Condensation

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Condensation

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john of wessex

Joined: 18 Jun 2007
Posts: 2130

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 9:09 am Post subject: Condensation

Domestic Facilitys management is not happy about the level of condensation on the upstairs windows.

Chez John of Wessex is a 1963 built semi.

We installed cavity wall & loft insulation. The previous owners put in double glazing.

Downstairs is heated by a woodburner while upstairs we use the central heating - about 30 mins a day keeps it warm enough.

There is me, DFM & two small children in the house, clothes drying is done with a condenser drier.

There is a door onto the stairs so heat doesnt drift upstairs all the time.

I suspect that hot air coming from downstairs as we open the living room door may be the cause, but what to do about it?

As far as I can see, we can -

1. Heat upstairs more - costs and not necessary
2. Dehumidifier?
3. Some sort of ventilation system

Thoughts anyone?

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 9:17 am Post subject:
Is there a window you could leave open just a crack upstairs and see what that does?

Midland Spinner

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 2931
Location: Under a green roof

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 9:31 am Post subject:

Ventilation and air circulation.

Deal with any sources of damp (are there leaking gutters, blocked air bricks, damp proof course bridges etc? )

Wiping up the condensation would help as well - mop up the damp with a tissue & flush it to get rid of it.

If you can remove a lot of damp from the house you should find that you have less condensation, but don't then go back to closing all the windows; there's a lot of moisture in breath.

Try having the heat on & plenty of windows open on a warm ish day to get a lot of the damp airborne & flushed out.

john of wessex

Joined: 18 Jun 2007
Posts: 2130

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 9:31 am Post subject:

Nick wrote:

Is there a window you could leave open just a crack upstairs and see what that does?

We have done that but it's for the days when that isnt a practical proposition.

Domestic facility's likes it hot!

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 9:45 am Post subject:
Buy her a jumper.

jamanda
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Posts: 35056
Location: Devon

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 10:08 am Post subject:
The only way to get rid of the water is to let it out. Open a window, even if it's just for a couple of hours.

Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 10:18 am Post subject:
We have the same issues....of course it dosnt help that in the west (and especially in Cornwall) the humidity is ridiculous. Dont think we have had a dryish day here for months. 62% humidity on the little reader/weather station thingy this morning.

Midland Spinner

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 2931
Location: Under a green roof

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 10:18 am Post subject:
Damp air feels cold. You'll feel warmer if you get rid of the damp. Open the windows.

goldy1

Joined: 17 Sep 2006
Posts: 729

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 6:06 pm Post subject:
I live in a 1880's brick terrace. Roof insulated , double glasing most of which wont open. Gas fires and oil filled electric rads for heating. Neither on very often. If I don't run my dehumidifier in my bedroom every thing gets moldy and i have to put heating on for longer. Less moisture in the air means warmer air like said befor.

Midland Spinner

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 2931
Location: Under a green roof

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 12 6:53 pm Post subject:
When I lived in Switzerland I was taught to open the all widows wide for 10 minutes every day. That's long enough to air the condensation out, any longer and it chills the walls.

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