How To Get Rid of Condensation | Solutions Debunked

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Ай бұрын

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How To Get Rid of Condensation in Your Home
Condensation is often misunderstood and, as a result, not treated correctly in many homes and buildings. This standard natural process occurs when water vapour in the air cools and changes into liquid form.
This phenomenon is most evident on surfaces like windows and walls but can affect various areas and materials within an environment.
Misunderstandings about condensation can lead to improper management and solutions that fail to address the underlying issues, potentially causing long-term damage to properties.
The most common misconception about condensation is that it is solely a problem during colder months or in poorly heated spaces. While it's true that condensation is more visible during winter-when the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is most significant - it can occur any time of the year if conditions are right.
This misunderstanding leads to the belief that heating the space more aggressively is a viable solution. However, increasing the temperature without improving ventilation often exacerbates the problem, as warmer air can hold more moisture.
Another area where condensation is often mismanaged involves the overuse of dehumidifiers. While dehumidifiers can effectively reduce moisture levels in the air, relying solely on these devices without addressing other environmental factors-such as airflow and sources of moisture-can be futile or even harmful. For example, if a building has poor ventilation, a dehumidifier may lower humidity in one area while condensation continues to occur elsewhere, unaddressed.
Ventilation is perhaps the most overlooked solution in managing condensation. Proper ventilation helps regulate the air's moisture levels and can prevent condensation from forming on cold surfaces by allowing excess moisture to escape.
Many assume that keeping windows and doors closed will help retain heat and reduce condensation, but this often does the opposite by trapping moist air inside. Introducing regular air changes through effective ventilation systems or even periodic window opening can significantly mitigate condensation issues.
Building materials and structural issues can also contribute to condensation problems, yet they are frequently ignored. Cold bridges-areas in a building's envelope with less insulation than surrounding materials-can create ideal conditions for condensation.
Insufficient insulation on walls, roofs, and around windows can lead to persistent cold spots that attract condensation. Addressing these structural vulnerabilities through better insulation or redesign can provide a more permanent solution to condensation issues.
Moreover, lifestyle factors play a significant role in condensation. Daily activities such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors generate substantial moisture.
Without adequate measures to manage this moisture, such as using extractor fans or opening windows, it accumulates and leads to condensation. Educating occupants on the impact of their activities and how to adjust behaviours can be as crucial as any mechanical intervention in managing condensation effectively.
In summary, condensation is often approached as a simple nuisance that can be resolved with heating or dehumidification alone. However, effective management requires a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors, building science, and human behaviour.
Addressing ventilation, insulation, structural issues, and lifestyle factors can help control condensation more effectively and prevent associated problems such as mould growth, property damage, and poor indoor air quality.
These efforts not only correct the symptoms of condensation but also contribute to healthier living and working environments.
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#Condensation #mould #homeimprovement
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Пікірлер: 245

@siarlb8115 Ай бұрын

As a window fitter we had a well educated lady who complained that her new double glazed widows were attracting condensation. We explained that the condensation was caused by moisture in the air and previously the moist air had escaped via the draughty old window. She assured me that wasn’t true and that the air was so dry she had to put wet towels on the radiator at night … 🤷🏻‍♂️

@SkillBuilder Ай бұрын

That is classic. There isn't much you can do for people like that.

@siarlb8115 Ай бұрын

@@SkillBuilder not relevant to this, but we also had another customer who insisted that there was a draft coming through the glass on his patio door. He actually pointed to the spot in the centre of the double glazed unit where he insisted the draft was coming through.

@keithwebb658 Ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂

@Shj216 Ай бұрын

😂😂😂@@SkillBuilder

@howardosborne8647 Ай бұрын

Brilliant 🤣🤣

@grrinc Ай бұрын

As a bathroom fitter, I get to see ALL the misunderstandings of condensation and mould growth. Nine times out of ten, it’s lifestyle that creates these issues.

@howardosborne8647 Ай бұрын

You try and explain that to most people and you're wasting your breath.....obviously lots of folk out there that flunked the basic science principles.

@completepreservation Ай бұрын

9 times out of 10, there is a defect

@helenmcclure Ай бұрын

I’ve lived in a studio flat for 30 years. Used to have terrible condensation on the old single glazed wooden windows. Replaced them with double glazing. This reduced the problem by about 50%. I tried dehumidifiers and all sorts to no avail. Then someone suggested I leave a small gap in my curtains when I draw them at night and lo and behold the problem vanished. Closing the curtains completely may save you money on the heating but it creates the perfect cold spot for moisture to condense.

@steveDC51 Ай бұрын

My late father in law worked for a well known double glazing company. At one time he was on the complaints/remediation team. A woman had reported drafts from her new windows so he went to investigate. When he asked where the draft was she opened a window, held her hand in front of it and indicated that there was indeed a draft. As politely as he could he pointed out that an open window will always create air movement to which she replied “The man who sold me the windows said there would not be any drafts”.

@howardosborne8647 Ай бұрын

Did she mention that the Earth was flat,by any chance?🤣

@michaelmcloughlin3127 Ай бұрын

stoßlüften - shock ventilation. Its drilled into every German person to open the windows a few times per day to exchange the air. No matter if it is minus temperatures outside you open the windows for a few minutes.

