I live in a two storey block of 4 flats that suffer from a condensation nightmare. The inside of the windows are invariably covered in moisture and the sills have water on them most of the time. The flats are 30 years old. Obviously I could leave the windows wide open, but that won't be a great option during the winter. I could have the windows replaced with ones that are vented, but that would cost mega bucks, and I'm not sure that it would resolve the problem. Can anyone recommend a local company (BN1) that specialise in resolving a problem of this nature?
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[Help] Condensation nightmare
- Thread starter Binney on acid
- Start date
Mr Bridger
Sound of the suburbs
If it’s cold outside and warm inside it’s going to condense, you need movement of air around the flat.
Try a dehumidifier during the winter months.
Try a dehumidifier during the winter months.
The Wizard
Well-known member
- Jul 2, 2009
- 18,383
I used to get it really badly as we have old windows, started using the Karcher window vac (others are available) every day and it’s nowhere near as bad as it used to be, not a long term fix granted but does help and it very quickly removes all the moisture.
nicko31
Well-known member
Newer double glazed windows have a better U value as they the air void is now filled with argon also other thermal bridges have largely been eliminated.
Technology has moved on a lot from 80's windows, ventilation in your flat will also help
Technology has moved on a lot from 80's windows, ventilation in your flat will also help
schmunk
"Members"
Indeed - my house is just a few years old, and we often get condensation on the outside of our windows.
Baldseagull
Well-known member
Do you dry clothes inside the flat? if you can avoid that, do, if not, run a dehumidifier. You can get catches fitted on the windows that allow them to be left just a crack open, but stop anyone outside being able to pull them fully open and climb in. You can also fit one of these https://www.i-sells.co.uk/nuaire-flatmaster-positive-pressure-unit
bluenitsuj
Listen to me!!!
Get a dehumidifier and keep windows open as much as possible.
We're having new windows fitted imminently, our old windows always have a top vent open. THe window manufacturer was surprised we wanted them.
the cure is good ventilation and air flow, nothing likes stagnation.
the cure is good ventilation and air flow, nothing likes stagnation.
Cheshire Cat
The most curious thing..
As others have said in various ways - do you want to treat the symptoms or the cause?
For symptoms, devices that clear the windows, dehumidifiers etc will work.
For cause, generating less moisture (cooking, tumble dryers, airing clothes etc), better airflow (open or vented windows), better windows etc will work.
Cost of the solution, and the effectiveness of each solution, will vary dramatically.
This might help - https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/damp/article/dealing-with-damp/how-to-stop-condensation-acozb9j5hEsb
For symptoms, devices that clear the windows, dehumidifiers etc will work.
For cause, generating less moisture (cooking, tumble dryers, airing clothes etc), better airflow (open or vented windows), better windows etc will work.
Cost of the solution, and the effectiveness of each solution, will vary dramatically.
This might help - https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/damp/article/dealing-with-damp/how-to-stop-condensation-acozb9j5hEsb
Billy the Fish
Technocrat
I use one of these as well. It's a great tool in general and does a good job of stopping the moisture recirculating. Should be done decent black Friday deals on.
My place isn't too bad and only gets it on colder nights, I have a combination of electric heating making it difficult to keep the whole house warm and the extraction hood being recirculation so crap at removing moisture after cooking.
Agree with comments about ventilation, one winter I blocked an unused chimney and condensation was much worse. Problem in old houses is that is becomes a trade off between ventilation and spending a fortune on heating.
I also have an ecoair dehumidifier for drying clothes in the winter, that makes a big difference.
portslade seagull
Well-known member
We have small vents as well. Surprising how much air makes it through
- Thread starter
- #13
Good question! I should have made that clear. Ideally, I'd like to treat the symptoms.
Marty___Mcfly
I see your wicked plan - I’m a junglist.
- Sep 14, 2011
- 2,251
..would be a cool band name
Is it PotG?
Thrifty non-licker
My Mum used to call it compensation.
Justice
Dangerous Idiot
Codensation
I'm sure a significant contributory factor is how buildings are made . . . . there are 6's blocks of flats which are notorious for it. my old house was built in 1720 and had 18" thick solid walls, it needed heat and ventilation over went winters. an open fire helped, it was only a small cottage)
our current shed is 40's, vented cavity walls, wooden windows and doors, and a nice draughty close boarded roof. not a whiff of damp ever!
We're having the loft done now and new windows, it'll be interesting to see if it makes much difference.
our current shed is 40's, vented cavity walls, wooden windows and doors, and a nice draughty close boarded roof. not a whiff of damp ever!
We're having the loft done now and new windows, it'll be interesting to see if it makes much difference.
Wrong-Direction
Well-known member
- Mar 10, 2013
- 13,416
The best thing I've bought in years!
It takes seconds the drink up that horrid liquid
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Bold Seagull
strong and stable with me, or...
There's only some symptoms you'll be able to reduce in terms of producing vapour. Drying clothes on radiators as an example releases a huge amount of vapour/moisture, and if you have to do that, it has to be done with a window open ideally. Check your extract fans are working in kitchen and bathroom and have overrun settings. Check they're cleaned out and operational. As well as extracts, if you are using the kitchen or bathroom, have a window open, even if just slightly to help out. Regular purging too i.e. having a window open for a short period, will help as well.
Even little things like only boiling the water you need for the tea you're going to make, and switching the kettle off as soon as it starts to boil, rather than letting it click off will reduce the vapour produced.
You could try someone like The Double Glazing Doctor to see what he can do in terms of new handles / stays or retro-fitting trickle vents - which can be done to plastic or timber windows.