The easy way to prevent condensation and mold, it doesn’t cost a cent
WITH freezing winter temperatures and snowstorms in Scotland this week, homeowners will have to deal with annoying mold and condensation in the coming months.
It is a common problem in households across the country during the winter months and can be dangerous to our health if left untreated.
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Condensation is water droplets that form on a window when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
This, in turn, can cause mold that not only looks terrible in your home, but can also be difficult to remove.
Condensation on windows occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces.
And residents of newer properties may face greater condensation problems, as a three-bedroom house can absorb as much as 7,000 liters of water during construction, which is released as it dries.
Modern buildings, which are often sealed with insulation, also lack the natural ventilation of older homes, which traps moisture.
Condensation can also be caused by cooking, showering, washing dishes, doing laundry, gas or kerosene heaters and even houseplants.
Luckily, one expert is here to reveal how we can stop condensation and mold – and it won’t cost a cent
Door and window experts at Clearview say that early action on condensation will prevent mold from forming around windows and other areas.
Improving ventilation in your home will increase airflow and reduce the amount of circulating water vapor.
And one way to increase ventilation without spending a dime is to clean your exhaust fans regularly to ensure they are running efficiently.
These super handy fans remove steam and excess moisture from a room and are ideal for places such as the kitchen and bathroom after cooking or showering.
Good ventilation can even help distribute heat more evenly throughout your home and avoid expensive repairs to paintwork, window fittings and curtains.
Graeme Bowen, window and door solutions expert, says: “As the colder months approach, it’s normal to worry about opening windows due to heat loss and rising energy bills.
‘Especially with the recent increase in the energy price ceiling.
“However, good ventilation can ensure that heat is distributed more evenly throughout your home.”
It’s normal to worry about opening windows due to heat loss and rising bills… However, good ventilation can help distribute heat more evenly
Graeme Bowen
The experts also revealed other tricks that can help remove mold and condensation in homes during winter.
Because it is more likely to occur in rooms where it is not regularly heated, the experts recommend insulating windows.
This will help minimize the temperature difference between warm indoor air and cold window surfaces.
They also recommend placing radiators strategically, for example under windows, if possible, to help heat the interior glass and reduce condensation.
Another solution could be to open the windows briefly for a few minutes to let in fresh air without significantly cooling the room.
Opening curtains and blinds during the day also works by allowing natural airflow and sunlight in to keep windows dry, which also reduces condensation.
Using a dehumidifier can reduce moisture levels in areas prone to condensation.
The experts say addressing problems early can prevent expensive repairs to paintwork, window fittings and curtains.
Health warning
EXPERTS have warned that untreated mold can cause serious health problems due to condensation.
Pharmacist Abbas Kanani at Chemist Click warns that it can cause breathing problems:
She said: “If spores become airborne and are inhaled, they can irritate the airways of someone with asthma.
“It can lead to symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.
“Chronic exposure to mold can increase lung inflammation, making the airways more sensitive and reactive, increasing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
For those without existing problems, other symptoms to look out for include nasal congestion and a runny nose.
If you suspect your health problems are related to mold, especially if symptoms persist and are affecting your quality of life, you should visit your doctor, says Abbas.
Graeme says: “Homeowners should know that condensation on windows is not always a bad thing; it means that the windows are doing their job to keep the heat in.
“However, when two adults are in a bedroom, 1.2 liters of fluid can be produced overnight just by breathing.
“So if you see condensation in the morning it doesn’t necessarily mean you need new windows, but you should investigate preventative measures in the first instance.”
He added: “While condensation doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your windows, good maintenance is essential.
“It may also be a good idea to consider double or triple glazing.
“These window options provide better insulation than single glazing, creating a warmer interior glass surface, meaning there is less chance of condensation when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold glass.”
