Condensation in conservatories is a common problem that many homeowners face. As these predominantly glass spaces are air and water tight, they create the perfect environment for condensation to thrive. You don’t have to settle for a condensation covered conservatory, though, there are simple steps you can take to eliminate this problem.
At SRJ Sunrooms, we have been expanding homes across Scotland for over 30 years. We offer a wide range of conservatory designs, and our high quality profiles deliver outstanding long term performance. However, we are often faced with queries on how to eliminate condensation in conservatories.
Our expert team have created this how to guide so that you can prevent this moisture build-up. Read on to learn how!
If you have ever looked at your windows and seen a build up of water droplets on the glass, that is condensation. Caused by water vapour in the air, condensation occurs in high humidity spaces. When the humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface – a conservatory’s glazing, for example – condensation can start to build up. When warm air touches a cold surface, it changes into water vapour and creates the visible droplets associated with condensation.
As conservatories have a structure that is mostly glass, visible condensation buildup can easily become a problem. Contemporary double glazing is designed to retain a space’s natural heat, and this can cause condensation to build more rapidly than it would in older, less thermally efficient conservatories.
If your conservatory has a condensation problem, don’t worry! The SRJ Sunrooms experts are here to share their best elimination and prevention techniques.
The amount of condensation in your conservatory space can be impacted by several factors:
If you are using your conservatory space as a laundry room or space to dry clothes, you can expect a higher humidity and an increased risk of condensation. By simply hanging your wet washing up to dry in your conservatory, you can generate up to 5 litres of moisture. In comparison, if your conservatory is rarely used and is more of a storage area, you may notice hardly any condensation build up at all.
We contribute to the moisture in the air simply by going about our daily activities. If your conservatory is used as an additional living room, an average family of 4 can produce up to 3.5 litres of moisture when relaxing in this space for 4 hours a day. Older conservatories with poor insulation and ineffective ventilation can suffer more severely with condensation build up.
If you have discovered condensation in your conservatory, there are several steps you can take to remove condensation from your glass space:
Stop using the space to dry clothes
Whenever you use your conservatory as a laundry room, you are increasing the moisture in the air and contributing to the condensation problem.
Improve ventilation by using trickle vents & opening windows
Trickle vents can be added to windows, allowing improved airflow without the need to open the windows fully. When air is able to circulate more freely, moisture will not build up so easily.
Close the doors of other rooms
If your conservatory is attached to your kitchen, water vapour in the air from hot taps and cooking can seep into your glazed space. To prevent humid air from passing into your conservatory, keep adjoining doors shut as often as possible.
Use an extractor fan or dehumidifier
If your conservatory is very humid, using an extractor fan or dehumidifier will help to draw moisture from the air and away from your glazing. Alternatively, you can ventilate your space for free by opening your conservatory windows and doors for a few minutes every day.
Use electric or wall mounted radiators
We know that keeping costs down is essential, but an effective way to prevent condensation in your conservatory is by keeping the space warm. The optimum temperature for keeping conservatory condensation and humidity throughout your home at bay is 18°. With the thermal retention that our systems offer, even a few hours of heating a day will keep your conservatory comfortable and condensation free.
Wipe down the frames
Once condensation has set in, it can drip down your conservatory windows and cause moisture to pool on the cills below. It is important that you wipe condensation away regularly, this will help to prevent mould from developing.
Choose the right foliage
House plants can add a touch of nature to conservatory spaces, but the wrong greenery can be problematic. Too many houseplants can add moisture to the air, but the right leafy species can, in fact, stop condensation in its tracks. Consider adding Orchids, Peace Lilies, Spider Plants or other moisture-absorbing plants to your conservatory.
Here at SRJ Sunrooms, we install high quality conservatories across Scotland. Our thermally efficient builds maintain a pleasant temperature throughout the year and are built to stand the test of time. Contact our team to discuss your project today by filling out our online contact form or calling us at 01383 341117.