Humidity in new builds...

redefinr

Hello everyone,
Couple of months ago I managed to buy my first property and during the cold winter (particularly during snow) I had some heavy condensation on my windows...
I'm in a one bedroom flat in a new building (probably 10 years old?) and I keep the indoor temperature between 18/20C and open up windows regularly to change air.
I decided to ring the building constructor (Hyde) but it start feeling like this could take forever to even understand what's the problem...initially a friend of mine suggested that windows may need replacement but Hyde seems to think there is nothing wrong with the windows and they suggested to get a dehumidifier. Form various reasons (carbon footprint, space, consumption) I'd avoid getting a dehumidifier unless it's really needed.
This problem occurred probably for only 2-3 weeks during the winter - right now it's totally fine! 
My concern is due to the mould already peaking in the corner - nothing too extreme right now but I noticed it prior to purchase the property so I knew there was something.
Does anyone have experience with those new flats with double glazed aluminium windows and condensation?
I would love to hear some suggestions...

daveyjp

It is a downsdie of smaller well insulated properties, especially in winter.  Great for keeping  heat in, not so good for letting moisture out fro  shiwers, cooking etc and it condenses.

Ventilate as much as possible.  Any mould can be wiped over with mould and mildew remover.

Doozergirl

Trickle vents open? 

All of the extractors working well and being used?   Got a tumble dryer?  Is that working correctly?  

Jeepers_Creepers

In which rooms is this occurring, redifinr?

If a bedroom, then crack open the window overnight.

I doubt there is anything actually 'wrong' here - there isn't a faulty product or installation present. Condensation is just something that will happen under certain circumstances. These are things like excessive moisture being created - washing, showering, cooking, airing washed clothes etc. - and now allowing the moisture to be ventilated away.

Also caused by large swings in temp - say between warm evenings and cold overnights. The warmer the room air is kept, the more moisture it can hold. Once the temp plummets when the CH is turned off, this moisture can no longer be held in the air so will condense out, starting with the coolest surfaces it can find. Solution? Open the windows and let the moist air out.

Every morning, wipe away any cond with a cloth or kitchen paper and open the windows to allow the room to 'air'. In half an hour it'll be bone dry. Wipe away any forming mould, and spray with mould killer/buster.

You shouldn't have problems - it's all perfectly controllable with a few minute's work. And it'll only return when it's very cold.

ComicGeek

Looks like the windows may not have a thermal break, which means that the inside of the window frame can get really cold and condensation forms. Fairly typical for older metal window frames. It also affects the internal surface temperature of the glass close to the frame, which is what the 2nd picture seems to show with condensation just in these areas.

If it's only for a few weeks a year then it sounds manageable and can be wiped down each morning when it happens. 

redefinr

Yes it happened literally the week it snowed pretty much. right now is totally fine..
I do open the windows often and my dryer is only 2 months old so I don't think it has anything to do with my belongings/habits.
I was a bit concerned but if you guys saying it's normal I guess I will get used to it and follow up with manual cleaning when it happen..
In the other hand, I have to say yeah the windows keeps the heating really well, no complaining at all about it!

Jeepers_Creepers

redefinr said:

Yes it happened literally the week it snowed pretty much. right now is totally fine..
I do open the windows often and my dryer is only 2 months old so I don't think it has anything to do with my belongings/habits.
I was a bit concerned but if you guys saying it's normal I guess I will get used to it and follow up with manual cleaning when it happen..
In the other hand, I have to say yeah the windows keeps the heating really well, no complaining at all about it!

Your drier obviously vents outside?!

And this condensation appears overnight? If you can, have the windows in question cracked open on 'vent' setting overnight.

Failing that, just wipe it all up first thing, and ventilate the rooms.

twopenny

Same thing happens with my north facing bedroom. It did with both old wooden windows and my upvc double glazed.

It's the moisture in the room condensing on freezing cold glass and it's usually kept cold by blinds or curtains.

I've tried all sorts but short of opening a window it's going to happen.

Trickle vents open as Doozergirl said can help or if you have small top windows they should be able to be open in the smallest way and secured with just enough for some balance.

Me when it's that cold though I'll put up with the condensation. You can get anti mould spray to use for wiping the surfaces with a cloth. Cheapie shops sell it too.