Winter is in full force; there’s one topic that always stands out for us… Condensation.

Condensation is one of the most common issues that homes in the UK face. And is something almost every homeowner or tenant will have experienced.

But while there’s endless advice online about clearing condensation, there’s surprisingly not as much about preventing it, or even why it happens. So, this month, that’s what we’re doing.

 

What is condensation, really?

Condensation occurs when warm, moisture-filled air hits a cold surface and turns it into water droplets. Quite simple science really, but what most people don’t realise is how much moisture they’re actually putting into their homes in the first place.

Cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors, and even breathing (including your pets!) releases litres of water vapour into the air. For a typical family, this can add up to around 15 litres every single day.

In some homes, that moisture can escape naturally through cracks, chimneys, and leaky windows. But new builds and renovated existing properties are being designed and built to be much more airtight for energy efficiency, which is great for warmth, but not so great when that moisture becomes trapped inside.

When that moisture has nowhere to go, it settles on cold surfaces, creating exactly the kind of conditions mould and damp thrive in. And once it takes hold, the effects can be more complicated than just cosmetic repairs. Paint peeling… plaster being ruined… window frames rotting. You also have health implications for its occupants such as respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and allergies (sneezing, runny nose, red eyes).

Tackling the cause, not the symptoms

Wiping down windows clears the evidence, but it does nothing to address the underlying problem. To deal with condensation properly, moisture needs to be managed before it has chance to settle.

This is where your ventilation plays a vital role…

Intermittent extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens are generally the most popular and cheapest fans in UK homes. However, this is not always the best option. Continuous extract fans take this a step further by both running on a constant low level trickle rate and also automatically boosting when moisture is detected. Whole house solutions are another option, which a perfect balance of extraction and new air input, which helps maintain healthier humidity levels across the property.

But the message is simple. Prevention always beats trying to tackle the symptoms, and the right ventilation strategy makes that possible.

The Winter worries

Winter always brings a spike in condensation because we keep the windows closed, the heating on, and the doors shut. Homes become warm and cosy, but also humid. Without a way for that moisture to escape, it will always find the coldest place to settle.

Supporting better ventilation

 We can say “Prevention is key” all we like, but in reality, education is key! At Elta Trade, we help landlords, installers, homeowners and Distribution Partners understand ventilation in order to put the right systems in place to prevent problems.

As always, if you’d like advice, a system design, or guidance on suitable ventilation for a project, our team is always here to help😊