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Why Older Terraced Homes Are Prone to Condensation In Liverpool

Many Liverpool terraced homes, especially those built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were designed without the insulation and ventilation systems modern properties have. Solid walls, single glazing, and high occupancy often mean moisture builds up quickly indoors — leading to condensation on windows, walls, and ceilings.

Over time, persistent condensation can cause black mould, peeling paint, and even damage to plaster and timber.

Understanding How Condensation Forms

Condensation happens when warm, moist air meets a colder surface — the air cools, releasing water droplets. In terraced homes, common causes include:

Drying clothes indoors without adequate ventilation
Cooking without extractor fans
Inadequate bathroom ventilation
Cold external walls without insulation
Gaps in heating schedules leading to fluctuating temperatures

Practical Ways to Reduce Condensation

✅ Improve Ventilation

Install trickle vents in windows or air bricks in external walls
Fit extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
Consider Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units to introduce fresh, filtered air

✅ Control Indoor Humidity

Keep lids on pans when cooking
Avoid drying clothes indoors or use a vented tumble dryer
Open windows briefly after high-moisture activities

✅ Maintain Steady Heating

Keep background heating on during colder months to reduce cold spots
Avoid big temperature swings that lead to rapid condensation

✅ Add Insulation

Consider internal wall insulation for cold external walls
Install loft insulation to keep ceiling surfaces warmer and reduce condensation risk

When to Call in a Specialist

If you’ve tried these measures and are still struggling with condensation or mould, a professional survey can identify hidden causes — such as inadequate subfloor ventilation or cold bridging — that might be making the problem worse.