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Condensation Control
One of the most common form of dampness in buildings is condensation
Condensation is created when moist warm air carrying water vapour touches a cold surface. We can clearly see this on our windows and bathroom tiles but when it becomes a problem is when we cannot see the water on surfaces such as plaster and wood and it is this presence of water condensing on ceilings walls and other cold surfaces which promote mould growth and deterioration of these surfaces.
Living conditions of a large majority of the UK population have been affected by condensation and the mould it causes. The problem of condensation, particularly in people's homes, is very much a new problem and is a reflection of our lifestyles, this results from a series of simple and variable conditions, this is directly linked to the various methods of ventilating, heating and insulating buildings.
Every household generates large amounts of moisture within the building fabric through, baths, showers cooking, drying clothes even breathing creates moisture! At one time this moisture would be extracted through natural movement within the property i.e. windows and doors open fireplaces etc. With modern living we now have UPVC double glazed windows and doors, gas fires, and sealed fire doors, therefore we now live in a well insulated environment which whilst being pleasant and comfortable has a negative side. All the water vapour and moisture we now generate remains trapped in our properties. The end result being condensation issues.
Signs of condensation
The two most common features of condensation are damp wet walls and then the further spoiling of coatings with black spot mould developing.
Condensation is caused by a numerous factors such as high humidity levels, poor ventilation, air flow, dampness and insulation levels. Properties with high levels of mould and condensation will have ineffective air extraction in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
Condensation Prevention
Condensation is quite difficult to prevent in your home. Aiming to reduce moisture levels in your property is always a good start .You can contribute to this in several ways.
These units are mounted within the loft space, then the unit draws air through internal filters and inputs this clean air into your property. These units create a fresh and healthy indoor environment and are extremely cost effective to run. They introduce filtered and fresh air into the house at a continuous rate, this encourages air movement within the property, and pushes existing air from inside to outside. The moisture laden and damp air will then be replaced with clean good quality fresh air. This results in an environment where condensation cannot exist.
Boost fans or constant trickle units are alternatives to a PIV unit and help to eliminate moisture which is the most important facture in condensation control. As we have said before the two areas that generate the most condensation are the kitchen and bathroom. Most have fans which are simply not good enough to extract the amounts of water vapour generated within these areas they are usually either not turned on or have no fans at all. All the moisture generated in these two rooms remain in the property because they have nowhere to go. Damp Protection Services Limited supply and fit the best constant trickle fans on the market we have sourced a manufacturer which supply us Boost fans which are simply the most effective on the market. trickle and boost fans are the most effective in the market because they do what they say they constantly trickle then boost up when necessary. They are also cost efficient to run and extremely quiet. Your older inefficient models should be replaced with these units.
Heat Recovery Units
Damp Protection Services Limited recovery units combine supply and extraction in one unit.. Basically the heat from extracted air is recovered via a heat exchange unit and the air which is replaced and inputted back is then heated via the unit tempered air is then delivered back into the living area from where the old stale moisture laden air came from. These are excellent units that limit the amount of heat lost via the extraction process.
These units must not be considered as a replacement for heating your home but do help considerably to limit the amount of heat loss caused by the extraction of moist damp air. One way passive ventilation that Damp Protection Services Limited can supply and fit one way airbricks for one way ventilation.
This is probably the most cost effective way of ventilating your home as it does not need any power supply. Our passive vents incorporate a unique insulation system that while it allows the free flow of air it minimises the amount of cold air that is allowed into the property, a problem found in most air bricks is that in colder weather they do not stop the cold air entering the building.
All these products are supplied and fitted by Damp Protection Services Limited please see our contact us survey page to arrange an appointment with ourselves. You can be confident that Damp Protection Services Limited are experts in condensation control.
07538 463 869 / 0161 660 0482
info@dampprotectionservices.co.uk