Is your student accommodation suffering from condensation?23/02/2012
Student accommodation and rented homes are among the many properties that suffer from condensation and mould problems. Truth is, condensation and mould is in fact one of the most common problems in housing and can seriously begin to affect the health of those living within the mould-affected property.
The allergens (otherwise known as mould spores) released from mould can actually aggravate the symptoms of asthma and allergy sufferers. Headaches, nausea and fatigue are also caused by the volites emitted from fungal colonies, which is why it’s best to treat condensation in the early stages before any mould forms. Left unattended, condensation and mould problems could affect your health and, potentially your education if you have to take time off from your studies.
Condensation is very likely to occur in student accommodation, due to the number of students living together and contributing to the amount of moisture in the air. Shared bathrooms can only mean more showering and bathing, which is a major contribute to condensation. An average family of 4 creates over 100 pints of moisture per week, so imagine how much 6 or more students just going about their daily routines will produce!
Shared kitchens also fall under the same principle – if every student cooks a separate meal then the levels of condensation will be higher in comparison to the level of condensation expected in a home where just one evening meal is cooked.
How can you reduce condensation in your student accommodation?
- Shut the bathroom door when bathing or showering to trap in the moisture. This will prevent the water vapour from escaping into the other rooms in the house. If possible, open the bathroom window.
- Close the kitchen door (if possible) when cooking and open the kitchen window. An open window provides the perfect escape for water vapour released from the heat in the kitchen.
- Aim to keep the lids on all of your saucepans while cooking in order to help reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
- Hang your washing outside as opposed to drying them on radiators. If you do have to dry your laundry inside then keep all windows open so the moisture in the air has a way of escaping and diluting the humidity levels.
Let your landlord into a little, but well known secret; EnviroVent are experts in treating condensation and mould problems in student and rented accommodation. It is really quite simple to overcome; all you need is adequate ventilation! Offering a range of ventilation products designed to minimise the amount of moisture in the home, we are on hand to help students and tenants with any condensation problems they have in their rental property.