@Welgeldiguniekalias Ай бұрын

You need proper ventilation continuously. Just keep a few trickle vents open and you're sorted, permanently. No need to let all the heat out two, three times a day and no need to sit in increasingly stale air in a tightly sealed house because it's not time for lüften yet. Also, when you run an extraction hood in the kitchen or mechanical ventilation in the bathroom, there does need to be air coming into the house to make that work properly, which will be no problem if you have trickle vents open.

@billybulmer7386 Ай бұрын

It’s the same in Denmark.

@jbbresers Ай бұрын

And the German government is so desperate for people to stop doing this that it's running information campaigns to stop it because of the amount of energy it uses to heat everyone's house back up. Proper ventilation isn't opening every window and freezing 🥶

@tommotube Ай бұрын

@@Welgeldiguniekaliasthe amount of heat lost through this shock method is less than you might think - as the mass of the building (e.g. walls) is still warm, and will reradiate heat to the new cool air quickly.

@adrianbennett6799 Ай бұрын

Isn't this method only useful when the humidity outside is low UK has been 80% humidity all winter

@AnthonyTeasdale Ай бұрын

People need humidity monitors in their homes. Just understanding what the humidity is in each room can really help you know how to deal with it.

@ecospider5 Ай бұрын

I use govee hygrometers. They are $12 connect to your phone to give you a graph. They have one with a screen that takes AA batteries. Rechargeables work well with them. Having a bunch of these has given me a lot of insight into my home.

@VanyaYani Ай бұрын

Better yet, install vent extractors with humidistat.

@davebuchanan543 Ай бұрын

@@VanyaYaniwe have a new, very airtight, house. We did this with constant fans with humidistat to increase power of extraction when necessary. Such a difference.

@bordersw1239 Ай бұрын

A person will create about 130ml of water during 8 hours sleep just by breathing. Once that moisture hits the coldest surface in a room condensation is created. The cheapest cure is to simply hold your breath for 8 hours😂

@multirole240 Ай бұрын

Fully agree. Problem solved !!!!

@fanfeck2844 Ай бұрын

I’ll try that and get back to you

@howardosborne8647 Ай бұрын

Exactly😂

@tomroland5467 Ай бұрын

Well give it a go and let us know how you get on.

@apache16789 Ай бұрын

I get condensation on my bedroom window when the outside temperature drops to freezing or just a few degrees above. I use a window vacuum to deal with the problem when I get up in the morning. Quick easy, no messing with rolls of paper towel or soaking wet cloths. Problem solved.

@LeeTillbury Ай бұрын

A dehumidifier is a total game changer. No more black mould, nor wet glass in the mornings. Also, less humid air is easier to heat and feels warmer than humid.

@RH-nk7eo Ай бұрын

We have a very small 5L dehumidifier which is enough to keep our upstairs moisture at bay. We run it nightly during winter for 3hrs. We also open windows in the 10-15mins before leaving the house as we are getting ready (even if it's freezing outside) just to let some fresh air in. It's helped greatly over the last couple of winters.

@MyTubeSVp Ай бұрын

Agree, but air that is too dry can cause or worsen respiratory issues, so be on the lookout for symptoms of that.

@DN-kz7xl Ай бұрын

@@MyTubeSVp My dehumidifier has setting for humidity. I would set it at 55 - 60% and it would keep the humidity at that level and it automatically shut off and on as necessary.

@user-kk6qt3jf9r Ай бұрын

So many comments! I have to add mine. Winter air has a low vapour pressure, so opening all the windows for 15 mins ( LUFTING) will lower the indoor vapour pressure enough to remove excess moisture. You do not need to use a dehumidifier at all. Sleep with the window open if you can. MVHR is the ideal solution if you can retrofit (not easy). PIV works, but can waste energy (as dehumidifier does), trickle vents & CEV is a poor solution. Phil Daw

@dennishughes3250 Ай бұрын

We fitted a PIV in a damp welsh property. So far, condensation reduced by a huge percentage. DIY fit, about £300 all in. Well worth it.

@Chris-tm5ul Ай бұрын

Definitely the way to go, a dehumidifier only helps in one room but a PIV unit works through the whole house and is cheaper to run

@JM-bg1it Ай бұрын

Sounds like an even better idea. What are you running costs like so far? (Asking for the owner of a damp welsh property 🙂 )

@dennishughes3250 Ай бұрын

@@JM-bg1it Can't remember the exact amount, but it's pennies per day. Was quoted north of £950 to supply and fit by a damp proof company. Any half competent diyer should be able to tackle it. We'll see how it goes long term.

@bsimpson6204 Ай бұрын

PIV = Positive Input Ventilation, fixed my sister-in-laws black mould problems

@Jontyfarmer Ай бұрын

Same here. Never had black mould or condensate again

@AlbionDreamer Ай бұрын

North facing side of my property always had major condensation issues in winter, very little sun for months on end. Bought a dehumidifier three years ago, problem solved. Another benefit of removing the moisture is the property feel warmer by a degree or two. I have hygrometers dotted around the property soon as humidity reaches 60% on goes the dehumidifier which will switch itself off soon as the humidity reaches 52%

@alexp1054 Ай бұрын

Which one did you buy please? Any issues in the time you've had it?

