Condensation on windows , wall going moudly

[Tally101]

Hi All

Walls at the side of the windows are starting to go mouldy, we get condensation on the windows , its a bedroom that we dont have the central heating on. Is this the cause
thanks

 

[ronniecabers]

Lack of heating won't be helping. Warm air holds more water vapour so it doesn't actually condensate. Purge ventilation ( opening a window ) will help with removing the water vapour, not ideal in winter but unfortunately essential.
Possibly changing habits too... If you sleep in this bedroom , have the door open slightly ( if possible) , certainly when not in use. You will be surprised how much water vapour is introduced into the air by just simply breathing lol. Other things that create water vapour , worth considering , cooking, showers/baths , non condensing driers, drying clothes on airers.

Ventilation and heat are the best cures for condensation

 

[Iamchamps]

A dehumidifier can help also I bought one for £50 probably find a good deal on Black Friday events.

 

[crank39]

2 people will produce a pint and a half of water in a bedroom overnight, more if theres heavy breathing going on, a wet pair of jeans will hold near on a pint of water yet people drape them over radiators its madness, like Ronnie says its also showering, cooking, not just steam because gas hobs produce wet heat too so use an extractor hood if you have one and vent it don't just recirculate, washer/driers also

 

[foxhole]

Ventilation is required, unlike a dehumidifier it’s free, heat increases moisture content without warming window surface so can make it worse.ventilation prevents spores settling which create the black mould.

 

[ronniecabers]

Not quite true foxhole, warm air holds moisture better, so heating a room will help BUT , as soon as the room cools down the condensation will be back , possibly worse, hence you need to purge ventilate to expel the moist air. Most experts recommend having some heat in an unused room to reduce the possibility of damp.

 

[crank39]

And remember the mould is a living thing and needs to be killed with bleach otherwise will grow back even if you have made changes to lifestyle

 

[foxhole]

Not quite true foxhole, warm air holds moisture better, so heating a room will help BUT , as soon as the room cools down the condensation will be back , possibly worse, hence you need to purge ventilate to expel the moist air. Most experts recommend having some heat in an unused room to reduce the possibility of damp.

Don’t agree warm air means more moisture does nothing to prevent condensation as cold walls and windows remain cold.

 

[ronniecabers]

That's why you need the purge ventilation too, the warm air takes the moisture out.

 

[crank39]

Warm air can hold more moisture, by heating your house and not opening any windows THEN showering without opening the bathroom window or not using an extractor fan, steam from cooking, drying clothes indoors, basically anything that turns water into steam the warm air will hold more of it, its a double edged sword in a way because you now have to open a window for some purge ventilation and let out all your warm air but with it goes the moisture laden air too, trick is not to produce moisture in the first place