Condensation is common in garden rooms, especially during the colder winter months. If left unchecked, it can potentially cause issues to your structure and internal décor. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent this.
What is condensation?
Condensation is the tiny droplets of water left on cold surfaces after they are met with warm air or when there is high humidity in a building. It appears on the inside of windows, mirrors and sometimes on other interior surfaces. A good example of condensation is that which is left on a bathroom mirror after you have taken a shower.Everyday activities such as boiling the kettle or taking a shower release moisture into the air indoors. Warm air can hold larger amounts of water than cooler air, so when the moist air cools rapidly against a cold surface, it leaves moisture behind as condensation.Condensation is very common in winter when it is cold outside, and we have our heating on indoors. Leaving the windows closed and turning the heating up traps the moist air inside. When the temperature outside drops, liquid water appears inside as condensation on windows and other surfaces.
How can condensation affect your garden room?
The moisture from condensation can cause damage to timber framework and wooden objects, which is bad news for garden rooms that tend to be constructed from such materials. If condensation is not dealt with over time, it may lead to dampness and mould within your garden room.It can also cause damage to interiors by creeping behind wallpaper, paint or tiles. This can cause these surfaces to distort, blister or crack. Not only will this look unsightly, but it will cost you money to repair or replace.
Potential sources of water vapour in your garden room
Once water vapour is inside your garden room, you will only notice it is there when it forms condensation. But where does it come from?One source of water vapour within buildings is from humans. We breathe out warm air, so the more people spend time in your garden room, the more warm air is being breathed out in there.If you use your garden room for cooking or preparing hot drinks, this will generate water vapour in the form of steam. Similarly, some people have
bathing facilities in their garden room, and these have the same effect. Although extractor fans are designed to remove moist air, they are not always perfect at doing this.Drying clothes indoors is another source of water vapour. If you do this in your garden room, it will contribute to the problem.The amount of water vapour within your garden room, and its source, will largely depend on what you use your garden room for.Seeing condensation in your garden room does not mean there is a flaw in the structure. On the contrary, condensation is a sign of a well-sealed structure that is simply being used for everyday, modern activities.
Tips to avoid condensation in your garden room
One of the best ways to prevent condensation in your garden room is by airing it out daily. Of course, this may lead to some discomfort during the colder winter months, but you don’t need to have the windows open all day for this to be effective. Consider airing out the structure early in the morning and again later in the day after it has been used. Perhaps you could air out your garden building at times when it’s not in use?If you have multiple rooms in your garden building, try to close the doors to other rooms when you are bathing, showering, cooking or using the kettle. This will help to prevent the spread of water vapour throughout the structure. If you have an extractor fan, ensure this is in use when showering. Alternatively, open a window or door when engaging in activities that generate steam and leave it open for a short while afterwards.If condensation is a significant issue in your garden room, consider investing in a small dehumidifier. This will allow you to condense the water vapour into a reservoir and empty it out. These can be especially useful in the coldest months when condensation is more of an issue.If you do notice condensation in your garden room, don’t leave it to evaporate back into the air, as it will simply remain there to condense again. Instead, use a towel or sponge to clear the water droplets from your windows or surfaces. Now you are aware of what condensation is and what causes it in your garden room, you can prevent it or reduce it so you won’t have to deal with its negative effects later down the line.