@chrisclegg666 Ай бұрын

U tell em Rodge! It aint rocket science, its the water cycle. Primary school stuff. Top bloke

@howardosborne8647 Ай бұрын

Sadly some came out of the education system none the wiser for the experience.

@user-gn7cm6db2d Ай бұрын

Yes i agree a dehumidifier works wonder,been using one for years for me its essential.

@pjgtech Ай бұрын

A dehumidifier does not solve the underlying problem though, which presumably is lack of decent ventilation so moisture cannot escape.

@Middledistance100 Ай бұрын

⁠@@pjgtechYou necessarily need more ventilation. You need something that will take the moisture out of the air, whether that be ventilation or dehumidification.

@therealcaldini Ай бұрын

My draughty old Edinburgh tenement has enough ventilation but having a dehumidifier has been essential and a game changer.

@girlsdrinkfeck Ай бұрын

@@Middledistance100 i built a DIY condensator cold plate i place on my windowsill, the ambient outside air cools the plate and moisture dews on that instead of anywhere else , basicallyl its a PASSIVE dehumidifer

@delorusclaiborne3274 Ай бұрын

@girlsdrinkfeck clever... Especially for father jack😉 👍🍻

@worthington3637 Ай бұрын

We have a 1935, 5 bedroom house with good draft-proofing, insulation and double-glazing. Surely a prime target for condensation? Even in mid-winter we have a short period daily (maybe 30 to 45 mins) when there is a through-draft through all rooms. We open windows front and back and don't over-heat the rooms. The bathroom window is opened an inch or so after showering and walls above the bath wiped dry after use. For some areas we use those interior dehumidifier tubs, especially inside cupboards and on top of wall units. Also remembering to empty them regularly and refill from time to time with readily available gel crystals. The nett result is a house devoid of condensation apart from the bedroom windows in deep winter where the slight condensation is easy to wipe off with a towel. We grew up on the south coast in the 1950s when houses were largely unheated and bedroom windows were often covered in ice on the inside. In our 1970s student accommodation, the toilet often froze over so the first to use it had to melt a hole using body-heated fluid. It did mean solids were awkward if you were the first of the day.

@gulfstream7235 Ай бұрын

You really should think about upgrading

@worthington3637 Ай бұрын

@@gulfstream7235 ??? The house… the car… or what?

@ricos1497 Ай бұрын

"usually three people sleeping in that room". One of those arrangements, is it?

@retardikus9074 Ай бұрын

Don't knock it til ou've tried it Ricos 🤣🤣

@bsimpson6204 Ай бұрын

Only three? Our ex neighbours could beat that easily lol

@webzterd Ай бұрын

It's precisely one of those arrangements. Most people call the 3rd person "their baby".

@amazing451 22 сағат бұрын

What a character Kirk is. Hope we seen more often on Skillbuilder.

@pjgtech Ай бұрын

Nice video thanx. As an ex surveyor of 30 years, theres only a few things you can do to reduce or remove condensation, That is firstly to decrease moisture production (difficult to do as you have to breath, wash, cook, etc). Secondly to increase heating, ventilation and insulation. If the rooms to cold moisture will condense, if there no ventilation, the moisture can't escape. If the insulation is lacking, there is more likelyhood of condensation occurring. If no vents, add trickle vent to window, or air vent to wall or extractor fan if bathroom/kitchen. Ensure rads are working and large enough for the room. Ensure any cold bridges are insulated, especially around doors, windows, flat roofs, etc. If a room has more external walls, eg: an added rear or side extension, it may have more external walls, so larger surface area of potential cold surfaces. There are lots of heat recovery / auto air vents / extraction units available now too. Lots to think about.....

@u2kjib4cjkqn Ай бұрын

HVAC system the way to go ,should be in all new builds .

@girlsdrinkfeck Ай бұрын

@@u2kjib4cjkqn no

@krunchykarrot6305 Ай бұрын

I live in a 3 bed bungalow where condensation was a problem due to insulation etc, been in the H&V trade for over 40yrs fitted a Nuaire DRIMASTER ECO Link PIV Unit problem solved overnight. I would install one of these before a dehumidifier.

@MikaMikaMika89 Ай бұрын

I live in a 60s house. When it's below 3 outside, overnight any occupied rooms gets DRENCHED. It has spots on the walls and ceilings, windows are soaked. I used to just window vac the windows every morning but it'd fill the karcher's tank twice a day. EVEN WITH THE WINDOW OPEN. I got a thermometer with built in dehumidifier and noticed the humidity level was 70%+ these days. Dehumidifier on overnight keeping it below 60% = problem solved, costs about 20p a night. (Plus I'm told mould doesn't grow until 68% humidity, so it's stopped my mould issue above the window)

@Your_username_ Ай бұрын

Wow that’s alot of moisture. What type of air ventilation system do you have?

@MikaMikaMika89 Ай бұрын

@@Your_username_ literally nothing. No vent in the kitchen, bathroom. Nothing in the loft. Fortunately it's a small flat so the dehumidifier can handle it when needed but with the windows open there's usually not a problem, just when it gets /real/ cold I need to close the windows and put the dehumidifier on. I got a probreeze 12l model in a sale for about £130. 150-200watts of power draw but it cycles on and off so averages 70-100w. 2p an hour even at the current horrible UK rates.

