When winter arrives, the outdoor temperature plummets and damp and condensation can easily take over your home. If left unchecked, there’s a strong chance that mold could develop, and that could be the beginning of some major issues for your home and your health. Mold can damage and rot structures and surfaces, resulting in costly repairs, and even worse, it can cause breathing problems and allergies. Determining what kind of damp problem you’re experiencing and finding solutions to handle it is the best way to eradicate the issue for good. Here are some tips to help you to banish damp and condensation from your property this year.

Condensation – A Common Problems

Arguably, condensation is the most commonly seen damp problem in the home. Most people experience condensation occasionally in their properties. It’s caused by too much water vapor in the air which is unable to escape and it’s caused by poor heating or a lack of insulation. Condensation is primarily a problem which arises during the winter. This is because the colder temperatures mean that the air in the home isn’t able to hold sufficient water vapor, and as it builds up, water droplets form which settle on cold surfaces like window frames, glass, mirrors and walls. Condensation usually forms in spaces with high moisture levels such as bathrooms and kitchens but it also accumulates in areas with poor airflow like behind large pieces of furniture and inside cabinets. In the wintertime, we rarely open our doors and windows and this means that excess moisture in the air can’t escape.

Damp Inside Your Home

Penetrating damp and rising damp both arise during the winter too. Rising damp occurs as a result of groundwater rising through the floor or wall due to poor damp-proofing. Peeling wallpaper, damp patches on your floor covering and tide marks are all signs of rising damp. Penetrating damp is a similar problem, but it’s caused by water moving through walls horizontally. Cracks in windows, doors and walls, damaged guttering or roofing or internal pipe leaks cause this problem. If there are damp patches on your ceilings or walls this is a sign of penetrating damp.

Both damp and condensation cause dark mold spots, spores and patches as well as a musty odor. Over time, damage could occur to window frames, plaster and paint, structural damage can occur and you could end up suffering from bronchitis or asthma.

Reducing Damp And Condensation

There are a number of ways in which you can minimize damp and condensation in your home:

• Minimize moisture levels in your home. Keep your kitchen and bathroom well ventilated with extractor fans and open windows. If condensation is a widespread problem through your home, use a dehumidifier for large space.
• Wipe damp surfaces immediately to remove excess moisture.
• Always dry wet clothing outdoors rather than inside your home.
• Vent your tumble dryer outdoors so moisture escapes.
• Regularly open cabinets, closets and drawers to ensure that air can circulate effectively.
• Make gaps between walls and furniture to prevent condensation from forming.
• Ensure you have proper ventilation in your home and that it has an effective course of damp-proofing. Seal any gaps or cracks in walls, ceilings or floors and make sure that any damage to the roof or gutters is rapidly repaired.
• Replace your outdated doors and windows with ones that are double or triple glazed.
• Heat your home properly with consistent temperature levels, particularly in rooms which are rarely used.
• Don’t use a paraffin heater.
• Install air vents and extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen.
• Tackle any areas of damp or mold you spot straight away. Use special products designed to remove mold effectively and do it before the problem gets worse as it will only become harder to eradicate over time.
• Seek professional advice if there are areas of structural damage or extensive areas of mold, condensation or damp.

Follow these top tips and you’ll find that your home is warm, comfortable and yet condensation free during the colder winter months. Your home won’t just be a better place to live, you’ll also enjoy feeling healthier too as mold spores are banished from the air.