Any tips to stop condensation on windows?

freakyogre

I have a few questions on this, hope someone can help.

I keep getting bad condensation on one window in my lounge, there are 2 windows right next to each other, but the other one doesn't seem to be affected. I can reduce it a lot by remembering to shower with the door closed, but there still seems to be some on it.

The windows are fitted with trickle vents, but I don't know if one side isn't working? Probably a silly question, but how should they look when they're correct? I haven't really looked at them since I moved in, but remember there being sort of a 'switch' on them.

I also don't have any windows in my bathroom, only an extractor fan which switches off with the light. Would it help it I left the light and fan on after i've had a shower? If so, for how long? I tend to switch the light off without thinking when i'm done in there.

Also! I have to dry washing inside as I live in a flat, I try and open the windows when I am drying things, but it's getting harder as it gets colder. How long realistically should I have to leave my windows open on a daily basis to get some air around the place? They've been open all day today, but it's starting to get chilly!

I have got much better at putting the extractor on the cooker when i'm cooking, but it's a bit harder when i'm using my steamer for example as I can't really put it on the hob! (it's electric)

I've been made to think about this more today after looking under my desk for some reason and noticing it has mould on the underside =/ I'm hoping it will wipe off, but a bit worried it will just come back again.

dampdaveski

Hi Fender, everyone,
condensation is a major part of my business
I've answered this quesiotion on this forum a few times
Salt / Washing up liquid / Aunty Gerties socks etc
Salt is hygroscopic i.e. it has the ability to absorb moiture from the air, washing up liquid / shaving foam all they are doing is creating a 'slippery' surface to resist the condensation forming on the glass - None are treating the cause of the condensation
Dehumidifiers
These do work, however they do indeed cost 2-3 pence an hour to run some are a bit more some a bit less, they have to run pretty much all the time, are noisy etc and again they are reacting to a symptom of the condensation problem AFTER it has occurred
Extractor Fans
Helps to have these (obviously) however if you don't use them they are only a piece of plastic sat in the wall
Trickle Vents
These can help but controlling a condensation problem is all about getting the right amount of air changes inside your house / flat, think about how much air is in each room and then think how much air can pass through a trickle vent!
What Do I recommend
Check out the nuaire drimaster, envirovent loft unit, lofty condensation control units (PIV - positive input ventilation )
http://nuaire.co.uk/Product/Residential_Products
www.envirovent.com
Can't find the lofty manufacturers website, but a typical supplier is http://www.breathingspace.co.uk/more_info.php?department=8&product=176
Expelair also have one of these units but envirovent make it for them!

I regularly use www.condensationproducts.co.uk and yes I have mentioned them before on here and yes I've told them and had a bit of discount for doing so, but i regularly get good service, prices etc so what the hey!

Check these peoples websites out there is a raft of information out there and it saves me typing it
I fit these units on a daily basis at the mo and have never taken one out
hope this helps
DD
Update - just realised this post is from 2007 wish i'd saved my fingers- hey ho!

Carrie_See

Hi Fender. I dealt with this problem a couple of years ago... the sad thing is this is a constant problem, which does not go away...but there are some things you can do to ameliorate window condensation. Thirst, you should ventilate the designated room both in the morning and before going to sleep and wipe of, if possible, the condense. It does not matter where the window is located, be it in the bedroom or in the living, bathroom, etc. Secondly, you should buy a dehumidifier. Accordingly to the interior, you can go for a small one, or an industrial one.

TEDDYRUKSPIN

Carrie_See wrote: »

Hi Fender. I dealt with this problem a couple of years ago... the sad thing is this is a constant problem, which does not go away...but there are some things you can do to ameliorate window condensation. Thirst, you should ventilate the designated room both in the morning and before going to sleep and wipe of, if possible, the condense. It does not matter where the window is located, be it in the bedroom or in the living, bathroom, etc. Secondly, you should buy a dehumidifier. Accordingly to the interior, you can go for a small one, or an industrial one.

With all the answers, this is the most sensible. Getting double or triple glazing does not stop condensation.

If you seriously want to stop it, you should open the windows (if safe) to reduce condensation. The main problem is that the outside temperature to room temperature is different. Hence, condensation.

Trickle vents are useless. Nothing works, except opening the window.

Stan_Bell

It is now the time of year when condensation shows its ugly head.We insulate our properties to save heat and fuel but the you must remember.'IF YOU INSULATE YOU MUST VENTILATE' There are many ventilation solutions available for domestic properties.Check out the Johnson and Starley web you may find your answer there

gmgmgm

Stan_Bell wrote: »

It is now the time of year when condensation shows its ugly head.We insulate our properties to save heat and fuel but the you must remember.'IF YOU INSULATE YOU MUST VENTILATE' There are many ventilation solutions available for domestic properties.Check out the Johnson and Starley web you may find your answer there

It's a shame when a company purporting to be reliable and existing since 1922 resorts to spamming forums like these. All posts by this "Stan Bell" so far are spam posts for the company Johnson and Starley.:spam:

dampdaveski

gmgmgm wrote: »

It's a shame when a company purporting to be reliable and existing since 1922 resorts to spamming forums like these. All posts by this "Stan Bell" so far are spam posts for the company Johnson and Starley.:spam:

oh dear oh dear, I recommend 2 or 3 suppliers all the time on this site, the main difference here is that 2 of the suppliers I regularly recommend despise each other with a passion the other is a supplier / user of both and additional suppliers products. All have similar products, some are better than others etc etc. Stan I hope you're not the johnson & starley business development or marketing manager, because if you are I'd suggest learning how to flip burgers and work towards your first star!:D

clairibel

The rooms i get it in are always ventilated for long periods and we have a dehumidifier ebac one which we have on economy setting all day, so it switches itself on and off according to need, but still get condensation and damp on the walls.

I dry washing using a dryer and minimal drying on radiators...whereas as my sister always has washing on the radiators and never has condensation, so surely the window quality must have some effect???

[Deleted User]

My parents lived in a house that always had condensation problems - right from when they bought it new (this is going back 30 years or more). They tried everything to keep the condensation off the windows and mould off the walls but never with much success. Then around 10 years ago they purchased a dehumidifier and never had a problem again. The house even seemed warmer! They've come down in price since then so well worth the money.

Icey77

I have a 1980's built flat so drying clothes outside is not an option and I don't own a tumble dryer. The windows are wood "double glazing" in that there is two panes of glass with an air picket between them - they don't strike me as double glazing in the modern UPVC manner.

My windows are suffering from condensation and I have been wiping them down each morning - some morning are better than others, I guess the overnight temperaturn/weather plays a part in that?

I realise that drying cothes inside, cooking and breathing contribute to the problem but they are not issues I can fix really.

I keep the bedroom window open a crack (about 1cm) all the time - it has an airing catch (?). Is there anything else I can do to alleviate the problem? Replacing the windows with new ones is not an option.

Thanks