@Your_username_ Ай бұрын

@@MikaMikaMika89 Assuming the apartment is not in original condition, it seems to me that the renovators forgot to enhance the ventilation system while changing windows thus making it less breathable.

@MikaMikaMika89 Ай бұрын

@@Your_username_ my current landlady would probably OK me putting vents in, but for now there are no problems and I'm not worried about it. I wouldn't like the drop in soundproofing. (Autistic and a bit grumpy about that stuff and boy do I have some music loving neighbors at times)

@M4l3k0 Ай бұрын

Had the exact same issue, our bedroom always the worst condensation. This winter I put a dehumidifier on the landing and vented it outside, fixed the problem. However... Noisy! So I turned it into fan mode with it still venting outside, that also fixed the issue! I have also tired just running a normal tower fan on at night, worked as well, still a small punt of condensation at the bottom of the windows but not like before when the entire window was covered. We also always keep the small windows on the second latch to keep fresh air moving. I am looking at maybe trying a PIV unit as that would be even quieter. In my experience, these rooms just need air circulation.

@Mr123bohemian Ай бұрын

Love your videos Roger, well done, just some facts for everyone, 80% of condensation is caused by our life style, we produce 20 ltrs of water moisture with our daily activities, cooking bathing breathing etc, the dew point which condensation forms is between 2 and 3 degrees temperature difference, keeping your house clean ie dusting clearing cob webs and dust from walls reduces black mold forming

@thesunreport Ай бұрын

Yes I agree with you Roger. It also makes a difference that it is happening in the bedroom, as it gets colder at night, which gives the window a better opportunity to make the condensation from breath and sweat. A soft cloth to get rid of it, or an hour or two with a dehumidifier in the morning works well. As other commenters have said, it won't help it is a new build of fresh refurb as moisture could still be coming off the plaster etc I'm guessing. As an aside, condensation is a big problem for motorcycle visors and there are specific anti-fog products available for that. Other more common things I have seen for this include a simple wipe with raw washing up liquid (along the lines of his shaving foam I think).

@WHATSUPWATSON Ай бұрын

A family member of mine works as a health visitor, they visit so many homes with windows permanently shut and washing drying on every radiator. They carry a Tupperware box with a wet sponge inside to help to explain how condensation and the resulting mould/“damp” occurs. But the situation is inevitably blamed on everyone but the “victim”.

@nnivo Ай бұрын

open trickle vent.

@therealcaldini Ай бұрын

We purchased a condensing dehumidifier just before Christmas but it was so efficient it was chucking out cold air. So I swapped it for a desiccant dehumidifier and it’s been a game changer. I run it most of the day in the living room (where I work) and it heats the room very efficiently and I haven’t had condensation on the windows all winter. Very happy with it. Apparently, having less moisture in the air makes the heating more efficient as you’re not having to heat the moisture.

@denniskeogh3422 Ай бұрын

Spot on , a desiccant dehumidifier works better in the temperature range in UK house's.

@matthewwakeham2206 Ай бұрын

Dehumidifiers can't cool the air. That's impossible. The air coming out is usually about 2°C warmer when the compressor is on. Maybe just windchill effect makes it feel cold or maybe circulating air past a cold spot. Dessicant dehumidifiers use a heater to dry the dessicant hence they are warmer. Plus they tend to pull more power.

@therealcaldini Ай бұрын

@@matthewwakeham2206 yeah, cold air is probably an overstatement, but it wasn’t warm enough to warm up the room

@georgeanastasi7729 Ай бұрын

If you are going to go down the route of a dehumidifier, would strongly recommend a dessicant one and not a compressor type. More efficient in colder temps and it produces a bit of heat too, so all that electricity being used to run it is doing some other good too. But yeah, opening the windows first thing, making sure that bedroom door is always open in the day, and ultimately just biting the bullet and getting piv or mvhr (even a single room jobby elsewhere in the property on trickle mode all the time) will all help. Forget those pound shop window things. Also make sure air bricks/vents are clear. When i lived in a new build flat mine were taped in polythene!!

@PaulsBees Ай бұрын

Had issues with black damp in past 2 houses, caused health problems. A dehumidifier and anti-mould wall paint additive fixed it. We have solid brick walls. Before the dehumidifier we had water condense onto the eastern wall, which stays coldest, as its in the shade.

@michaelgeorge9147 Ай бұрын

Hi Roger thanks for providing one of the most informative channels on KZfaq. I have a question regarding open cell spray foam in the loft, we started by having the old paper replaced with a new breathable membrane then new battens on to top , then replaced the cement tiles. At the time the government was giving out grants for this I believe. With lots of bad publicity the last couple of years do you think we should have it checked or just rip it out. Look forward to a response Kind regards Mike G

@craigcousins6718 Ай бұрын

Great advice as always roger

@JoannaLouise200 Ай бұрын

Good topic Roger. Everyone would have to stop breathing to prevent condensation in the bedroom. As an alternative, I run a dehumidifier on 'low' for 12hrs during daytime for 6 months of the year (Winter/Spring). It not only prevents condensation & mould, but keeps bedlinen, clothes and carpets fresh. It might sound an expensive process, but when considering the damage that damp & mould can do to building fabric, clothes & health, it's a no-brainer. I'm not a great fan of throwing a window open of a nightime in Winter, simply from the point of view of losing that expensively produced heat (and letting in more damp air from the constant rain!).

