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March is here, the weather is still miserable but spring is very much on the horizon.

Over the winter months, with the heating turned up, energy bills rising and cold in the air, you may have felt less inclined to open windows and let fresh air circulate your home. You’re not alone.

It’s perhaps not surprising that, that over the winter, we tend to see an increase in the number of calls and emails concerning condensation. This usually starts in October when we can advise how to deal with the issue of condensation. However, now we’re in March, we have the repercussions of not dealing with this condensation earlier.

What is it?

Condensation refers to the drops of moisture which collect on cold surfaces. This occurs when the warm air in your home, collides with these cooler surfaces. Where this collects, this can then cause issues with rot or mould which presents potential health risks.

We’re all told we need to make our homes more thermally efficient by adding insulation and double glazing. What we’re not told is the impact this has with regards to condensation. Homes that are less thermally efficient allow air to flow in and out of the property with ease. Therefore the condensation can escape. With thermally efficient homes, this moisture in the air cannot escape, and therefore collects in the coldest parts of the room.

So what can you do about it?

• Poor ventilation is a key cause of condensation so it’s important to open windows where you can. It may also be of benefit and to add window vents to the top of frames which can really help. However, you do need to balance that against the loss of heat from your home.
• Bathroom and kitchen extractor fans will also reduce moisture, as will a dehumidifier, especially if you dry clothes indoors. Ideally your tumble dryer should have an external vent.
• In the winter months, it’s important to keep your home sufficiently heated. Changes in temperature can worsen condensation issues.
• Consistent insulation, such as that provided by cavity wall and loft insulation, or having specialist materials fitted outside your house (cladding), can help, too.
• Single glazing will mean your home will be colder inside, which doesn’t help issues with condensation. It may be time to consider double glazing instead.

Prevention is better than cure

Preventing condensation is preferable to trying to cure it. One of the best ways of doing this is with replacement windows.

The average UK home loses 25%-30% of its heat through its windows, so installing energy-efficient windows really helps bring your energy bills down, while also making your home a more comfortable place to live in.

Give the idea some serious thought, especially if the issue is with condensation between the two panes of glass on double-glazed windows.

At R&M Windows, we have a wide variety of replacement windows to suit all styles of property, and with double and triple-glazing options. Get in touch today for an initial, hassle-free and no-obligation consultation.