Drying Out Your New Home
The construction materials used in a newly built home contain a lot of moisture, which must evaporate gradually to avoid issues with shrinkage or movement. Here’s how to help the process.
2 minute read
Moderate, Stable Heating:
- Maintain moderate heating conditions to prevent your home drying out too quickly. For best results, program your heating to a fairly consistent temperature, no higher than 20 degrees, if possible
- Don’t use portable heaters that produce a lot of water vapour
Ample Ventilation:
- Make sure your home is well ventilated, so moisture can escape. Keep wardrobe doors ajar and regularly use your home’s extractor fans, particularly when producing steam, e.g., while cooking or washing
- Frequently open your windows while you are in your home, as long as it’s not too cold. Keep internal doors open as much as possible, but don’t prop open any self-closing fire doors, as these must stay closed for your safety
Decorating:
- Avoid redecorating your home until after the 18 months drying out period has finished, as moisture will still be escaping
- Movement and shrinkage of construction materials that are drying out could damage decorations that are applied too early, e.g., cracks may appear in painted or plastered surfaces
This drying out process can continue for up to 18 months after building work has finished, so be sure to follow our drying out guidance this time.
*How To articles are intended as advice only. Please refer to your completion documents for specific information on lease and covenant restrictions and maintenance of your home.*