@VanyaYani Ай бұрын

If you go to the humidifier route you might as well install the air-to-air heat pump split system.

@AdrianSams Ай бұрын

One thing that could be making the condensation worse is if the New Double glazing sealed unit was made incorrectly. So to meet Building regs we have to use Soft Coat Low E coatings on one pane of the sealed unit. The coating should be on the outside face of the inside pane. Now if the manufacturer made the unit with the coating on the inside face of the room then this will make any condensation 500% worse. I made some windows years ago and one sealed unit out of 5 in a bedroom was made incorrectly by the manufacturer. Condensation literally poured down the window but none of the other units in the window were effected at all, no sign of any condensation apart from the wrongly made unit. I would get the company back and get them to test it with a Low E tester which they should have. That will tell you if it is made incorrectly. You will always get some condensation in bedrooms,especially during the Winter months, usually just a small amount on the bottom of the units.

@SkillBuilder Ай бұрын

That is interesting. I will get one of these Low E detectors and try it on a few windows. I know quite a lot are fitted the wrong way round with the Low E coating on the outside.

@AdrianSams Ай бұрын

@@SkillBuilder It's at it's optimum when the coating is on the outside face of the inside pane. If it's on the inside face of the outside pane (still in the void between panes) it still works but not quite as efficient. If it's made incorrectly so the coating is on the inside of the inside pane (Room saide) then it's a major issue. The testers aren't expensive and I bought one after having the issue I mentioned, I'd rather check each unit I'm sent rather than rely on a sticker which can also be wrong.

@snox7320 Ай бұрын

Use a lighter on the exterior of the glass and it should show the third flame to be a different colour is installed correctly . I work with glass and do this daily .

@peterwilson5082 Ай бұрын

I had a problem in one room more so than the others, it was North facing and never had any sun during the winter months. I bought a humidity monitor and an ebac smart humidifier it's been fabulous and hasn't been an issue, leave a small gap in the curtains and the door slightly ajar (dehumidifier on the landing) you'll be surprised at how much moisture it removes and costs very little to run.

@viewer.86 Ай бұрын

Brother in law fitted a piv which has helped but it can bring in smells from the loft. I have opted to fit an mvhr system during my renovations as i dont want any window vents or piercing of my insulation.

@andyarchitect Ай бұрын

Good advice 👍 especially the use of a dehumidifier. One reason that particular window could be experiencing issues could be if it has a tightly fitting blind or curtain allowing the air between the curtain and the the glass to get particularly cold overnight and therefore the glass reaches the dew point sooner than other rooms in the house. Try letting a bit more air circulate to the glass to keep the temperature up behind the curtain. The only other things I add would be to use the trickle vents if fitted, minimise moisture sources in the house (dry washing outside ehfn possible, use extractor fans or open a window when showering, use lids on pans when cooking) and to get a window vacuum to remove any condensation off the window so the water goes down the drain and not back into the room.

@wobby1516 Ай бұрын

He is absolutely right it’s the three people sleeping in the room that’s causing the condensation. Three people at night will add 1-1 /2 pints of water to a room through just breathing.

@jeffeloso Ай бұрын

I installed the Wickes whole house ventilation system 35 years ago in my house soon after moving in. Excessive condensation was fixed everywhere including on the then single glazing and the house has a very healthy feel. I have changed the fans 3 times in that period. The system has a heat exchanger in the loft. It takes hot damp air from the kitchen and bathroom, and passes it through the heat exchanger. Fresh air from outside is passed through the heat exchange where it is warmed up by the outgoing air, and is distributed to all the bedrooms and lounge. No need ever to open windows in the winter. It works like magic. Yes I know not every house can easily be fitted with such a system. Such systems should be standard on all new-built IMHO.

@ballisticsmeg Ай бұрын

I had water running off bedroom windows, bought a window vac it was so bad also running off the front door skirting that had rusty nails leaching out, after watching your channel some time back I bought a PIV best money ever spent Gone overnight the first night after fitting, Brilliant bit of kit and must be healthier.

@Google_Does_Evil_Now Ай бұрын

What's a PIV? What do you do with it?

@ecospider5 Ай бұрын

I have the same question

@ecospider5 Ай бұрын

@Google_Does Positive input ventilation. Fan that brings in filtered external air and makes your home positively pressurized

@darthvalkyr Ай бұрын

Been struggling with condensation mainly in my lower hallway. One specific wall. Gutters were overflowing which is now resolved; the rain water was collecting against this outside wall. Solid concrete cavity walls with tyrolean render. House is overdue for repainting (think it was last done 30 years ago) so I suspect moisture in the wall making it cold and attracting the moisture from the air that way. Planning to repaint and reinstate some waterproofing along the bottom of the outer walls too. Bitumen paint was used in the past, but I'm open to any more modern suggestions. These houses are rumoured to have no DPC as they were a prefab concrete construction. Only other thing I think I should maybe do is look into capping the cavity in the loft, as it isn't insulated currently and open at the top so heat lost through the internal walls is going straight up into the roof space instead of being retained.

