Stop Condensation in London Flats With These 4 Simple Tricks

Moisture is released into the air every time we breathe, sweat, cook, shower, or even boil the kettle. In compact, poorly-ventilated spaces like London flats, this increases the risk of condensation. This is when the humid air is not replaced by fresh, dry air, and it can lead to mould.

Fortunately, condensation is one of the easiest moisture issues to prevent. Use the four tips below to keep your flat condensation free.

1. Ventilate Your Flat Often

The trick to preventing condensation is not letting humid air linger. There are several ways to do this. Extractor fans remove it as soon as it’s produced, while trickle vents supply a steady stream of fresh air to disperse it throughout the day. Even just opening your windows for a short time each day can make a difference.

If there are signs of damp in your home that don’t clear up after you’ve been doing this for a while, then they’re probably not caused by condensation. You may need an independent damp survey to get to the root of the problem.

2. Use a Dehumidifier

Unlike extractor fans, which suck up humid air and deposit it outside, dehumidifiers simply remove the moisture from the air. They help bring the humidity in your flat back down to an ideal indoor range, which is typically between 40% and 60%.

They’re also small and cheaper than extractor fans, making them a good solution for compact spaces.

3. Control Everyday Moisture

When an independent damp surveyor diagnoses a condensation problem, they usually find that certain lifestyle factors are to blame. By learning them now and cutting them out, you can cut the risk of experiencing condensation issues of your own.

Drying clothes inside is a leading cause of condensation, so stick to the tumble dryer or balcony. If that’s not an option, dry your clothes near an open window. When showering, be sure to keep the bathroom door closed and the window open, and use the extractor fan if there is one. The same goes for cooking, when you should also always use lids on pans.

4. Keep Your Flat Warm

Condensation happens when warm, moist air touches a cold surface. If the surfaces in your flat are warm instead, then it becomes much less of a problem. Insulation and heating are of course the most important things for keeping your flat warm, but they can also be expensive to upgrade.

Some lower cost ways to warm up are to buy thermal curtains or blinds, insulating wallpaper, or a portable heater. You should also remember that the goal is not to make everywhere hot, but to maintain a consistent background temperature that’s just warm enough to stop surfaces getting too cold.

Conclusion

If you follow all this advice and still struggle with damp, then the cause may be something other than condensation. You’ll need an independent specialist damp surveyor to get to the bottom of things. Usually, a damp survey in London costs a couple of hundred pounds or more, but it involves thoroughly checking for all possible damp issues. Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882 to arrange a survey today.