Why are my windows damp all the time?
How do you know it’s winter? When the windows start dripping. While it might seem like just another staple of New Zealand homes, you don’t have to put up with a pool of water at the bottom of your windows every morning.
How condensation forms and why it matters: Condensation is the result of water warming up, evaporating, then turning back into a liquid once it touches a cold surface. You know when you breathe onto a mirror and you can use your finger to write messages in the remaining mist? That’s condensation. The same thing happens with the moist air in your home and your cold windows.
What's the big deal about moisture anyway? Moisture doesn’t just make your home feel cold and damp, it causes mould too. Mould has all sorts of nasty effects on your health and it thrives in wet environments.
The condensation on the inside of your windows is a good indicator that there is too much moisture in your home. You can get accurate readings from a ‘hygrometer’; a cheap little device that you can get from many hardware stores that tells you exactly how humid the room is.
Ideally, you’d use one in each room of your house over the course of a few days to get an idea of which room is in most need of attention. If the reading is over 65% relative humidity and below 18 degrees Celsius, it might be time to take the following steps, depending on the room.
Kitchen
Boiling water and cooking kai releases up to 3 litres of water every day---it’s one of the worst offenders in the fight against wet windows. Doing the dishes isn’t much better, contributing up to 1 litre per day. To reduce the impact, remember to:
• Keep the extractor fan on. Your range hood should be larger than the cooking surface it’s venting, and should be venting directly outside---not to the roof space. Otherwise, it might end up damaging the insulation and internal roof structures. If you’re renting and the extractor fan doesn’t tick those boxes, it’s worth discussing with your landlord. They don’t want moisture or mould in your home either.
• Keep pots covered. If you’re boiling potatoes, pasta or just making a cup of coffee or tea, keep the lid on while the water heats up and while the contents cooks. Not only does this keep the steam inside, it also means the water boils faster---less energy used, a lower utility bill, and a faster dinner!
BATHROOM
Don’t worry, cleaning your teeth isn’t spreading moisture into the air, no matter how vigorously you scrub. But the bath and the shower certainly are, with each person releasing 1.5 litres of water per day with their washes.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Poll: Do you think a partial demolition is the right call?
One of the most recognisable buildings at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls could be demolished, except for part of the façade.
The school is asking for resource consent to knock down most of the earthquake-prone Cherrington House as part of plans to build a larger, safer administration block.
Do you think a partial demolition is the right call? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
-
33.3% Yes
-
23.8% Not sure
-
42.9% No
Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
-
91.9% Yes
-
7.2% No
-
0.9% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Would you like to do this?
The opportunity to www.waikatotimes.co.nz...
|get up close to an 11-month-old tiger cub|, a porcupine, a tuatara or the siamangs could be the perfect Christmas stocking fillers.
The Hamilton Zoo already offers encounters with macaws, tigers, ring-tailed lemurs and rhinos, however soon the others will be on offer.
Would you like to do this? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
-
75% Yes
-
25% Maybe
-
0% No
Loading…
