Condensation in an old property

Simon · Post by **Simon** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:21 pm

Hello,
Some advice please:
My mother has moved into a grade 11 listed building with single glazing.

There is a lot of condensation on the windows, in fact it puddles on the sill & takes several wipes with a large cloth every day.

It is mainly on the northern side of the property & the rooms are the kitchen, bathroom & bedroom.

She is quite concerned that it is unhealthy to be living in such an enviroment & would like some help in resolving the problem.

Would a dehumidifier help?

Thanks, Simon.

Geewizz · Post by **Geewizz** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:29 pm

I live in a listed property too. I'm not allowed to change the original windows so they are left untouched and secondary glazing units have been installed behind them.
Perhaps you could look into that as a solution.

By the way, the humidity in the air is unaffected, it's just that because the glass in the windows aren't directly in contact with the cold outside air, the moisture in the internal air doesn't condense on the glass.

jozeffo · Post by **jozeffo** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:47 pm

I spent several months working on sash windows in grade II listed buildings last year. The tenants who had the greatest condensation problems tended to have a number of things in common.

Because of the cold, all the ventilation in the building was sealed up. Sellotape around the windows etc. Many were just painted shut.

North facing or north west facing exterior walls which never really warmed up.

Elderly tenants who didn't keep the heating on due to concerns over the bill. I thought the Govt had helped out here.

Radiators poorly poistioned i.e.not on the exterior walls.

Bathroom and kitchens were worst especially if they were used alot.

Adequete ventilation is essential. It can make you quite ill if you don't have it. Be unfriendly to the environment, open up the gaps and turn the heating on full. Get a really good 15 tog duvet for nights if the heating is off.

I hope this helps.

Welsh Decorator · Post by **Welsh Decorator** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:54 pm

Try getting a 'Dessicant Dehumidifier' I have a simmilar problem with condensation, unlike a compresor one, they work in far lower temps, with greater efficancy, unlike the compresor ones.

The I have will remove up to 8L in 24 hours, and to be honest, it has suprised me just how good it is, esp when compaired to compresor ones.