Reduce condensation in conservatory ?

[sarahkeast]

Spent half the day cleaning the white plastic framework and glass of the conservatory today. It was only put in this spring and I have wiped it down occasionally [well not that often] but it was really grim with mould and a few dead flies etc so had a good thorough cleaning today.

There is usually moisture on the roof [glass] in the mornings, occasionally drips to the floor. It isnt heated, apart from morning through early afternoon sun. It has constant traffic in and out and I keep a window or two cracked open. Lots of peppers and house plants in it, mostly on window sills. We are in the North West [Lancashire] so a damp environment.

Any suggestions of things I could do or use to reduce the moisture ? I have a dehumidifier, but dont want to use it cos of cost of electricity. Was thinking more like bowl of rice [Grandma told me to put rice in salt to keep it dry] or silica gel ? any other ideas ? more/less ventilation ? suck it up and wipe/clean more often...

Thanks

Sarah

[oldjerry]

That women on 'Edwardian Farm'( aka Boboff's gaf) used a bucket of slaked lime to keep her cellar dry,used to be able to get it from builders merchants in 25kg bags.( acouple of years ago not in Edwardian times!)

[pelmetman]

We more or less live in our conservatory summer and winter and have never had any condensation.

When we moved here it did have three radiators, but even with all three going full blast they hardly made any difference, so we put in a small log burner which has made an amazing difference which mean't we are able to use it as our main living room

The log burner although small helps heat the rest of the house, and we hardly use the central heating now


Dave

[Rik242]

We have same problem in our conservatory. I dont know what the answer is, but would love to find out.

[Thomzo]

If you've got plants in the conservatory then they will be creating the moisture (along with whatever comes in naturally). If you don't do something about it, then any floor coverings and furnishings in there will get damp and go mouldy.

You can buy solar powered fans that you put through the roof. That would help to draw the moisture out.

If you have a dehumidifier then it would probably be worth the money to run it. It doesn't need to run all the time, set it on low or put it on a timer to run at night only. I don't know how much they cost to run but they both reduce the condensation and warm the air slightly so you do get double value out of them. Also, if the conservatory isn't heated at all then you might find that your peppers struggle during the coldest of nights. The dehumidifier might just be enough to keep the heat off. You'd be best to close the windows if you do use it otherwise you'll be just sucking in damp air.

You can use the water for your plants so it's great recycling and saves money on tap water. It's good if you have citrus plants that don't like tap water.

Zoe