Sat, 09 May 2026 08:03:25 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98360#Comment_98360 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98360#Comment_98360 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:06:43 +0000 jamesingram several people i know been struggling with it this winter. please let me know if i'm wrong anywhere.
lots of discussion here regarding it , but a list may be of help

Firstly I'd say the aim is to reduce the production of water vapour in the home , as this will condense on the cold spots around the building ; windows , north east facing walls , behind furniture against external walls

Key areas are the bathroom and kitchen.

Use lids when boiling/simmering water/food
Close doors when cooking/showering/bathing to keep the water vapour in the room
brush of as much water as possible down before toweling
Use a window squeegy to get excess water of shower wall/surround once finished( also help with limescale staining)
Use extractors fans whilst cooking/showering
or open a window in these rooms whilst doing the above ? not sure of this.
Wipe any condensation off windows etc each morning with a cloth and dry outside
Dont dry washing indoor unless you have to.
keep heating low as possible for comfort
close the toilet lid ?
Dont leave cup/glass standing water around
House plants do they have a positve/negative influence ?

Well there's a start , time for tea.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98361#Comment_98361 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98361#Comment_98361 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:14:19 +0000 SteamyTea I have had a re look at my weather data and the conditions when condensation can happen are very low, think it was less that 600 minutes for the year. This is obviously affected by internal RH levels, not having any data on that makes a risk assessment a bit tricky. Anyone got any idea how much higher they are than outside levels?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98363#Comment_98363 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98363#Comment_98363 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:43:49 +0000 nigel
On a more serious note production of moisture internally is unavoidable although you can try and minimise it.

Condensation occurs where humid air meets a cold surface and will occur depending on the RH of the air and the surface temperature. So to avoid it you need to either reduce the amount of humidity in the air or increase surface temperatures.

The former is best done by increasing ventilation - preferably with heat recovery.
The latter is achieved by improving insulation - preferably externally.

My recently refurbished house with plenty of drying plaster started off in October with an internal RH of 67% at a temp of 19C and we had plenty of condensation on single glazed sash windows. It is now down to 40% and condensation on single glazed windows starts to appear at -4c and was bad at -12c that we had recently but under normal weather conditions it is not an in issue. This is mainly down to the installation of a MVHR system which I run at a low level.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98369#Comment_98369 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98369#Comment_98369 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:37:52 +0000 jamesingram https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98370#Comment_98370 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98370#Comment_98370 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:39:22 +0000 SteamyTea No Gas cooking]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98371#Comment_98371 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98371#Comment_98371 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:43:33 +0000 jamesingram https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98374#Comment_98374 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98374#Comment_98374 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:51:22 +0000 SteamyTea Thermal blinds]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98380#Comment_98380 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98380#Comment_98380 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:12:53 +0000 Mike (Up North)
For the toilet seat thing is a must for hygiene – flush the loo and you can’t resist looking down the bowl YES - you are breathing atomised XXXX and it’ll settle on your tooth brush in about 2 mins.
If I had the opportunity to redesign bathrooms at home (despite having done this) I would separate the loo and bathing areas with a door that could be open or closed between them so they could operate separately or as one. I don’t know where the modern fashion for in one room originated from – any ideas. Apart from hygiene if you could do this it would prevent the inevitable condensation drips from the cold cistern. The built in flush units do help here and that’s something I did do.

I think volume is important as well, I have a much greater volume than before overhauling my house and I do get less condensation. We’re very good at not drying indoors or cooking with steaming open pans (probably bad at lots of other things) but because of increased volume from wide open spaces we don’t seem to get any condensation. Admittedly the moisture is still there but spread around more.

I’ve seen it here about offing the kettle before it reaches a full on boil. I’d think the 5-10 seconds of full pelt boil must contribute to moisture in the room as its over and above what’s needed for a hot drink – so hit the button and 95ish.

Cheers

Mike up North]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98383#Comment_98383 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98383#Comment_98383 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:51:13 +0000 DamonHD https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98385#Comment_98385 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98385#Comment_98385 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:27:02 +0000 BrianR
Looking to the future I wondered if there will be alternatives to the bath/shower. For example it is common to find families who never wash the hair of their children because they say it gets rid of natural oils in the hair. Not sure if there will ever be a futurist replacement for the shower that uses far less hot water - maybe NASA has a few tips.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98386#Comment_98386 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98386#Comment_98386 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:28:08 +0000 Gotanewlife
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cuisinart-CPK17U-Kettle-Brushed-Stainless/dp/B003UFQTYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294262858&sr=8-1-catcorr

Also I have been fighting this one myslef (see my recent post) and I was thinking that there might actually be a use for those nano particle paint/paint additives on interior wall prone to condensation. What do you think?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98405#Comment_98405 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98405#Comment_98405 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:47:03 +0000 Joiner

