Reducing the risk of damp during the winter
By Wirral Waterproofing
With the winter weather now well and truly set in, problems relating to damp and condensation are likely to be on the rise. The colder weather, combined with greater reliance on central heating and tumble drying, leads to an increase in condensation. In addition, more frequent bouts of rain, hail, and sleet can cause penetrating damp and rising damp to worsen.
So, what can you do to reduce the risk of damp throughout the winter period? As experienced damp specialists, the team at Wirral Waterproofing has put together the following hints and tips:
Ventilation
During a sunny winter day, when the weather is not too cold, keep your windows open for a while during the day. Not only does it freshen up your property, it allows moisture in the air to escape, instead of settling on your walls and furnishings. If it’s too chilly for that, make sure any ventilation vents are uncovered and make use of an extractor fan to do the same job.
Control Your Kitchen
Kitchens produce a lot of steam at the best of times, but it’s more apparent in winter if you can’t have the doors or windows open. A simple solution is to cook using lidded saucepans, to reduce the amount of steam that escapes. Similarly, if you’re boiling a kettle, only use as much water as you need. These tips not only limit the amount of condensation in your kitchen, they are also more energy efficient.
Dry Your Clothes Outside
Even in cold weather, wet clothes will dry perfectly well outside – provided it isn’t raining, of course. Using your radiator or a tumble dryer will only create more moisture in the air, resulting in more condensation.
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a great investment for any property that suffers from condensation. They draw moisture out of the air and into a tank that is easily emptied once full. You’ll be surprised just how much water is collected from the air in this manner.
Wipe Down Your Windows
It’s not uncommon to wake up to condensation on your windows in the morning during colder weather. To prevent mould from growing in the corners and gaps, be sure to wipe over them with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.
Your Local Black Mould Treatment Specialists
If, in spite of taking these precautions, your property is still suffering from damp conditions, contact Wirral Waterproofing to perform a damp inspection. You can call us on 0800 334 5534 to arrange a consultation with one of our damp proofing experts.
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