What is Condensation?

Most people have experienced condensation, whether it’s on a bathroom mirror after showering or waking up in the morning to streaming windows.

Condensation is the process by which substances change from a gas or vapour to a liquid, usually due to a drop in temperature. You’ll often notice condensation on windows, walls and ceilings inside your home, especially during the colder months.

Many of our everyday activities generate warm moisture that gathers in the air. Activities such as:

• Cooking – boiling water, frying and steaming release large amounts of water vapour.
• Showering or bathing – hot water turns to steam, increasing moisture in bathrooms.
• Drying clothes indoors – hanging wet clothes inside adds moisture to the air.
• Breathing – everyone exhales moisture while breathing.

When this warm, moist air hits cold surfaces, the process of condensation will convert it from a vapour to water droplets.

The biggest cause of condensation issues in homes is excess moisture paired with insufficient ventilation. Many people are striving to create an energy efficient, airtight home by adding high levels of insulation and double or triple glazed window are often installed. However, without sufficient ventilation, there is nowhere for moisture to escape.

A small amount of condensation can be normal in homes which have been built for a number of years, however, consistent moisture on interior surfaces is a clear sign that your home has a condensation issue.

There are a few things homeowners can do to reduce condensation:

• Avoid drying laundry indoors
• Open windows regularly
• Clear clutter to help air circulation
• Keep your home well ventilated

A BEAM Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) System is the ideal way to ensure your home stays well-ventilated and reduce moisture levels. A PIV is a small ventilation unit installed in a central part of the home, usually located in the loft-space above the hallway. The system provides a constant supply of fresh filtered air into the house, which forces moist stale air out through natural leakage points (typically under doors, letter boxes, windows, chimneys etc), helping reduce the condensation.

Is your home suffering from condensation? Get in touch with BEAM’s ventilation experts - they can advise and specify the best ventilation system for your home to reduce condensation.