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Ventilation and condensation control
As winter approaches, many of us close our windows and doors to keep the warmth in — but doing so can sometimes create new problems. Reduced airflow can trap moisture inside, leading to condensation, damp, and even mould growth. Over time, these issues can cause damage to your home and potentially affect your health.
Good ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. It does far more than simply move air around — it helps to control humidity, reduce damp, and prevent mould, all of which can trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.
By keeping air circulating and removing excess moisture, effective ventilation ensures your home stays dry and comfortable throughout the colder months. When airflow is balanced, moisture has less chance to settle — meaning fewer damp patches, less mould, and a cleaner, healthier living space.
What is condensation?
Condensation happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, such as a window, wall, or roof space. The moisture in the air cools and turns into liquid droplets — the familiar mist or water you see forming on glass or bathroom tiles.
It’s most common in winter, when homes are heated on the inside but cold outside temperatures make surfaces cool quickly. Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors can all add to indoor moisture levels.
Causes of Condensation
There are several common causes of condensation in homes, especially during the winter months:
- Poor ventilation – without adequate airflow, moisture can’t escape
- High humidity – from showers, cooking, or drying laundry indoors.
- Cold surfaces – windows, walls, or roof spaces that aren’t insulated.
- Blocked or ineffective vents – preventing air from circulating properly.
Even small daily habits can increase humidity levels, and without the right ventilation, moisture quickly builds up.
The Problems Condensation Can Cause
Left untreated, condensation can lead to a range of issues, including:
- Mould growth on walls, ceilings, and window frames.
- Damage to paint, plaster, and woodwork.
- Unpleasant odours and a damp feeling indoors.
- Health concerns such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory irritation.
What might start as a few misty windows can develop into more serious structural and health problems if moisture isn’t properly managed.
How Can I Prevent or Reduce Condensation?
The key to tackling condensation is effective ventilation. Here are a few simple but effective steps to help:
Ensure roof and tile vents are clear and functioning properly. Roof ventilation systems allow moist air to escape and prevent it from condensing in the loft or roof space.
Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. These are high-moisture areas — proper extraction keeps humidity levels balanced.
Avoid drying clothes indoors where possible. If you must, open a window or use a dehumidifier.
Keep a steady indoor temperature. Sudden drops in temperature can cause condensation to form on cold surfaces.
Regularly check vents & terminals Make sure they’re not blocked by insulation, debris, or furniture.
Good ventilation doesn’t mean losing heat — it’s about keeping your home’s air fresh, dry, and balanced. Roof tile vents and terminals are designed to let moisture escape while preventing heat loss, helping your home stay warm and healthy all winter long.
How Ubbink MVHR Systems Keep Your Home Healthy and Dry
Maintaining good ventilation is essential for a comfortable, healthy home — especially during the colder months when windows stay closed. Ubbink’s MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems are designed to provide continuous, balanced airflow throughout your home. They keep the air fresh while retaining heat, making them both healthy and energy-efficient.
Why MVHR Matters:
- Prevents Damp and Mould: By controlling humidity and reducing condensation, MVHR units help stop mould before it can take hold.
- Improves Air Quality: Removes allergens, pollutants, and stale air for a healthier living environment.
- Saves Energy: Retains up to 95% of heat from outgoing air, reducing energy bills while keeping your home warm.
Consistent airflow and moisture control don’t just improve comfort — they also help homeowners and landlords prevent issues before they arise, supporting compliance with Awaab’s Law.
Roof Ventilation: Protecting Your Roof and Home
Good ventilation isn’t just about indoor air. Moisture can also build up in lofts, attics, and roof spaces, causing condensation, timber decay, and insulation damage. That’s where Ubbink’s roof vents and terminals come in.
These products are designed to:
- Encourage natural airflow in lofts and roof spaces
- Reduce moisture build-up and prevent condensation
- Protect roof structures from damp and mould damage
- Work seamlessly with different roof types and materials
Versatile for Any Home: Ubbink’s roof vents can be installed on both existing and new roofs, making them a flexible solution whether you’re upgrading your current ventilation or planning a new build.
When combined with an MVHR system, these roof ventilation solutions create a complete, whole-house strategy, ensuring clean, dry air from the roof all the way down to your living spaces. This helps maintain a healthier home environment and prevents the long-term problems caused by damp and condensation.