Mind you, it is on offer with a saving of 29p.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98406#Comment_98406 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98406#Comment_98406 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:51:44 +0000 SteamyTea ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98409#Comment_98409 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98409#Comment_98409 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:05:17 +0000 tony
MHRV will sort all problems

Built in wardrobes often get condensation in the back of them.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98410#Comment_98410 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98410#Comment_98410 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:22:00 +0000 jamesingram Most people do stuff , bit by bit , add insulation , upgrade windows , draughtproof etc. then find a increased condensation problem for thier efforts ( as in the peter clarks discussion )

How about those crystals that absorb moisture anyone tried them ?
looking for simple ways that dont cost or increase energy usage to much
Dehumidifiers , use energy and from what i 've heard are ineffective.

Probably really a case of minimising steam where possible and keeping on top of it by wiping up any moisture .
Perhaps opening a window just a little a night in the bedrooms to help reduce the over night build up.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98411#Comment_98411 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98411#Comment_98411 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:27:55 +0000 SteamyTea As RH is probably even in the room the condensation level is probably caused by the temperature gradient (hot air rises). So evening out the temperature may reduce the temperature gradient over the pain of glass and reduce the condensation. So fans that distribute the air may be a solution.

This has also got me thinking about condensation risk when adding internal insulation. Glass is not very good at insulating and could be considered to be equivalent to the external few millimetres of a solid wall. If the temperature and the RH were at the level where condensation is a risk, it would only affect those few millimetres (there would almost certainly be some capillary action making the moisture move inward a bit). But as the external wall is also the one that has the greatest temperature variance this moisture would would also be changed back to vapour fairly fast as the day warms up.
Wrong thread I know to discus this but thought I would just mention it as to reduce condensation don't do any physical work at all]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98429#Comment_98429 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98429#Comment_98429 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:35:37 +0000 evan
Most of the things listed are going to either be ineffective, impractical or unnecessarily annoying / uncomfortable to do.

I did make one change a few years ago which may have helped a little - a condensing tumble dryer instead of drying clothes on heaters. It doubles as a space heater for the room it's in too!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98430#Comment_98430 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98430#Comment_98430 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:42:43 +0000 jamesingram Tumble dryer, dehumidifiers all energy hungry solutions]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98439#Comment_98439 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98439#Comment_98439 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:17:34 +0000 Paul in Montreal Posted By: jamesingramkeep heating low as possible for comfort This will make things worse. To avoid condensation, one must ensure that all internal surface temperatures are above the dewpoint for the relative humidity in the house. So there really are only two variables to play with: the RH and the surface temperatures. Dehumidifiers work well in cases where it's difficult to play with the surface temperature variable. Cooking I don't think makes much difference as it's so intermittent. Intermittent heating is a problem I believe as it doesn't allow all surfaces to achieve a temperature above the dewpoint. In a well insulated house, there should be no reason why the temperature cannot be maintained such that all surfaces are above the dewpoint, though maybe for windows it's OK to allow some condensation so long as it can be collected. Walls should never be cold enough to be below the dewpoint.

Paul in Montreal.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98448#Comment_98448 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98448#Comment_98448 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:07:58 +0000 djh Posted By: jamesingramHouse plants do they have a positve/negative influence ?
Excellent list. Well done! I agree with Paul about the temperature.

Plants increase moisture in the atmosphere because they transpire it through their leaves (the water helps keep them stiff apart from other things, which is why they wilt when they don't have enough).

I recently read a paper that estimated in detail how much water is produced by all these sources, I'll see if I can dig out its details.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98460#Comment_98460 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98460#Comment_98460 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:58:48 +0000 barney
Regards

Barney]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98468#Comment_98468 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98468#Comment_98468 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:43:52 +0000 Gotanewlife https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98473#Comment_98473 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98473#Comment_98473 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:23:10 +0000 Joiner
(And ST's at last established a gender - ladies don't sweat, they just perspire. Men sweat!)]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98475#Comment_98475 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98475#Comment_98475 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:28:10 +0000 SteamyTea ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98483#Comment_98483 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98483#Comment_98483 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:23:54 +0000 fostertom https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98493#Comment_98493 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98493#Comment_98493 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:07:16 +0000 Viking House https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98494#Comment_98494 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98494#Comment_98494 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:13:55 +0000 SteamyTea https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98496#Comment_98496 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98496#Comment_98496 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:29:23 +0000 Viking House https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98502#Comment_98502 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98502#Comment_98502 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:12:27 +0000 Gotanewlife https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98503#Comment_98503 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6773&Focus=98503#Comment_98503 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:18:56 +0000 Gotanewlife