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Anyone living in a temperate climate will likely tell you that mould, mildew, and condensation can be found pretty much anywhere in the home – even in those places you least expect to find it. But with that said, there are certain areas of the home that are much more prone to condensation and mould than others.
High moisture levels, low ventilation and opposing temperatures can all lead to the development of condensation on surfaces around the home. At first, this isn’t much of an issue, but think of it as a warning sign of what’s to come. The longer condensation is left to sit and spread, the deeper into surfaces it will penetrate – creating optimal conditions for mould spores to bloom and mildew to take hold.
If you’re not 100% certain whether you have a mould, mildew or condensation problem, here are some of the most common places you’ll find it.
Condensation on Windows, Walls and Ceilings
Condensation is often found on windows and glass doors before anywhere else as they are exposed to both the indoor air as well as outdoor air. Window architraves and ledges are also commonly affected by condensation damage as the water pools in these surfaces after running down the windows.
However, if you find condensation on the inside of your windows, chances are that it’s also on your walls and ceilings too, it’s just less noticeable than condensation on windows. This is because water vapour tends to rise and cool at higher elevations, starting on the ceiling and running down the walls. Some rooms are much more likely to experience condensation than others, such as bathrooms, toilets and kitchens.
Sometimes, it’s just a fleeting occurrence, and down to days that are colder than usual. But if you notice distinctive black or green patches on the silicone sealant or the walls around the window, chances are that it’s been around for longer than you realise.
Mould growth from condensation is usually a consistent spread across a surface rather than being in an isolated heavy spot. When forming on ceilings, mould caused by condensation will typically start above external facing walls, and make its way to the centre of the room. You may also find mould can grow in square-like shapes or parallel lines. This is due to the ceiling missing insulation in sections or the roof trusses. These area’s condensate earlier than other areas as the surface transfers the temperature quicker, resulting in condensation forming.
If you’re noticing condensation throughout your home, a dehumidifier can help reduce air moisture levels. It’s also a good idea to open the windows daily to improve airflow and to dry any visible moisture off of the surfaces.
Condensation on Contents
In almost every home, you will notice a lot of the larger furniture pieces such as lounges, beds, TV units and dressers, placed up against a wall. This is great to create open spaced living areas, however, this causes a lack of ventilation and allows moisture to settle on the surfaces and quickly turn to mould. The same thing can happen in our wardrobes, where again, the limited airflow allows moisture to settle and begin to damage our clothing.
If your lounge, carpet, curtains or bed feel damp to the touch, you’ve got a pretty bad case of condensation on your hands. As water conducts heat 20 times faster than air, the issue will rapidly worsen as the cold water sitting on walls, ceilings, and contents continue to decrease internal temperatures. In turn, this results in further condensation build-up and perfect conditions for mould.
Soft furnishings don’t dry out as quickly as non-porous surfaces such as walls, windows and tiles. This makes them a prime place for mould to start growing. Items such as leather goods including jackets, shoes and belts usually suffer from mould before synthetic items, however, raw timber such as timber bed frames, bedside tables and dressers is also highly susceptible to mould growth in damp conditions.
If you spot signs of mould or mildew on your contents, you’ll want to bring in professionals to treat and restore them or dispose of them responsibly. Condensation in the centre of rooms or on furniture positioned away from walls is a clear sign that humidity levels are far too high indoors and should be resolved as soon as possible to prevent any damage.
Behind White Goods
Sometimes, mould, mildew and condensation fall into the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ category. But just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there. Take a closer look behind and under washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers and stoves, and you’ll probably find excess moisture and patches of mould – especially around drains and refrigeration grills.
Most white goods have height-adjustable feet, which means you’ll be able to raise them a couple of cms higher off the floor to improve airflow and ventilation. Where possible, try to allow at least 6 inches of space between the back of the white goods and the wall. Some of the main places to check include:
- Behind and under washing machines
- Behind and around dryers
- In cupboards under sinks
- Around fridges and freezers
- Around microwaves and kettles
- In and around exhaust fans
- Near any drains and water pipes
How to Remove Condensation
Despite your best efforts, mould can often go unnoticed while spreading behind walls, under floors, and behind contents. One of the main culprits behind its growth is condensation, which is why it’s so important to address the root of the cause rather than simply keep on treating the visible signs every couple of months.
From installing or upgrading your ventilation and exhaust fans, understanding the main causes of your condensation and making a few small changes, you’ll be able to reduce moisture levels in the home. If levels are excessive, you will likely benefit from a dehumidifier to bring the levels down. If you’re not sure what steps to take or you notice mould spreading around your property, the best thing to do is call in the professionals.
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