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Tackling condensation from "UK Landlord" magazine, March 2007
Ventilation is vital in bathrooms and kitchens because moisture in the air can lead to condensation and mould growth, which can extend to the rest of the property. Condensation occurs naturally when the temperature outside is low enough and the humidity inside high enough for the moisture in the air to condense. Nowadays, a large amount of moisture is pumped into the indoor environment from kettles, cookers, and baths and showers, especially fine-mist power showers. Normally the air in a home is warm enough to hold on to the moisture, but when the outside temperature drops sufficiently to cool certain parts of the house's structure, such as the windows, moisture will condense, especially if there is inadequate ventilation. If this is a problem in your rental property, check that there is sufficient air extraction from kitchens and bathrooms in particular. Electrical extractor fans, with or without heat recovery, can eliminate condensation or there may be an option to install a vertical pipe to draw air continuously out of a room without the need for an energy input. Opening up the fireplace or putting an airbrick into the fire space can also help, as can leaving the trickle vents on windows fully open. The Building Regulations on means of ventilation apply mainly to new buildings and new parts added to existing buildings. For example, if a new kitchen or bathroom is added to an existing building, it must be provided with permanent ventilation. Information on Building Regulations can be downloaded from the Planning Portal website
Rugg Review: What's new?
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Landlords whose tenants have complained about condensation in their property
- a problem that can occur even in modern homes with double glazing - may need to check that there is adequate ventilation in the property.
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