Condensation – the blame game
12 Sep 2009 condensation
When carrying out a condensation survey at a tenanted property I am generally asked to determine whose fault it is. Is it a problem caused by the tenants or is it somehow inherent to the property? Tenants and owners usually have opposing opinions. Condensation occurs when ventilation does not meet moisture production and on this basis the tenants can easily be blamed. But it is less straight-forward than this as the building structure has to be taken into account. So how do tenants contribute or even cause a condensation problem? In fact it’s not really that difficult: drying clothes indoors, not using extractor fans, not opening windows, blocking vents, restricting ventilation in critical areas including placing large items of furniture against cold walls. Often I find there is direct relationship between a condensation problem and a particular type of property. This is clearly outside of the tenant’s control. For example, older properties and in particular blocks of flats, tend to have very cold inadequately insulated outer walls. As warm air approaches a cold surface it cools rapidly – often faster than normal ventilation can compensate. Invariably I find to remedy a condensation problem it requires co-operation and understanding between owner and tenants.
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