Where does water vapour that causes condensation come from?
Water becomes vapour by a process known as evaporation. Evaporation is the opposite of condensation. The air in a home gains water vapour by evaporation from a number of sources. The most obvious sources are running water in sinks, baths and showers, washing machines, and water generated from cooking. Some less obvious sources may include house plants, the ground beneath the house, leaky basements, humid outside air allowed in through open windows or doors, any new construction materials and even the air that you exhale contains water vapour produced by your body. (Find out more regarding the causes to excess water in your property by downloading our handy condensation help guide) Newly built or remodelled homes will acquire excessive amounts of water vapour from the new materials and finishes used in the project. As the water evaporates from these materials it will cause high levels of relative humidity in the home until the materials stabilize and the humid air is properly vented.