@DeafMaker Ай бұрын

Could it also be the fact the plaster is still drying out as it has been recently plastered, which is also compounding the problem? But the end result is still the same get dehumidifier, I love mine 😀👌

@sergiofernandez3725 Ай бұрын

Good stuff Roger

@08047870 Ай бұрын

very helpfull thnx

@kenshindoman9757 Ай бұрын

Totally agree...get a dehumidifier and run it all throughout the day whilst you're not using the bedroom. Also, get some of those cheap moisture traps from the pound shop. One or two on the window sill, one of top of the wardrobe.

@blistiff Ай бұрын

We've got a new build now and i was surprised to learn that the top floor has a vapour barrier behind the ceiling. Would this not have a detrimental effect on the moisture escaping?

@neilcase Ай бұрын

Could try sleeping in a different room and see if the condensation follows you

@cypeman8037 Ай бұрын

"See if it follows you" 😂😂😂 like in a John Carpenter film.

@telstar4772 Ай бұрын

Or breathing through a length of hosepipe with the other end outside 🤔💦

@pmbpmb5416 Ай бұрын

Exactly , we have a solid stone and brick building , double glaze with trickle vents , room we sleep in terrible condensation. We go away for a couple of weeks and that room dry as a bone and another interesting note was that some flowers given just before we left were still alive and in good condition after two weeks of not having us breathe all over them , two or three days of us being back started to deteriorate, bad breath !!!!

@markdavies794 Ай бұрын

Building regs changed on15th June 2022 so all new double glazing has to have trickle vents, are they open? We get condensation on the bottom 2" of our conservatory windows when it is very cold outside but only since we got two dogs (they sleep in the conservatory - it is open to the house and has a proper roof so not cold). We bought a dehumidifier and it clears any condensation in about an hour, it's also great for when the other half does the ironing in the conservatory.

@johnholkham2420 Ай бұрын

Basically you need extractor fans in bathrooms especially if a shower room ,unblocked air vents and trickle vents in double glazed windows, if drying clothing indoors a dehumidifier , and always use kitchen extractor when boiling .

@webzterd Ай бұрын

Got a north facing master bedroom, which has me, my partner, our two children and a dog typically sleeping in it at night. Its also a smart house, with humidity & temp sensors in every single room, sometimes multiples. In this case, the master bedroom has multiples as it also has the first floor smart heating controller. It is blatantly obvious the difference in moisture in the air from night when we are all in there, to day when we are not. Dehumidifier is the best friend for these situations but for most of the year, opening the window & window vents suffices.

@alstonofalltrades3142 Ай бұрын

A lad in a pub couldn't work out why droplets got on the outside of his pint glass since the cold liquid is inside. Warm air holds more moisture and drifts to his glass and condenses I said. Glad to know I'm in good company! Now if only I knew as much as all these guys on Skill Builder.

@lazylad8544 Ай бұрын

Nice video Rodger. Have you taken a look at datatag for tools. Any chance you can do a video about this product. It would be fantastic for tool theft protection 👍👍👍👍

@CJMVector321190 Ай бұрын

We have an old 1910s house in the UK and the moisture is usually low. Even in the cellar. However it is slightly drafty but that even with double glazing keeps the condensation at bay. Only the back rook gets it but that is an old single glazed wooden bay window, only happens with the log burner on as the warm air condenses vs the cold on the window. If it is sunny outside open your windows. Especially after showering. The amount of modern houses i walk into and smell damp. A sealed box needs ventilation. The Norwegians have proper Hvac venting systems we have sealed boxes.

@newlunarrepublic8741 Ай бұрын

Could installing windows with trickle vents solve the issue once and for all? That way that specific window would have a way for condensation to escape and won't have to be opened more than the usual.

@asif530 Ай бұрын

Get a few humidity and temp monitors and check each rooms relative humidity levels. This will give you at least some indication of the difference in each room. There are so many options . Obviously a dehumidifier will work but if the relative humidity levels in that room don't go above 60 % you may try not closing the blinds once the lights are out to maintain airflow and keep the window open slightly. Is the room directly across the bathroom?

@PhilipMorris-oz5hw Ай бұрын

Having worked within the remedial industry for over twenty years, I can certainly say I've seen my fair share of condensation related issues! One simple answer: mechanical ventilation. The approved document F 2010/2021 provides the basic information needed to keep condensation to a minimum, but adequate heating must also be applied to ensure mould and condensate cannot form on the usual 'cold spots'. 'Opening a window' and other similar remarks made by landlords and letting agents alike demonstrate a lack of understanding and legal responsibilities now present within the UK. Windows are designed for purge ventilation and not considered as background ventilators. In other words, you should not need to open windows to remove excess humidity. Window openings are sized to purge the size of each habitable room, rapidly diluting pollutants including voc's. Any tenant suffering with mould and condensate should refer to the Homes (fitness for habitation) act 2018 when reporting issues to landlords, as inadequate ventilation can be hazardous to health and appropriate mechanical ventilation should be installed within the property as a minimum.

@plummetplum Ай бұрын

I've got a large ebac humidifier in my house. It's virtually on 24 hours, which is crazy. I need a better extractor in the kitchen or leave door most often but not ideal during winter.

