How to Prevent Condensation on Walls and Ceilings

Deep into the winter months, condensation and the development of mould can be a real issue for many households. Not only damaging your property, but also affecting your health, condensation and mould is an issue that should not be left untreated.

While often occurring around window frames, condensation also often settles on walls and ceilings. In this article, we’ll look at the best ways to prevent condensation settling on your walls and ceilings to help keep your home protected.    

What is condensation and where does it come from?

Condensation is water vapour which condenses into liquid water on cooler surfaces. In the home, it is produced from everyday activities such as cooking, showering or simply breathing if there is inadequate ventilation in the property.

Colder surfaces, such as your walls and ceilings therefore provide an opportunity for condensation to form water droplets which can allow mould to develop if left to fester.

How to I prevent condensation settling on these surfaces?

There are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce the amount of moisture in your property and prevent it settling.

Keeping your windows open as regularly as possible will increase ventilation and airflow, making it harder for condensation to sit on surfaces. Although it can be hard to keep windows open during the winter, it is worth opening them even for 10 or 15 minutes and keeping doors closed to keep as much heat in as possible.  

When cooking on the hob, make use of saucepan lids to minimise the amount of steam released and make use of extractor fans. Similarly with showering, ensure doors are kept closed and windows left slightly open.

As condensation can often form behind items of furniture, it is good practise to leave a gap of approximately 10cm between furniture and the wall if you have the space to do so.

Dry clothes outside if possible or use a tumble dryer or dry clothes in a room with the window open and door closed.

Dehumidifiers will also work to draw moisture out of the air. You can invest in cheap disposable dehumidifiers or more-effective electric dehumidifiers. You should tactically place any dehumidifier where you think condensation is most like to build up, or where you think it will be best placed to draw the most moisture out of the air.

What if condensation persists after having tried these solutions?

If you have tried the above DIY recommendations for preventing condensation without success, then it may be time to consider professional help.

Positive pressure ventilation units help circulate dry, fresh air from a position in the loft, landing or cupboard. These units would need to be quoted and installed by a professional.

Anti-condensation paint can be applied to walls and ceilings to prevent it settling. It works by creating a thermal barrier and controlling heat flow which will also prevent the development of mould and fungal growth. This paint also has the benefit of helping you save energy and reducing your carbon footprint.

This article was written by an online estate agent House Sales Direct. If you wish to sell your house fast and for free, then head over to the House Sales Direct website for more property related information and enquiries.