What causes condensation on windows?

anymeans

I have the same problem pretty much. Really old house, although double glazed in the front of the house the back is ancient rotting wood with single paneled glass windows. I complained to my EA about a) the house being freezing with ALL radiators on full and 2 convector heaters running and b) the sheer ammount of damp in the house and mould growth. Got the air out spin yadayada, really obnoxious letter with quotes like "breathing causes condensation," alright I'll stop then? We air out daily, well until the weather got so cold but even before it was futile, it's our fault apparently, laughable, the one outside wall (end of terrace) is like ice to touch, moving when tenancy is up that's all I can do.

Meadows

Accountant_Kerry wrote: »

the freeholders put cavity wall insulation into my flat, it made the condensation worse, but the flat warmer. i have tenants in there now complaining of condensation, i have provided a dehumidifier and put an extractor fan in the bathroom, i felt that was all i could pretty much do as a landlord. and my flat was double glazed but north facing i don't think that helps at all.

Since having my walls cavity insulated last year we are now seeing a lot more condensation so not too impressed. I guess we have to weigh up warmth and energy savings with condensation problems which you have to keep on top off to avoid mould growing around the windows.

GDB2222

golfchick wrote: »

I will try and leave the door and window a crack open tonight and if not will have to find a cheapish to run dehumidifier soon or look at doing something to provide ventilation in the room!

I would just get a dehumidifier. Whatever electricity you spend on running it you will get back in heat, so I wouldn't get obsessive about running costs. It's pobably cheaper energy-wise than leaving the window open, although you may like the fresh air.

Wings

GDB2222 wrote: »

I would just get a dehumidifier. Whatever electricity you spend on running it you will get back in heat, so I wouldn't get obsessive about running costs. It's pobably cheaper energy-wise than leaving the window open, although you may like the fresh air.

Construction of any property plays a significant part with condensation, a single brick construction, poor mix render, plaster, lack of ventilation etc. etc.

One such property I rent out, is a 1920’s detached cottage with full central heating, tenanted by a single female. Her lifestyle shower, cooking, heating on, no open windows and off to work does not help. But a survey by several builders and damp control companies, suggest that the only answer is to remover all the plaster, and re-plastering using a lime based plaster, this allowing the property to breath.

As for using a dehumidifier, I was advised that one should only use one for about 2 hours per day, since any longer you start to draw moisture from outside the property.

Condensation is something we mainly have created through modern living, central heating, double glazing, insulation etc. etc, so it is about finding a right balance between heating and ventilation.

golfchick

well i left both bedroom windows ajar last night just a smidge and the door to bedroom only ajar and hey presto no condensation this morning. The sound of footsteps etc walking past did not go down well though, so tonight I've been told to test just leaving the bedroom door open!

Wings

golfchick wrote: »

well i left both bedroom windows ajar last night just a smidge and the door to bedroom only ajar and hey presto no condensation this morning. The sound of footsteps etc walking past did not go down well though, so tonight I've been told to test just leaving the bedroom door open!

Same here with my bedroom windows LOL, but it was a bit milder last night, sleep tight/

Geenie

Wings wrote: »

Same here with my bedroom windows LOL, but it was a bit milder last night, sleep tight/

I live in an Edwardian house, single glazed in most rooms, though some secondary glazing in others. We still get condensation on these, as I assume the secondary is badly fixed. Had ice inside the windows over the weekend! :eek:

The walls use to be very damp apparently as not cavity, but were lined inside with insulating board I believe many years ago, so not too bad now.

What made a terrific difference and is even better then the plastic and glass secondary glazing is clingfilm!

I say cling film, but it is not the kitchen stuff but what OH bought from the local family run DIY store a few years back as a kit. You put tape around the window, attach the film and then use a hair dryer to make it go completely air tight and smooth. Where we have used it on windows we have no condensation, drafts and the increased warmth in the room is noticeable. I thought it was a joke at first but it really works and is cheap.

Obviously no good for windows that need to be opened.

GDB2222

golfchick wrote: »

well i left both bedroom windows ajar last night just a smidge and the door to bedroom only ajar and hey presto no condensation this morning. The sound of footsteps etc walking past did not go down well though, so tonight I've been told to test just leaving the bedroom door open!

Well done for experimenting. There are so many people who come on here and complain aboiut condensation, yet they refuse to try out this simple test.

kymie

I cant leave my windows open as I have two under fives, and the risk just isnt worth it. But the condensation in the house is unbearable My dryer is vented outside so no washing being dried indoors either. I try and keep on top of it but the edges are getting moldy, and the biggest bedroom (which is 16ft and houses three of my girls) the wall is getting damp too. People on here are suggesting dehumidifiers, but there are different types. Does anyone have a particular type or make they recommend?

GDB2222

kymie wrote: »

I cant leave my windows open as I have two under fives, and the risk just isnt worth it. But the condensation in the house is unbearable My dryer is vented outside so no washing being dried indoors either. I try and keep on top of it but the edges are getting moldy, and the biggest bedroom (which is 16ft and houses three of my girls) the wall is getting damp too. People on here are suggesting dehumidifiers, but there are different types. Does anyone have a particular type or make they recommend?

I think they all do much the same. Things to watch for are how noisy they are and the size of the bucket that collects the water.

If you do want to open the windows - for example in the summer - you can get special childproof catches that limit how far the windows will open. For example:

http://www.handlestore.com/restrictors.php?cr!!!!!GrestWin01

http://www.discountlocks.co.uk/Yale-P117-Child-Safety-Window-Lock-Window-Safety-p/yale%20p117.htm