Is Condensation Damaging My Blinds?

We’ve had our first taster of the winter chills at the start of December, and they are likely to get nippier going into the new year. The cold poses a problem for a lot of people, not least in the fact that it’ll see most people’s energy costs rise.

We all heat up our homes to keep the cold at bay, but with the temperature differences between indoors and out, condensation can form on your windows. Damp and mould can soon follow, damaging your window, your belongings, and even your blinds. Here, we’ll be detailing the telltale signs of condensation-related blind damage and what you can do to avoid it. But first:

What causes condensation on blinds?

Condensation forms when warm, humid air meets a cold surface. On contact with this surface, the water vapour in the air cools and reverts back to a liquid, forming the precipitation you can see on your mirror or windows in the bathroom after a shower, for instance.

Air naturally contains water vapour, and 5% of each exhaled breath contains water vapour too. That means that the heated air in your room has large amounts of water in it, so when it meets the cold surface of your window, the water will condense and return to its liquid form.

Leaving condensation to build up on your windows can eventually damage the glass, the frame and any surrounding belongings, including blinds.

How can I tell if my blinds are getting damaged by condensation?

There are a number of key signs you should look out for to spot whether your blinds are getting damaged by condensation. For fabric blinds, this might be in the form of mould, especially in the folded parts of your blind. Check them regularly for mould if you spot condensation forming on your window.

Wooden blinds may warp if they are exposed to large amounts of moisture, so you may need to check individual slats for issues. Metal blinds, on the other hand, may eventually suffer from rust.

How do I prevent condensation on my blinds?

Ventilation is key to preventing condensation. While damp on your walls can be avoided by heating your home or premises adequately, condensation on your windows is a different matter entirely, one where ventilation is pivotal. Opening the window while having the heating on will create circulation in the room that’ll see condensation levels drop immensely.

To aid in ventilation, raise your blinds and open your curtains to allow for the full circulation of air. Window coverings can trap humid air, making condensation more likely. Opening them can remedy this issue.

Alternatively, you could purchase a dehumidifier to aid in tackling condensation. These machines sift air through their filters to drain water out of it, removing issues of damp and condensation. Just remember to empty the tank regularly!

For more information about caring for your blinds, repairing them or having new ones installed, contact Denton Blinds.

Denton Blinds offer a comprehensive service of designing, supplying and fitting quality blinds throughout the Burton Upon Trent area. Whether your needs are domestic or commercial, our experienced team will be sure to help you find the perfect design for you.

For more information, contact our team today.