Many occupants report problems with mould and condensation in their quarter to the Babcock Technical Service Centre. In most cases the mould and condensation is caused by the occupants’ lifestyle. Cooking, washing and drying clothes indoors produce water vapour which can only be seen when tiny drops of water (or condensation) appear on colder surfaces such as walls, windows and ceilings.
Mould spores are, like water, invisible to the naked eye but are always present in the atmosphere; both inside and outside the house. They can only be seen once they land on a surface on which they can exist and multiply. To exist and thrive mould needs four things:
- Moisture – Through water vapour produced by the actions of the residents and the temperature of the property.
- Food – From the surface it lands on i.e. wallpaper or emulsion paint.
- A suitable temperature – Incorrect heating/ventilation by the occupant.
- Oxygen
The presence of moisture is the main factor of mould growth.
Usually the first indication of a problem is water vapour condensing on windows and other cold surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The second indication is mould patches growing on surfaces. To rectify these problems, the occupant must take certain steps to eliminate the causes of condensation.
Four steps to reducing condensation
1. Produce less Moisture
- When cooking either cover pans or use an extractor fan if you have DO NOT dry clothes on radiators, whenever possible dry them outdoors. Indoors use a drying room or clothes horse.
- Vent tumble-driers to the outside NEVER into your quarter.
2. Wipe Away Excess Moisture
- Wipe away any condensation that has collected on the windows and window sills every morning. Just opening the window is not enough to remove excess moisture naturally.
3. Ventilate to Remove Moisture
- Once the condensation has been wiped away all windows should be opened wide. After approximately 10 minutes the windows should be closed completely.
- Windows left on tilt during the winter month hinder the process of removing moisture from the air.
- While using the bathroom windows and doors should be closed. After finishing in the bathroom, condensation and any excess water should be wiped away and the window should be opened wide for approximately 10 minutes. Extractor fans should be checked and cleaned regularly. The same applies to the kitchen.
- A small gap has to be left between furniture and walls; this will allow the air to circulate freely around the room.
4. Heat Your Home a Little More
- Set your heating to a low background temperature during the day and night including the bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms. Radiators should normally be set between 2 and 3 to provide the optimum room temperature.
If you have any questions regarding the above information please contact the Babcock Technical Service Centre on 0800 888 4242 (German Freephone Number) or 800940008 Free from Italian mobile Or +44 1454 806957 from UK mobile.