Three simple steps to tackle damp in your home
Condensation and damp are two side effects of winter that can have long-lasting repercussions. If left untreated, they can lead to mould, which as well as being unsightly, can trigger a range of health problems. If your property has a problem with damp, you are not alone! It’s estimated that one in 18 properties in England suffers from damp.
Tackling any damp problem as soon as possible is essential, as according to the NHS, living in a damp environment can increase the likelihood of health issues such as respiratory problems, respiratory infections or asthma.
If you have an existing damp problem, then seek professional help to get this under control. However, to stop it re-occurring, or prevent it in the first place, here are three steps to reducing damp and condensation in your home.
- Minimise moisture – There are a variety of appliances that can create moisture in your home. You can reduce moisture through simple adjustments, such as keeping lids on pans while cooking and drying your clothes outside. Even having a shower creates moisture, so take less hot and shorter showers to reduce the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere, thus decreasing the overall moisture in your home.
- Boost ventilation – It is recommended to have good airflow in your home. Having windows open will allow the damp air to leave and dry air to enter, minimising moisture build up in high risk areas. It’s recommended to have windows open in occupied rooms for a small amount of time, especially after showering and during cooking, as these activities are particularly prone to excess moisture.
- Heat consistently – It is best to maintain a constant temperature in your home and the ideal range is between 18°C and 21°C. Consistent heating levels improve the internal temperature of surfaces in a home and reduce the risk of moisture build-up. Electric radiators are an ideal source of constant heat in the home, however choose one with an automatic thermostat. Haverland’s ULTRAD radiator senses when a room is occupied and heats up to a comfortable temperature, automatically lowering to an agreed temperature when the room is unoccupied.
Minimising moisture, boosting ventilation and keeping the heating at a consistent level are three simple steps to banishing condensation and damp from any home. For more information on how to heat those problem areas, cost-effectively, read more here.
