WITH more snow and subzero temperatures on the way, households across the country are facing further condensation problems.
A regular autumn and winter problem, condensation is the accumulation of water droplets that form on a window when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
Not only can this make an ugly mess, but the water droplets can also lead to the growth of mould.
Windows are often colder than insulated walls too, so condensation is more likely to occur on them.
Poorly insulated lofts can also lead to condensation, especially when the weather dips.
With snow and ice making the problem worse, thousands of people have been taking to social media to seek advice to get rid of condensation while other savvy DIY enthusiasts have shared their favourite remedies.
And some people have revealed that a “simple but genius device” can help eliminate condensation – and keep it at bay for good.
Loft vents cost as little as £2.20 each and can help increase ventilation in your attic space which then trickles down to affect the floors below.
Posting on the Screwfix forum after installing them in his home, one DIY fan said: “After a couple of weeks, I went up to the loft to check and the condensation almost completely gone.
“Very impressed as the felt lap vents seemed to be doing the job and was quite easy to install.”
Someone else chimed in: “I have 16 fitted, eight each side and two tile vents each side, I was a bit doubtful about them at first but it helped a lot and made a big difference,”
A third echoed: “Lap vents made a huge difference to our condensation in the loft. The more the merrier.”
A fourth wrote: “These are a great low-cost solution to what could be a very expensive problem if untreated.”
“These are simple but brilliant devices, cured the condensation problem”, gushed a fifth.
Meanwhile, a sixth added: “Easy to install and an inexpensive way to deal with loft condensation. They have been installed for about a month and seem to be doing the job.”
If you have the spare cash, you can even invest in a dehumidifier to absorb stubborn moisture.
A winter staple for many households, a dehumidifier works ”by drawing air from the room over a coil cooled to a very low temperature by a refrigeration system”, explained the experts at the Breathing Space.
The water vapour then condenses on the cold surface and the water drips into the collection bucket underneath.
Although you can buy the nifty winter gadget from many retailers, including Amazon, there’s no need to fork out a fortune, as portable interior dehumidifiers can be snapped up for as little as 99p in Home Bargains.
The ideal humidity range for a home should be between 40% and 60%.
Anything below this range could lead to several problems such as respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and eyes.
Anything above, can cause condesation or even mould growth.
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
