Condensation in New Apartment

andylloyd

I've just started renting a first floor apartment that was only completed about 7 months ago. The first problem I found was that the rooms seem to lose heat quickly. I can have the electric heaters on for hours, particularly in the bedroom at night then as soon as I turn it down or off, it gets cold within minutes. There don't appear to be any draughts. I think it's just pure cold air from the windows. I know we've had a cold few nights but I'd hoped a double glazed newly built room would keep the heat a bit better.

My main problem is condensation. I set a couple of my heaters to come on between 6 and 8 and leave for work at 7.30am. By the time I get home from work, there are puddles on some of the windowsills, especially the two biggest windows facing west. I've also noticed mould forming on the walls around the window frames at the bottom. The seal around the window still looks clean and new and I can't see any problems.

I keep opening trickle vents before leaving for work then shutting them when I get in. It is too cold to leave them open all the time.

Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions as I'm sure this is a common problem.

tigeress289

Sorry, but it is a common story as builders seem to be cutting corners everywhere. The main problem is good ventilation and air circulation. Without knowing the build spec, I am afraid it is upto you to find a way of making the best of what you have. Check for draughts and cover your your windows to stop heat getting out whilst you are in. Try to leave the vents open when out as this will help with the condensation. To make things worse ,we are going through a cold spell, and I will worry about my gas bill later. You are not alone.

PD1

As tigeress has said, ventilation and air circulation are key to keeping condensation at bay. Then there's what creates the condensation, such as showers, baths, cooking, washing up, clothes drying etc etc. Other factors can then increase the problem.

Double glazing is a major issue and can make matters worse, and I don't have a lot of faith in trickle ventilation. As you leave the vents open all day when you go out, i think there might be insufficient airflow to ensure that the warm damp air (you create) escapes - try opening all available vents fully. Also open windows slightly when there's something about that causes damp air - even just boiling a kettle.

I know all this doesn't exactly fit in with keeping a place warm, but unfortunately you can't entirely have both. As a compromise, I would cook in the kitchen with the window slightly open but eat in another (sealed and warm) room thats away from the kitchen moisture. Apply the same principle to all forms of moisture production such as showers/baths/clothes washing - i.e, keep window open in the room with the source of the moisture and retreat to a warm room during/after the task is completed - and keep the room with the damp source as draughty as possible!

If nothing improves after trying the above, then I believe a solution is the installation of a decent sized 6" x 9" airbricks (vents), placed in a couple of locations on exterior walls, in order to create a permanant airflow.

muh3

Before you go to work open all internal doors and then all windows to exchange all the air for about 5 minutes. Do the same after you came home and before you go to bed.
It is importent that you open all windows fully so the damp air can be exchanged quickly and fully.

You need to have a word with your landlord If this doesn't help against the damp.