@hb3393 24 күн бұрын

Been struggling for years with condensation in my bedroom, replacing windows with trickle vented not an option so simply have to sleep with the window open. Tried dehumidifier but too loud to sleep with (not to mention a drain on bills). Que sera

@alec1113 Ай бұрын

Could be that the space between the double glazing is not wide enough or the glass isn't thick enough . I've seen this in the usa as the ready-made of the shelf windows are made cheaply . A top of the line extractor fan which runs almost silently , may be a solution . Luxury, we used to dream about 3 people in a room , we had the whole street in one room . No bathroom , no living room, no bedroom .. l've just remembered we lived on the street 😂. Great content as always rog 👍 One other thought if they have trees or the side of the house that gas the problem or gets no sun it could add to the problems

@Pete.Ty1 Ай бұрын

👍👍👍. Thank you

@seanbranagh Ай бұрын

We keep the small vents open in our bedroom windows to combat this. I also recently installed a PIV system in the upstairs hallway for a bit of extra ventilation when there is no wind outside. Yes, we loose some heat from the house but in my opinion good ventilation is absolutely key to healthy sleep and and an all round healthier living environment.

@Jontyfarmer Ай бұрын

I had a PIV unit installed in my flat and never had an issue with condensation ever again

@neil1997 Ай бұрын

Concept people need to understand is relative humidity. Hot air has more energy so can carry more water - air molecules 'biffing' microscopic water vapour droplets, keeping then in the air. As air cools down, it can't support as much water so it falls out - yes, this is how clouds work. People breathing, cooking, showering etc = warm air with alot of entrained moisture. As Roger says, present this air with a cold(er) surface sand the water condenses. Condensing on a window is arguably better than on a plastered/papered wall... Get yourself a window vac and get the place aired out for just 10 minutes first thing in the morning and late evening. Also good for your sinuses!

@ooslum Ай бұрын

The closer to the source you catch and remove the moisture , the cheaper and easier it is as well Roger. I know you know but people look for the golden bullet but humidity management is required in almost every room. The solution often looks very expensive but a £50 fan and a few hours of DIY can make a huge difference.

@ricequackers Ай бұрын

I do wonder how many people slept through physics lessons at school to not understand how condensation forms. For us, the simplest solution to condensation on the bedroom windows was to just leave the door halfway open so it could vent out into the rest of the house. Also means it doesn't smell as much in the morning.

@DTech101 Ай бұрын

So I installed a PIV but constantly having the boiler fire up because it gets too cold I now only turn it on for an hour plus or so at midday to keep the heating bills down. I run two small dehumidifiers at night for about 4 hours to get the whole house down to 45/50 percent humidity, the house is a lot warmer now with the low humidity. My mum and dad had the same issue brand new windows installed complained said they were rubbish and there is me telling them they are too good that’s why they get the moisture and the house is so cold, told them to get a dehumidifier they where very reluctant stating cost too much to run but told them so does heating anyway too the plung and they are so happy with the temperature and now no condensation on the windows in the morning.

@chunkymonkey55555 Ай бұрын

Been involved with a condensation issue on a house in recent years. Boiling food a lot and drying clothes indoors will make it worse. Trickle vents are good, even better is a new window, fitted by someone good. Worth checking outside also if you can, once I had a window which had a gap underneath it, cold air was flowing into the cavity and making the wall cold. And also, decent heating. that's my 10 penny's worth to add. Oh and if a gutter is splatting water onto the problem ara from the outside, get that sort of issue fixed.

@shaunmcc9861 Ай бұрын

PIV units help greatly with condensation and mould if fitted correctly

@ecospider5 Ай бұрын

Don’t use a glass of water in the window. Use a sealed container like a water bottle. If the bottle is cold the water will condense to the bottle instead of the window. If you use a glass of water you might be adding moisture to the air while the water in the glass evaporates.

@williamwillaims Ай бұрын

What about single glaze windows? Not many double glaze in Australia.

@Ironbuket Ай бұрын

Surprised he didn’t mention trickle vents. For some weird reason whoever fitted the windows in the house I live in now, fitted trickle vents in the downstairs north facing windows but not in the upstairs ones. If we get around to replacing these windows at some point, I intend to have trickle vents on all the windows. Maybe the new windows installed in this video example don’t have trickle vents which makes the issues much worse? I have a dehumidifier sat in the corner of our problem bedroom with a separate battery powered sensor on top. If I notice the moisture is getting too high, I run it for about half a day and that tends to get rid of the problem for a while. I only need to do this in Winter

@Ghengiskhansmum Ай бұрын

We always open windows at some point on a daily basis at all times of year except during an excessive storm. Sleeping with a window open is healthier but I occasionally shut it because wild birds can get a bit rowdy😊

@weekendwarrior3420 Ай бұрын

Can the problem be also helped by circulating air out of the bedroom into the rest of the house?

@justinstephenson9360 Ай бұрын

Thank you for common sense video. Cold bridging and condensation are simply two sides of the same coin - there is warm moist air hitting a cold surface is the problem, the solution is always to do the best to remove the moisture first

@BadHorsie1 Ай бұрын

The OP's windows might not have trickle vents to allow air exchange. This is a problem in my bedroom and i use a dehumidifier to take the extra moisture out of the air. Otherwise the walls and ceiling soon have mould

@Punisher9419 Ай бұрын

Ventilation is key. Honestly a single window in a room isn't enough, one either side would be better. Houses aren't really built to have the best ventilation in the UK, it's mostly built to keep drafts out and heat in.

