Condensation in conservatories is a frustrating yet common problem, especially during the colder months. If you’ve ever walked into your conservatory and found steamed-up windows, damp surfaces, or even mold forming, you’re not alone. But why does condensation happen? And more importantly, how can you stop it?
When warm indoor air meets the cold glass of your conservatory windows, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets. Left unaddressed, this can lead to mold growth, damage to window seals, and even structural issues over time. It can also make your conservatory feel cold, damp, and unwelcoming – the exact opposite of the relaxing space it should be.
The good news? With the right approach, you can minimise or even prevent condensation from forming in your conservatory.
In this guide, we’ll explain why conservatory condensation happens, the steps you can take to stop it, and when to seek professional help to keep your conservatory warm, dry, and comfortable all year round.
What causes condensation in conservatories?
Condensation forms when warm, moist air inside your conservatory meets cold surfaces, such as windows. The temperature difference causes water vapour to cool and condense into droplets. This leads to dampness, steamed glass, and in extreme cases – even mold growth.
Here are several key factors that contribute to unwanted conservatory condensation:
- During winter, we keep doors and windows closed to keep in the heat. While this is a perfectly sensible thing to do, it traps moisture inside. Without enough airflow, humidity builds up and increases the likelihood of condensation in your conservatory.
- Modern conservatories are designed to be airtight and well-insulated to improve energy efficiency. While this is great for keeping warmth in, it also reduces natural ventilation, meaning moisture has nowhere to escape.
- Cooking, drying clothes, and even breathing release water vapor into the air. If your conservatory is attached to a kitchen or used for drying laundry, it’s more prone to condensation.
The main triggers of conservatory condensation are temperature differences, excess moisture, and poor ventilation. Managing airflow and humidity is key to keeping condensation under control.
Find out why double glazing is key to preventing heat loss in your home.
How can you stop condensation?
There are a variety of methods to help prevent condensation in your conservatory. Below are a several ways you can try to nip condensation in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem:
Improve ventilation in your conservatory
When warm air becomes trapped, that’s when moisture levels rise, which leads to unwelcome condensation on your windows and surfaces. One way to stop condensation from happening is by improving airflow in your conservatory and letting the warm air out.
- Open windows regularly: Easier said than done during colder months, but letting fresh air circulate helps to balance indoor humidity. You should try to open your windows or doors for a short period of time each day. Even if it’s just opening the doors between your conservatory and your house, or opening the windows a bit (on nightlock) when you’re out of the house. The increase in airflow can reduce the build-up of excess moisture and protect your conservatory.
- Install trickle vents: Does your conservatory have uPVC windows? Fitting trickle vents will let moisture escape gradually but without inviting in a draught.
- Use extractor fans: A majority of conservatories are attached to a kitchen or another room with high humidity, so fitting an extractor fan can help limit excess moisture in the air.
Top tip: If opening your windows isn’t an option during winter, consider using an air circulator fan to keep air moving without causing a draught.
Control indoor humidity
When moisture levels in your home are too high, condensation will naturally form on the cold surfaces of your conservatory. Keeping humidity in check can make a big difference, and here are some easy ways to do it:
- Use a dehumidifier: Dehumidifiers draw air in from the environment and strip the moisture out, collecting it inside the machine or gadget. They can be relatively cheap to purchase and come in a number of sizes, so you won’t necessarily have a large machine sitting in your conservatory. Dehumidifiers are one of the best methods for reducing condensation.
- Buy moisture absorbers: If you don’t think a dehumidifier isn’t a practical option, small moisture-absorbing products (such as silica gel or salt-based absorbers) can help reduce dampness. Moisture absorbers help capture excess moisture in the air and last 8 – 12 weeks before needing to be replaced. They are ideal for short-term use until a longer-term solution, such as a dehumidifier or vent, can be purchased.
- Keep internal doors open: Allow air to flow between your conservatory and the rest of your home to help balance humidity levels.
Top tip: Did you know the ideal indoor humidity level is between 40-60%? You can monitor this with a tool called a hygrometer so your conservatory remains comfortable.
Maintain a consistent temperature
Sudden temperature changes can make condensation build up worse, as warm indoor air meets cold glass surfaces. Keep your conservatory at a stable temperature to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use a low-energy heater: Keep the conservatory at a consistent room temperature (you can even use standby mode) to reduce condensation risk.
