Stop Window Condensation

Condensation can be damaging to your health, even if you have no respiratory issues. To help protect you and your loved ones from the effects of condensation, and potentially resulting black mould and damp, we have put together a guide on what condensation is, how you can recognise it and steps you can take to remove it from your home permanently.

So, What is Condensation?

Condensation is a result of humidity and temperature. When windowpanes or glass is cooler than the air surrounding it, water molecules in the air form around it creating a thin layer of water droplets. In small amounts and quickly recognised, this can be cleaned off, but if left to form for a longer period of time, then this can evolve into black mould and/or damp.

Whilst uPVC windows are built to withstand water, having excessively wet seals which are then exposed to strong direct sunlight can cause the window seals to expand and contract. This eventually will cause your windows to jar, or stick, allowing in even further moisture, exacerbating the issue.

How to Recognise Condensation

You may directly see water droplets forming around windows, that the windows seals have become jarred or will stick, preventing them from closing properly. Additionally, the walls surrounding the windows may feel cold, or damp to the touch. When this has evolved into damp or black mould, you may start seeing black specks appear on the windows or surrounding walls, a musty smell may develop, or you may begin experiencing physical symptoms in reaction to the condensation or black mould. Some of these typically include: 

•         A dry cough
•         Watery, itchy and/or red eyes
•         A stuffed or blocked nose
•         Wheezing
•         Skin rashes or itching

When mould can be particularly serious it can also have the following effects:

•         Fever
•         Shortness of breath
•         Coughing up blood
•         Chest pains

These symptoms are not comprehensive and may manifest themselves in more serious ways if you already have a health condition. The spores from black mould is dangerous to all humans regardless, especially children, the elderly, or those with chronic respiratory conditions.

So, What Can I Do To Stop or Prevent Condensation From Occurring?

 As condensation forms with lots of humidity, it is prudent to air out your home in affected areas or reduce the temperature where and when possible. If condensation is only starting to appear, you may be able to resolve this by wiping this off initially. Where condensation has already formed black mould or damp, the use of a dehumidifier can draw the moisture out of the windows and surrounding walls or structure.

Please note when using a dehumidifier, if you leave the windows open then cold air or moisture will be drawn into the dehumidifier from outside as well. It would be better advised to leave the room in question to prevent exposure to the moisture in yourself and let the dehumidifier do its work.

However, this may at some stages be too far gone for the black mould or damp with it settling in, in which case you may need a specialist to replace damaged or cracked window seals, or the windows in question to prevent this. At Bingley Windows and Glass, we are experts in removing the root cause of condensation and damp from homes, and ensuring that the structure of your home is fixed as quickly as possible for your health, and your homes. You can reach out to us for a free quote or advice and consultation today!

Contact Bingley Windows & Glass

Thank you for reading this blog about preventing condensation. To get in touch with us and to enquire about our services, you can fill out our online contact form or give us a call on 01535 958 183.

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