Condensation

Condensation – A Major Issue in London Homes

The cold winter months here in the UK present ideal conditions for condensation to form; when warmth meets cold on hard surfaces, it is natural for droplets of water to form on the warm surface, which we call condensation. This is not usually a summer problem, as temperatures are such that this reaction does not occur and while there are numerous causes of condensation, is does cause damage over time.

Common Causes of Condensation in London Properties

These include the following:

• Running hot water in the bathroom – While it is not possible to run hot water without excess moisture, if you open windows and keep the bathroom door closed, the excess moisture can escape.
• Cooking – If you do not have a canopy and extractor fan, you should open windows and keep the kitchen door closed.
• Drying damp clothing indoors – While it might be tempting to do this, it releases a lot of moisture into the air and this can lead to condensation for ming on windows and walls.
• Rising damp – Ground moisture can lead to water droplets forming on lower walls and skirting boards; a lack of air movement creates an ideal environment for condensation to form.
• Penetrating damp – A leaking roof or external walls can result in excess moisture entering the building and water droplets are likely to form.
• Inadequate heating – Most London homeowners only heat rooms that are in use, which makes total sense, yet you should heat all rooms for a few hours every week. Of course, this will add to your winter fuel bills, but you can minimise the chance of condensation, which is a good trade-off.
• Excessive humidity – Invest in a portable dehumidifier and you can use it in rooms with a high level of moisture.
• Lack of ventilation -If your home does not have adequate ventilation, this will increase the chances that condensation will form. You can generate a strong airflow by installing several extractor fans or opening specific windows.

If you have a serious condensation problem in your London home, contact London Damp Proofing and arrange for one of our PCA-certified damp surveyors to thoroughly inspect the building and recommend the best long-term solution.

Long-Term Condensation Solutions

In order to find the best long-term treatment, it is imperative to discover the root cause, which might be a combination of several conditions.

Common condensation treatments include:

• Cavity wall insulation – This involves drilling a series of holes about 1 metre from the ground and injecting a chemical foam into the cavities, which does provide an additional layer of thermal insulation, as well as a chemical damp proof course. In many instances, this would be the preferred solution and our highly experienced damp-proofing teams are very proficient regarding the use of chemical injectables.
• Waterproof render – If penetrating damp is caused by crumbling masonry or brickwork, the application of a waterproof render would be the best long-term solution. The correct substrate preparation is essential prior to the application of the render and with an unconditional 30-year guarantee, the customer has peace of mind.
• Replacement windows and doors – Aluminium or uPVC double glazed windows and doors can have a dramatic impact on condensation, plus there are many other benefits, such as reduced energy consumption, added security and a pleasing aesthetic improvement. Replacing the windows and doors also boosts the value of a property, making it a very wise long-term investment.
• Waterproof plaster – Once the root cause of the damp has been diagnosed and treated, all damaged plaster should be removed and replaced with a top brand of waterproof plaster. Once fully dry, a second coat can be applied, followed by a thin skim of plaster and the walls are ready for a wallpaper or paint finish.

If your London home has condensation problems, contact London Damp Proofing and we can arrange for one of our PCA-certified damp surveyors to inspect the property and provide a free quote for a long-term solution.

We have been providing damp-proofing treatment to London homeowners for more than 40 years and we are always happy to quote for a long-term condensation solution that we guarantee for a full 30 years. Simply put, if an area we have worked on requires future remedial work, we will carry out the treatment at no cost to the customer.