@VanyaYani Ай бұрын

When remodeling older properties there's little consideration for HVAC. Triple glazing and insulation moves the dew point deeper into the envelope and increases condensation on uninsulated areas. Increased heating helps to reduce the relative humidity so that more moisture is removed with ventilation (also increasing moisture in unheated areas). Improved ventilation will increase the rate of heating escaping. If only there existed a device that removed moisture from air while preserving the heat... Air conditioner, ventilator with heat recuperator, dehumidifier. If you want to go the passive route, unblock the chimney, put the vent grills and use it as a natural air extractor.

@clivewoolley4492 Ай бұрын

Would a air brick a couple of feet below the ceiling in the corner of the bedroom work.

@Lemendeer Ай бұрын

Be happy to have the condensation on the window. It safes your house from mold. You will have it somewhere. Better on a Glas surface than somewhere else.

@allangoddard3384 Ай бұрын

Was the room in question north facing ,This will ensure coldest surfaces in the property and most at risk of Condensation.Dehumidifier only option.

@YieldCapital Ай бұрын

Would adding window vents not work?

@neilbain8736 Ай бұрын

I live in a Victorian flat with modern windows. The chimneys were unsound and removed and sealed up decades ago. The condensation can be something evil. It took me ages to figure out that there is no ventilation except to open the windows. There are no air bricks. The house is a sealed unit.

@TheSpringdaddy Ай бұрын

Good old Roger!

@michagiedrojc5513 Ай бұрын

You should adjust window gap so the seal is not so tight. Before using that room open windows for 5min. Second put heater under window. Third leave the door open or make some gap. The moisture comes from people breats or water leaks.

@jamespaterson9801 Ай бұрын

Would insulation on the internal wall to make that wall warmer? To reduce cold spots? I have had a brick air vent fitted and do keep the window slightly open and we don't close the bedroom door as this seems to make it worse so we try to keep air flow

@SkillBuilder Ай бұрын

If you warm the wall up the moisture is still there and will condense eventually.

@jamespaterson9801 Ай бұрын

Ok thanks for the reply Roger, thought it would help as it reduces cold spots for the moisture to condense on? Obviously with the other measures we are taking, keeping the window on latch and open when we can for ventilation and air circulation.

@brawnr Ай бұрын

A dehumidifier is the best thing I’ve bought recently. No condensation at all now, and the air feels warmer

@plumpii7177 Ай бұрын

I run a dehumidifier.. over the winter I get a wet window, and I dry it sometimes, but I didn't think it was bad lately.... oh, how wrong was I... went to flip the mattress for its annual flip-flop and the mattress was soaking underneath, you'd think I'd been wetting the bed.. must have emptied the jug 3 times on the Dehumidifier before it was free from moisture.. Everyone should have a dehumidifier as we all have wet towels, wet clothes, sweat etc, it's gotta go somewhere..

@DavidOwen1978 Ай бұрын

Installation of trickle vents into the window frame would be the best suggestion. They cost only a few pounds and can be self installed. If a contractor does it theis may cost ~£100. I would also suggest that these are installed on all the uPVC windows to allows the house to breath.

@pureplay7071 Ай бұрын

Condensation on the windows is a good thing, it takes moisture out the air. End of the day you will get condensation on any cold surface (well sort of) maybe look up dew point calculator and how they work, it might add some context.

@michaelpearson4896 Ай бұрын

Don't know if you are aware but there is an irritating music noise playing in the background on this video. Very annoying, can you fix it.

@therealdojj Ай бұрын

We had the same issues when we had our rooms replastered, even with the window vents open so we got one of those moisture meters and it was up to 70% at times Dehumidifier was the only solution

@Alan-ci8yu Ай бұрын

After spending the majority of my life in a different job I changed for the last 10 years to work as a science technician in a UK 11-16 years old school. I was delighted to find that all this stuff was taught in our school in the curriculum. What's up with these people? this is how life works.

@lovenottheworld5723 Ай бұрын

I can't understand the aversion to opening windows. You've got to change the air in the house. A bit of moisture on the window overnight is pretty normal as long as you open the window wide and change the air in the room in the morning.

@jamespaterson9801 Ай бұрын

Yeah funnily enough, we live in a bungalow and only the small bedroom suffers with bad condensation to the point we get mould on the outside wall and skirting boards.. Its a pain

@cypeman8037 Ай бұрын

As a wise old man once said to me, you can insulate, get triple glazed windows and the condensation will still be there. It’s the production of the condensation and its collection that you can control.

@KevinColt Ай бұрын

Have a window or outside air near the floor, heat is on goes up you lose very little heat and fresh air still circulates through.

@huwtindall7096 Ай бұрын

I've read that in northern europe it's common to open all the windows in a house for a few mins a day to clean the air out, even if it's raining outside it's likely less moist than in a house. In Germany it's called "lufting". Basic idea is to get fresh air in the whole house and basically reset the relativel humidity. Not a bad idea unless you're in a polluted area.

@janwillem6953 Ай бұрын

Yeah we have our windows open for at least an hour every morning. No issues. Located in south west Ireland

@fromaflafl2198 Ай бұрын

yes the advise is 3 x 10 min day. but a thing that a lot of people miss is that it can take a week+ to lover the moister in house. as it will build up in the walls,floors etc.