Damp and mould are something that blights a lot of properties in the UK – as well as being unpleasant to have in the home, it is also something that can be a health issue and if you have a mould or damp issue in your property, it is something that you need to deal with as soon as possible.
There are lots of reasons why damp and mould can develop; in a property, and one of the places that you might find it coming from is the window. Windows that are on the older side and have been damaged over time should be replaced by a professional like this double glazing Cardiff based company choicetradeframes.co.uk/upvc-windows-doors/Cardiff – here are some of the ways that new double glazing can help you with this…
Keeps the Home Better Insulated – Double glazed windows help to keep your home well insulated, and this means that it is not so easy for damp to get in from the outside.
Creates a Moisture Barrier – Because there are two glass panes, this means that there is a barrier to stop air that is warm and damp from inside coming into contact with cool air and building up condensation.
A More Even Temperature – The two panes also mean that the temperature of the windows is kept more even between the outer glass and the inner glass, lessening the formation of condensation.
Of course, windows alone are not the whole picture and when dealing with damp and mould there can be a range of causes, as well as ways to prevent it from happening. Here are some of the other things that you can do to reduce damp and mould problems…
Ventilate, especially in wetter areas – In bathrooms and kitchens in particular it is good to ensure that there is suitable ventilation to let the moisture out, as this is one of the main causes of mould.
Look out for Leaks – Leaks in the home can also lead to mould and damp which can cause a lot of damage, so if you suspect a leak and have noticed signs of one, make sure that you get it checked and repaired as soon as possible.
Don’t Dry Washing Indoors if Possible – Hanging washing over doors and on radiators is often a cause of damp – however if you have no room to do this, get a dehumidifier to help dry the washing and the room out.
Everyday habits that keep mould at bay
Good windows work best alongside sensible habits inside the home. Mould needs moisture, so it thrives when a house becomes damp and humid, and winter condensation is one of the main triggers. Hot baths and showers, cooking and drying washing indoors all add moisture to the air, which is why window frames, bathrooms and other damp corners are where mould usually appears first.
Air movement makes a real difference. Furniture pushed right up against a wall stops air circulating behind it and creates ideal conditions for mould, especially near windows, doors or a bathroom. Leaving a gap helps. Some households also run air conditioning in the colder months to keep air moving around the rooms and lower the risk.
If mould has already taken hold, deal with it properly so it does not return. Ordinary household cleaners are not usually effective, so use products made specifically for removing mould.
Tackling condensation alongside better glazing
Before replacing windows, work out where the moisture is coming from. Leaks, rising damp or a damaged roof are exterior problems that need repairing, sometimes with a damp proof course injected into the wall. Condensation is different: it comes from everyday living, such as showers, baths, cooking, washing machines, dryers and poor ventilation. Four people in a three bedroom home can produce around 112 pints of moisture a week just by breathing, cooking and boiling the kettle.
If droplets form on the inside of your windows, wipe them away with a squeegee and soft cloth, and do the same on tiles and mirrors. A dehumidifier helps, as do lids on pans, extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, closed doors while showering or cooking, and opening windows regularly while keeping the home evenly heated.
Insulation matters as much as ventilation, so check your loft and walls are up to standard. Double glazed units with high energy ratings stay much warmer than single glazing, which cuts the heat loss that lets condensation form.