How To Keep Your Home and Office a Healthy Place

Condensation might seem like the least worrying type of dampness that you can experience in your home or office

Condensation might seem like the least worrying type of dampness that you can experience in your home or office. After all, it is just a bit of excess moisture that clings to walls and windows, right? But the truth is that condensation can be a stepping stone for other, more serious problems including black mould which can lead to health problems or dry rot that can cause structural issues. So how can you reduce or stop condensation in your home office? Resolving damp issues through Tapco HomeDry or other damp proofing specialists is the only way to keep your place a healthy one.

Here are some tips from damp experts.

What is condensation?

Condensation describes the natural process where warm air that is filled with moisture comes into contact with something colder such as a window or wall. When this happens, the warm air can’t hold the moisture and it is transferred to the colder surface. This causes condensation, which you can see by visible droplets of water on the surface. Condensation is a common issue and doesn’t always lead to damp problems but if it is left untreated or reaches a certain level, then bigger problems follow.

There are a few obvious signs of condensation and others that can indicate one or more types of damp. If you notice any of them, it pays to have a damp expert in London or wherever you live to visit the property and conduct a survey. Signs include:

• Water on the windows
• Walls that are damp to the touch
• Visible water on walls or furniture where there hasn’t been a spill
• Peeling wallpaper
• A musty smell
• Signs of mould growth

How to reduce or stop condensation

In many cases, there are simple steps to take to reduce or stop the condensation in your home office and prevent a damp problem from occurring.

1. Ventilation around washing machine

Equipment such as washing machines and tumble dryers can create a burst of moist air and lead to condensation so the best way to deal with this is to ensure there is good ventilation in the area around them. A single load of washing can put two litres of water into the air and even an open window can help this dissipate.

1. Dry clothes outside where possible

In the UK, it isn’t always possible but when you can, dry clothes outside rather than in the house. The moisture from the clothes will evaporate into the air of the house and create condensation. If you do need to dry inside, aim for the best ventilated area with windows wide open and a door closed.

1. Close doors to stop moisture movement

Most people close the bathroom door when you are in the shower but do you close the kitchen door when cooking? Both steps can help reduce the moisture moving around the house, encountering cold surfaces and causing condensation.

1. Use an extractor hood

Extractor hoods or fans are great for removing moisture from a space and should be added to the kitchen where possible. Leave it running for 10-15 minutes afterwards when there has been a lot of cooking to help remove the moisture from the air.

1. Consider indoor plants

Houseplants or indoor plants are a lovely touch in the home but can also contribute to condensation problems. If you notice signs of condensation around the plant, then you might consider moving it outside as it might be the cause.

1. Think about air flow

Think about the airflow in a room when you position tall furniture such as units or wardrobes. If these block the flow of air through vents and windows, then this can lead to condensation – the moist air will hit the furniture rather than escape through the vent.

Beating condensation

Sometimes factors work against you and you find yourself facing a damp problem due to condensation that is beyond your control. But many times, if you take a few steps to help make the problem easier, you can avoid having to call out those damp experts to solve it.

Keep Your Home and Office a Healthy Place appeared first on Mompreneur Media