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A1 Housing Condensation Leaflet

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� CONDENSATION

Condensation

Condensation is caused when moisture held in warmer air meets a cold surface like a window or wall and condenses into water droplets. If this happens regularly, mould may start to grow. This usually appears on cold outside walls and surfaces and in places where the air does not circulate well. The moisture created can also damage clothes, furnishings and decoration. It can leave a musty smell.

What causes condensation?

Condensation usually occurs in winter, because the building is cold and because windows are opened less so moist air cannot escape.

How condensation occurs

You can often see condensation for short periods in bathrooms and kitchens because of the steamy atmosphere. Quite frequently it appears for long periods in unheated bedrooms.

Sometimes it is in cupboards or corners of rooms where ventilation and movement of air are restricted.

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When condensation Occurs

All houses are affected by condensation at some time. It usually occurs when a lot of moisture and steam are produced. For example;• When cooking

• Having a bath or shower

• Washing clothes

• After a cold night when bedroom windows mist up.

• Single glazed windows

The main causes of condensation are

• Using portable paraffin and gas heaters. Each litre of paraffin burned releases one litre of water vapor into the atmosphere. Using bottled gas produces even more water vapor.

• Drying clothes inside the house especially over radiators.

• Steam from cooking in the kitchen.

• Steam from bathing and washing.

• Lack of air circulating in the house.

• No ventilation in the house (This can be made worse by too much draught proofing)

• Raising room temperatures suddenly. This can put warm air in contact with cold surfaces increasing the chances of water vapor condensing.

How can I cut down condensation within my home?

The following steps can reduce and possibly eliminate condensation in your home.

• If your windows are fitted with trickle vents use them, they provide ventilation.

• Do not use portable gas and/or paraffin heaters in your home. If you live in a flat or a maisonette, it is against the conditions of your tenancy to use paraffin heaters or liquid or bottled gas heaters. This is for safety reasons.

• Try not to dry clothes in your home. If this is not practical, keep the door of the room where the clothes are drying closed. Open the windows this will help prevent moist air circulating in the house.

• When cooking, the kitchen should be ventilated. Use the extractor fan, if you have one, or open a window, use pan lids. Keep the kitchen door closed. This will prevent moist air circulating through the house.closed. This will prevent moist air circulating through the house.

• When bathing or washing, keep the bathroom door closed. Switch on the extractor fan, if you have one. If there is still a lot of water vapor in the atmosphere, leave the fan on, or open the window to disperse the moist air.

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• Keep furniture, such as beds, wardrobes etc, clear of the room walls to let air circulate.

• Keep your house warm. This will cut down condensation, as moisture does not condense in warm air. Background heating and ventilation, will also reduce the condensation, especially in winter.

How can I get rid of condensation or mould?

Following this advice will tackle condensation problems. You may even remove condensation altogether. If condensation occurs, wipe up any moisture with a dry cloth. If you have a problem with mould growth, there are various ways to remove it, but first of all contact A1 Housing Call Centre on 0800 590542 for advice.

What is the difference between damp and condensation?

Damp occurs when a fault in the building’s basic structure lets in water from outside. There are basically two types of damp.

• Penetrating Damp• Rising Damp.

Penetrating damp occurs if water is coming in through the walls or roof, (for example, under a loose roof tile) or through cracks.

Rising damp occurs if there is a problem with the damp proof course. This is a barrier built into floors and walls to stop moisture rising through the house from the ground. The usual evidence of rising damp is a ‘tide mark’ on the walls that shows how high it has risen. There can also be a musty smell.

If you think that your house is suffering from either rising or penetrating damp, contact our Call Centre 0800 590542 and arrange for an inspection.

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A1 Housing Condensation Leaflet

HOUSING

www.a1housing.co.uk

How to contact us

Developed in partnership with tenants

A1 Housing Bassetlaw Ltd, a company controlled by Bassetlaw District Council

By writing to us *A1 Housing Bassetlaw LimitedCarlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, Notts S81 0TS

All of our offices are open Monday to Friday between 8.40am and 5pm

On-line 8Visit our website at www.a1housing.co.ukYou can also email us at customer.services@a1housing.co.uk

By phone )• Head Office 01909 534484• Area Office West 01909 533426• Area Office East 01777 713202

By visiting us

Head Office Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, Notts S81 0TSArea Office East 17B The Square, Retford, Notts DN22 6DBArea Office West Queen’s Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, Notts S80 2AH

Freephone Repairs and Contact Centre 0800 590542 8:00am - 8:00pm

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