Reducing Condensation In Your Static Caravan 

Reducing condensation in your static caravan can improve its lifespan. It can also lessen maintenance and repair costs and improve the comfort of your leisure home.

Condensation is caused when moisture in the air comes into contact with colder non-absorbent surfaces such as windows, walls and tiled floors and worktops.

The main sources of moisture in the air are showering, cooking and laundry. Inconsistent heating and poor ventilation can also contribute to the problem as temperature differentials throughout your static caravan create the conditions for condensation to form. Poor ventilation then stops the moist air escaping before the water condenses out on to a surface.

Here are a few tips to help you reduce the condensation in your static caravan.

Improve your static caravan’s insulation

Insulation on the roof, walls and under the caravan can all help to maintain a consistent and good temperature throughout the caravan, allowing for fewer temperature differentials. Insulation will help reduce energy bills and add to the comfort of your leisure home too, of course.

Maintain a consistent temperature

Try not to allow your static caravan to get too cold. An air heat pump which uses the air outside to extract heat and drive it into your caravan, is a good way to maintain a healthy ambient temperature even when you are absent from the caravan.

Remove sources of water when you are away

Draining the water pipes and other water systems such as air conditioning is essential if you are to avoid excessive condensation in your absence, particularly in the winter months. You may want to consider water traps too as an extra layer of defence against condensation.

Depending on your heating controls, draining the water systems may also be a condition of your static caravan insurance if your leisure home is unoccupied during the winter months. We will address this in a future blog post.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential in a static caravan for many reasons, not least to prevent condensation. Make sure that existing vents are kept clear by regularly cleaning them both inside and outside.  Keep furniture and cushions and the like a little distance from the walls allowing air to circulate freely around your static caravan.

It is also advisable to have your bathroom and shower vented to the outside. Avoid running hot, steaming water for too long. This will also help to save on energy bills.

Cook smart

When cooking, try as much as possible to keep lids on pans, and windows and curtains open. Always use your extractor fan if you have one. You may want to consider getting one fitted as these can greatly reduce condensation and the related problems it can cause. Maintain the fan regularly, checking that it is operational and the vents are clean and clear inside and out.

You may also want to make sure a window is open near the kettle when it is boiled for the same reasons. Or keep it near the stove and use the extractor.

Clean smart

Washing machines, tumble driers and wet clothing are also significant sources of moisture inside your static caravan. Avoid hanging up clothing to dry inside your home but if you have to, keep a window or two open while you do. If you have a tumble drier, it is best to get one which vents into the outside. If weather allows, open your windows when emptying these appliances.

When cleaning your surfaces, avoid using steaming hot water to do this. It is best to use tepid water and detergent of some kind. Make sure you dry off the inside surfaces and windows after cleaning. Try not to leave water you have used to evaporate into the internal air.

Condensation and mould resistant paint

It is a good idea throughout your static caravan’s interior, but especially in the bathroom or shower, to use condensation-resistant paint. This is not sufficient on its own to get rid of condensation but together with the other measures suggested here can contribute to reducing the problem and any damage caused significantly. It can also help to prevent mould building up on damp surfaces.

There are some mould resistant paints available, which are clear and can be applied on existing decoration without changing your colour scheme and can also be applied on tiles. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for suitability for your own particular décor and finishes.

Removing mould

If you do have a problem with mould caused by damp, remove it as soon as you can. However, do so with caution. Use personal protective clothing, wear a mask and gloves before you scrape off any flaking paint or paper, then apply one of the many sprays available to treat the mould according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it is removed think about applying a mould resistant paint as described above.

We hope you find these tips useful in reducing condensation in your static caravan.

This is a marketing article from My Holiday Home Insurance, a specialist provider of insurance for holiday homes, leisure homes, holiday lodges and static caravans. Our team of experienced advisers are always happy to help, so for more information call our Northampton office on freephone 0800 988 0890.

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