples with each occupants natural dispense of bodily moisture mean these buildings are prevalent in excess moisture. 

If condensation issues aren't dealt with swiftly more severe issues can surface. Condensation is the number one cause of damp which can cause aesthetic and structural damage to your home. 

5 Tips to Reduce the Amount of Moisture in Your Flat or Bungalow

1) When cooking, keep the kitchen door closed (if you have one) and turn any/all extractor fans on.

2) Likewise use lids on pots and pans to limit the amount of steam escaping into the atmosphere. 

3) Don't overfill wardrobes and cupboards, this might be easier said than done if you are tight on storage but try to be mindful of how full your storage is becoming.A lack of ventilation and air moisture trapped in warm overfilled cupboards can become a breeding ground for mould as the air is not able to circulate freely inside. You might notice a musty smell or clothes might have a damp feeling to them which is a sure sign that the cupboard is overfilled.

4) Open windows whenever you can, due to the typical British climate you may struggle to find an opportune moment for this. However it is good to get into the habit of opening windows as much as possible as this is the best natural ventilation a room can get. 

5) Cover up any fishtanks or aquariums, these can produce a lot of excess moisture which can be especially problematic in a small space. Also move house plants around as they can attract surface condensation and create damp patches. 

 For more amazing condensation-beating tips check out our article - 14 Ways To Help Reduce Condensation In Your Property. Ultimately, however the best condensation solution is a preventative measure, in the form of ventilation.

The Best Condensation Solution

The best way to control condensation in a flat or bungalow is to invest in a ventilation solution that suits the property. Luckily EnviroVent have a solution to fit any property and even provide a free survey, in order to asses the severity and offer advice on improvements. Contact us today to arrange your free home survey.