Waking up to find condensation in your conservatory can be worrying. With temperatures dropping as we prepare for another cold winter, many homeowners long for that once sunny space. Maintaining a conservatory free of condensation is possible, but unless you wipe your conservatory windows dry, clearing condensation is only possible by ventilating the space with open windows and doors. There are also some helpful tools, like window vacuums and dehumidifiers, which help remove moisture from the space. This may not be a long term solution, though, as it can result in increased energy bills. That’s why the team at SRJ Sunrooms have compiled a few helpful tips to help you prevent condensation in your conservatory.
Modern conservatories are built to remain water tight, so that your home in Central Scotland can remain warm, comfortable and protected against varying weather conditions for decades to come. With this being a priority for home renovations and the overall construction of properties, this can mean that your conservatory might not be well ventilated. As the temperature decreases outside, warm water vapour within your conservatory’s atmosphere can build up and condense into water as it transfers on a surface. We do not recommend leaving condensation untouched, as it can lead to issues such as mould.
So, what causes water vapour? You’d be surprised how many day-to-day activities produce water vapour, with breathing alone being the biggest contributor. Activities such as cooking, cleaning, drying clothes and even your indoor plants saturate the air, and once it touches an excellent surface, typically windows, it transfers to moisture.
Appliances like tumble dryers, cooking hobs and ovens increase condensation in your home. Being mindful of these appliances and ensuring proper ventilation can help prevent condensation. Items like cooker hoods can draw in any steam given off while cooking, and opening windows and doors will also help ventilate the space. In addition, keeping your home warm and comfortable can help avoid condensation.
Ventilating your home is vital to ensuring condensation doesn’t build up in your conservatory.
You may be asking why I would heat my home and open the windows. It may seem counterproductive, but the end result is a condensation free conservatory and home. Opening windows even just a few hours a day can allow air to move throughout your conservatory and home freely. Opening your conservatory door to the rest of your property will also aid ventilation and reduce the risk of condensation build up.
Drying clothes inside your home leads to high levels of moisture in the air, which results in condensation. If you can, avoid drying clothes within your conservatory. If this can’t be avoided, ensure that the space is kept ventilated and use appliances such as a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.
Decorating your conservatory with plants helps bring the outdoors in. However, certain indoor plants can increase condensation within your conservatory. That’s why we would advise opting for plants that reduce moisture.
During the day, be sure to draw back curtains and open blinds, as keeping your windows covered will trap moisture against the glass. This allows air to flow within your conservatory and reduces condensation forming and remaining.
Is your conservatory outdated? Perhaps it’s time to upgrade it with new double-glazed windows and roofing system. Rebuilding the entire structure isn’t always necessary, so upgrading your conservatory windows and roof is a cost effective solution to regaining a comfortable living space that is free of condensation. Advancements in double glazing technology ensure that heat is trapped within your home, reducing the risk of glazing being cold.
You can make a big difference to your extended space by upgrading your double glazed windows and doors.
In addition to upgrading your double glazing, trickle vents are an effective solution to ensure that your home is well ventilated. There are many design options so that you don’t have to sacrifice style. Yet, these vent slots at the top of your windows are important and extremely effective at allowing for airflow through your property.
Upgrading your glazing might not be possible, but there are some great solutions that will help but not eliminate condensation. Condensation catchers effectively absorb moisture and help create a comfortable indoor climate. What makes them a popular choice is that they are hassle-free and can be left for up to four weeks before they require emptying or replacing.
Another effective solution is water vacuums. Their squeegee like designs allow you to absorb moisture from smooth surfaces such as windows, mirrors, and tiles, meaning you can easily and effectively remove condensation from your conservatory windows and doors. It is worth noting that these tools are an excellent aid but they will not eliminate the cause if the above steps are not taken.
During colder periods, it’s important that you keep your conservatory warm. We advise keeping your conservatory heated at 18 degrees and above, as this will help warm surfaces and keep moisture-laden air from condensing.
At SRJ Sunrooms, we are committed to helping our customers. Whether you are in need of advice on condensation or another topic, you can get in touch with us at 01383 851 951 or through our online messaging form.
If you would like a quote to enhance your conservatory with new double glazing, then use our online tool to start the quoting process. Would you like to see our product range in person? Then visit our showroom! Our excellent product range, paired with our helpful and knowledgeable team, can help make the home improvement process simple.