top of page
How to stop condensation

Frequently asked questions!

How to stop Condensation.

 

Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cold surface, or when there’s too much humidity. It occurs mostly in winter, when the heating system comes on in the cooler hours of the mornings and evenings, and during everyday activities such as cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors. When this warm, wet air or steam comes into contact with a cold window or wall, it cools down quickly and turns back into water and runs down the wall or window.

Being indoors more, cooking warming meals and trying to get the washing dry will continue to be a problem until the snow and frost are gone in the spring, which could be March or even April. 

 

"It's only a bit of water!" Yes but if condensation isn’t dealt with quickly and completely, it can cause bigger issues with the appearance of black mould growing on your walls, ceilings, and around your windows. This is unattractive, and damaging but can also cause unpleasant health issues. 

 

  • Use a car/window squeegee to wipe the water from your windows, mirrors, and glass shower dividers whenever it starts to build up.

  • Get an extractor fan in the bathroom and kitchen - one that takes the damp air outside of the building rather than circulates it.

  • Buy a dehumidifier which recycles wet air leaving the water in container for you to empty out. You will need one in each room that has the most condensation, especially bedrooms as the heat from your breath causes condensation on the windows and walls.

  • Keep lids on your saucepans while cooking.

  • Keep a window open when cooking, using the tumble dryer, or bathing. 

  • Keep the bathroom and kitchen doors closed to stop the humid air spreading to other rooms.

These actions will help, but they aren't very practical and they aren't addressing the cause. Speak to us about getting rid of condensation quickly, cheaply and for good, or click the button below to read about our recommended method.
 

How much will damp removal cost.

It will depend on several factors including the cause, how big the affected area is, and where it is located in the property. We will visit to carry out a site survey, and advise of costs.

 

What if I am a tenant and do not own the property where I live?

There are new laws that came into force in March 2019, which ensure that your landlord makes the required repairs to your home, without fear of being evicted. You can find out more HERE.

 

What to do when finding damp.

 

Finding a patch of damp on the living room wall or having a survey come back identifying damp as being present is always a worrying time for anyone. Damp and damp proofing are costly, troublesome issues, that no-one ever wants to have to deal with. Ideally, we would like to see the extent of the problem before you clean it away so book a free survey.

Landlords will incur a £40 charge that is refunded if you decide to go ahead with our proposal.

How much will Condensation removal cost?

It will depend on several factors including the cause, how big the affected area is, and where it is located in the property. We will visit to carry out a site survey, and advise of costs.

 

How can I tell if I have a damp problem that requires fixing?


Damp is often identified by a fusty smell, or the visible signs of damp or mould on the walls, as well as walls feeling wet and cold. These are all signs of damp. Book a free survey to find out. It doesn't cost as much as you might think!

The first step is to have a free assessment and get the problem checked out rather than to leave it to get worse. In the more serious cases, it could spread to adjoining properties, or other areas of your building. After assessing the cause, we will advise of either our recommended action. Prices start from £200 per square Metre.

What is Rising Damp?


Rising Damp can be identified by observing a "tide line" "salt deposits" or additionally finding skirting boards and decorations that are damaged. These are all signs of structural dampness.

We are able to help you if you own or rent a property, including both Houses and Flats, with a comprehensive survey to identify cause and solution to the problem.

Why does Damp Occur?

The simplest explanation is that rising damp is present in the interior render-plaster systems when ground water is able to rise up through the walls by capillary action, this may be a result of a non-existent or a faulty damp proof course. As a consequence the damp is able to rise through the mortar beds, leaving salt deposits in the plaster works.

If this is left unchecked this can result in rot forming, damage to structural timbers and wall plates, and irreversible damage to decorations.

There are many elements that can contribute to damp within properties/buildings:

  • Faulty or Blocked guttering.

  • Ground level issues including driveways, paths or tarmac.

  • Ineffective pointing.

  • Extensions or roofs that are faulty.

  • Window sills that are cracked.

  • Internal Chimney inconsistencies with block fireplaces.

  • Previous faulty damp proofing such as faulty membranes.

A damp treatment will only act as a barrier to preventing further problems affecting the area. All additional sources of damp, condensation that can affect other areas of a building can cause mould growth and Fugal Decay which can impact on your health.

Who should treat damp?

An accredited professional who has many years of expertise in the building industry, who has had the relevant product training, and has the ability to produce industry standard guarantees that are accepted by mortgage lenders.

How does water damage result in damp?

Damp caused through water on many occasions is hidden. This can be within brickwork, plaster and under floorboards. Damp can remain undetected for many years, building up and only identified when the source is reviled.

The causes of damp can be broken down into three main categories. These are penetrating damp, damp caused by condensation and rising damp. A damp proofing professional should be able to swiftly identify which one is causing your damp problem.

Penetrating damp can be caused by anything from a broken pipe or leaky roof to a blocked drainpipe or the level of ground outside your property. Fixing the cause of the damp usually solves the problem, but in some cases you may need damp proofing to stop it happening again, particularly if the external ground level is the cause or if you have a basement. If you have a basement your damp proofing contractor may decide that you need cementitious tanking, which is a system that seals the inside of the basement with cement, preventing damp from penetrating your walls from the earth outside.

Damp caused by condensation is easy to spot and can usually be simply rectified by an expert. This form of damp is usually caused by a lack of ventilation and may present itself as mould in the bathroom or kitchen. Some remedial work, such as re-plastering or re-decorating, may be required, but addressing the actual cause is the only real way to solve the problem efficiently. Find out what that actual cause is with a free survey.

Rising damp is the most complex form of damp to deal with, but we have years of experience in dealing with this problem. Rising damp can be caused by a faulty, damaged or non-existent damp proof course in your external walls, as well as by leaking pipes at the base of the wall or previous damp problems that have caused water to pool at the base of the wall. If you have rising damp there is a good chance that your damp proof course will need repairing.

What is a damp proof course?

The damp proof course is usually a layer of slate or plastic damp proofing material that is laid between the bricks near to ground level which should stop damp rising from the ground up through your walls. If it is damaged or compromised in some way it you will need a new damp proof course, which is usually in the form of an injection of chemicals just above ground level. Specialist plastering work completes the job and ensures your walls stay dry inside and out.

What other solutions might a damp expert suggest?

Where damp has been caused by flooding in a basement or cellar, it may be necessary that a system using a pump and a waterproof membrane is the best ongoing solution to your damp problem. This does away with any excess water and will guarantee that walls stay dry.

 

How do I know that damp proofing will work?


Our damp proofing experts will offer you a guarantee for their damp proofing work. 

bottom of page