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For most people, seeing small amounts of condensation around the home, such as condensation on windows, is a common occurrence – especially during the colder autumn and winter months. Seen as tiny droplets of water running down windows, mirrors and walls, they are a sign that your home desperately needs improved ventilation and humidity reductions.
The longer condensation is left to its own devices, the worse the problem will get – not only for your home, but also for your health. We’re all aware of the potential impact black mould mycotoxins can have on health, but are you aware of the implications of damp conditions? From an increased risk of respiratory infections and bacterial illness to fungal skin issues, dampness is definitely something to keep out of the home.
If an increase in condensation and mould in the house is causing you concern, you’ll be pleased to know that a few simple changes can make all the difference in removing them. Here’s everything you need to know about dampness, mould and condensation and the steps to take to address them at home.
What Causes Condensation?
If you wonder what causes condensation, you’re not alone. The main causes of condensation are high humidity levels, poor airflow and opposing hot and cold temperatures. If you can remove one of these from the mix, then the likelihood of condensation forming in the home is reduced. But how does condensation form, and what are the main causes?
Condensation on windows, and in general, is created when a pocket of warm, moisture-rich air is rapidly cooled, much like water vapour forming clouds as it ascends into the atmosphere. This cooling results in the water vapour condensing down into its liquid form, creating those distinctive water droplets often seen on windows and doors. Condensation usually hits a peak in the winter months when windows are closed, airflow is reduced, and the outside temperature is significantly lower than indoors.
Everything from cooking and bathing to doing laundry – and even breathing – adds more and more moisture into the air. When this warm indoor air makes contact with a cold window or wall, it condenses and starts to form a layer of water across the surface, which eventually begins to run down toward the ground.
In turn, the condensation can have a knock-on effect, cooling the indoor air more and more, resulting in damp furniture, carpets and furnishings.
Does Condensation Cause Black Mould?
As something many people dread seeing in their homes, black mould can be a warning sign that you need to make a few changes. As black mould thrives in damp conditions, condensation can eventually create the perfect conditions for its growth. However, while similar, condensation and dampness are not the same thing.
Condensation typically affects internal surfaces only and can be considered as ‘surface damp’. On the other hand, deeper dampness is caused by external elements, such as water seeping through brickwork, flooding and leaking pipes, resulting in deeper and chronic saturation.
With that said, if condensation is not appropriately addressed, it can begin to enter the deeper layers of walls, woodwork and furnishing. This persistent dampness in a high-humidity environment can lead to small black patches of mould appearing, which can spread around the home in a matter of days. Not only can it cause black mould growth, but other species, plus mildew, can also appear.
How to Reduce Condensation Indoors
The ideal indoor humidity levels range between 30% and 50%, but staying between these numbers can be challenging. Especially during the cold and wet winter months. Condensation is caused by a lack of ventilation, warmth, and day-to-day activities – which create an average of 24 litres of water vapour daily.
Common water-vapour sources:
- Bathing/showering
- Boiling Kettles
- Cooking
- Drying clothes
- Mopping floors
- Unvented dryers
- Washing machines
- Indoor exercise
Obviously, many of these activities are not optional. But you can make a few little changes to reduce humidity levels and minimise condensation inside the home. In fact, one thing can make a considerable difference… ventilation.
Install extractor fans in bathrooms, toilets, kitchen and utility rooms. If this isn’t possible, at the very least, open windows on opposite sides of the property to create airflow. Dryer hoses fed to the outdoors can drastically affect indoor water vapour levels.
If opening doors and windows during the day is out of the question, then consider purchasing a couple of dehumidifiers to place around the home. Many modern models allow you to set your desired humidity levels and running times, meaning you can set it and forget it. Wipe away any condensation on windows, doors and walls daily with a dry towel, and pay attention to the hidden signs of mould, which start with a mushroom-y odour.
How to Remove Mould Permanently
If chronic condensation is causing black mould to grow in your home, the first thing to do is call in the experts to verify the root cause of the issue. Nine times out of ten, people only tend to address the visible causes of dampness and mould, resulting in a worsening of the problem over time.
Unfortunately, rising dampness, internal water leaks and many of the other main causes of black mould in the home require a special set of tools, testing and knowledge to uncover them. Then specialists can use the appropriate treatment plans to prevent and remove fungal growth, mould spores and future spread.
Get in touch with Mould Cleaning Australia for your free mould inspection with a detailed report covering the findings and proposed resolutions. With a 12-month warranty and 10% off competitor quotes as standard, our experienced and knowledgeable mould removal specialists will treat the issue from the root of the cause.
Book your 100% free, no-obligation inspection today.
