Trade body advice to tackle condensation season

As dark nights draw in and temperatures start to drop, homes across the West Highlands will start to show the tell-tale signs of condensation.

It is especially noticeable in autumn – so much so that it’s a time of year often referred to as the start of the ‘condensation season’.

National trade body the Property Care Association has a range of information to help homeowners understand more about the issue.

This includes a free online guide, Condensation in your Property, available at www. property-care.org/Homeowners. Damp_Control.Condensation. asp which includes a variety of useful tips, including using pan lids when cooking, avoiding drying laundry on radiators and even running cold water in the bath before adding hot water – a process which can reduce the steam which leads to condensation by up to 90 per cent.

Dave Cook is the chairman of the Property Care Association’s Residential Ventilation Group, which brings together expertise from across the UK to find the best way to tackle moisture levels in buildings.

Dave said: ‘The most common form of unwanted dampness in buildings is water from the air that forms as condensation.

‘The air in buildings can have a high level of relative humidity due to the activity of the occupants, such as cooking, drying clothes and even breathing.

‘When this water-laden air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and cold walls it can condense, causing water to be deposited.

‘The point at which the water held in the air changes from vapour to liquid is known as the dew point.

‘There’s no doubt that in recent years our members have seen more and more cases of high moisture levels in properties, which in turn can lead to condensation issues.

‘There are a range of reasons for this, including increased levels of occupation and rising fuel costs, as well as a drive to make homes more energy efficient.

‘Efforts to reduce air leakage through draught proofing and retrofit insulation, as well as the changing climate patterns, featuring warmer, wetter weather, are also of significance.’

According to national trade body the Property Care Association, it’s a matter that can be managed.

Dave added: ‘For the vast majority of people, it’s a problem that can be addressed with a few lifestyle changes.

‘But there are situations where it can affect the liveability of a home, particularly in more serious cases where damp can take hold.

‘Usually one of the most effective ways to tackle the issue effectively in this type of environment is to ensure homes are properly ventilated.

‘However, that needs to be considered on an individual case by case basis to get the right outcome.

‘In these situations, a member of the PCA can ensure all the factors which can affect moisture levels, such as the building construction, style of occupation, heating, thermal performance of walls and floors and the provision of air exchange, can be considered and the best solution proposed.’

More details about the PCA’s Residential Ventilation Group can be found at www.property-care.org/homeowners/domestic-air-quality-and-ventilation/