- Consider underfloor heating: While it’ll come at a cost, underfloor heating is an energy-efficient way to keep surfaces warm and minimise condensation.
- Invest in thermal blinds or curtains: These can help regulate temperature changes and reduce condensation buildup on glass.
Top tip: Try not to frequently turn the heating on and off. Rapid changes in temperature can cause moisture to form even more quickly.
Reduce moisture-producing activities
Everyday activities can contribute to excess humidity without you even realising it. If your conservatory is experiencing condensation, try to pinpoint and reduce sources of moisture.
- Avoid drying clothes inside: Hanging wet laundry in the conservatory releases large amounts of moisture into the air. The water they hold when they come out of the wash has to go somewhere for them to dry. As they dry, the water evaporates into the air, increasing the amount of water vapour in the air and increasing the likelihood of condensation in your conservatory. If possible, it is best to dry your clothes outside.
- Limit the number of houseplants: While houseplants bring a bit of life to your conservatory, they also bring moisture. Plants release moisture as they breathe, so if you have lots of greenery, consider moving some of your plants elsewhere.
- Cover aquariums or water features: If you have a fish tank in your conservatory, cover the top with a lid. Open water sources contribute to higher humidity levels.
Top tip: If you love having plants in your conservatory, you could opt for low-humidity plants like cacti, succulents, or snake plants, which release less moisture.
What does condensation in your conservatory mean?
Any condensation in a conservatory should be looked at as soon as possible. This can help prevent other problems that additional moisture can cause if condensation spreads.
Here are the potentially serious issues condensation can cause later down the line.
| The Problem | The Consequence |
|---|---|
| Damp and mould growth | Turns your conservatory into an unpleasant space. |
| Once mould takes hold, it’s difficult to get rid of; prevention is key. | |
| Produces a musty smell, making the space less enjoyable. | |
| Black mould spots appear on walls, ceilings, and window frames, spoiling the room’s appearance. | |
| Property damage | Damp and mould spreads quickly throughout your conservatory, causing long-term damage. |
| Causes wallpaper to peel, paint to blister and even plaster to weaken. | |
| Curtains, cushions and blinds absorb moisture, leading to mildew, staining, and unpleasant fabric odours. | |
| Over time, wooden furniture, carpets, and laminate flooring can warp, rot, or develop mould patches. | |
| If damp spreads unchecked, it weakens window seals, wooden frames, and even supporting structures, leading to costly repairs. | |
| Health and wellbeing | Mould spores release toxins that impact indoor air quality and can cause respiratory issues. |
| Mould exposure can aggravate asthma, bronchitis, and rhinitis, causing breathing difficulties. | |
| Symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation are worse in damp environments. | |
| Long-term mould exposure can affect respiratory health and make you more vulnerable to infections. | |
| Condensation and leaks | As condensation builds, or as double glazing deteriorates, leaks can develop, especially in conservatories with roof windows. |
| Wet hard flooring is a hazard, particularly for children and the elderly. | |
| Leaks from worn window seals or excessive condensation can drip onto sofas, rugs, and wooden furniture, causing damp-related damage. | |
| Pooled water can seep into floorboards or carpets, increasing the chance of dampness and mould. |
Check your windows – are they the cause of condensation?
If you’re taking preventative measures to reduce condensation from forming but keep coming up against the same issues, it’s time to check your conservatory windows.
- Can you see any gaps on the opening of sash windows?
- Are there any obvious cracks or broken seals around your windows that could cause leaks?
- Can you feel any noticeable window draughts?
If you complete the checks above and find causes for concern, you might need to have your double glazing repaired by a specialist.
Struggling with window draughts? See our guide on draught-proofing windows.
Fix conservatory condensation with Cloudy2Clear
If you think failed double glazing is the root cause of your conservatory condensation issue, we can help. Taking care of condensation and measures to prevent it can save you money (and a lot of frustration!) in the long run.
Responsible conservatory window repair specialists will try to conserve your conservatory as best they can, replacing only the parts that do need fixing. Here’s why our customers trust us:
We only replace the glass, not the frames, saving you money
25-year guarantee on double glazing repairs
Trusted nationwide service in over 35 areas
At Cloudy2Clear, we first carefully diagnose the issue – whether it’s the frame or the seal – and we quote you for the necessary repairs. This saves materials and money!
Stop condensation before it causes damage! Call 0800 056 1609 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
