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

• Smells – a musty smell in rooms and cupboards.
• Water on the inside of Windows
• Mould growth and dampness in corners, behind furniture, around windows and behind wardrobes.
• Walls with water running down and damp to touch.
• Black Spots of mould growth.
• Fungal growths within wardrobes, on clothes or furniture
• Bed clothing feeling cold and damp

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.

• Extractor fans – Use extractors in places where moisture is created like kitchens / bathrooms but most importantly use good quality fans of the right specification.
• Tumble driers – completely vent them  through an open window or external wall.
• Cooker hood extractor again outside ventilation is always preferable or simply put lids on pans while cooking.
• Laundry –  Avoid drying clothes and such on radiators if needed then use a dehumidifier to collect moisture. 
• Furniture – where ever possible leave as big a gap against the walls the bigger the gap the better.
• Heating – Provide moderate and constant heat in your home, but remember ventilation is the key to reducing and eliminating condensation.
• Damp Protection Services Limited also have several methods of condensation control and elimination.
• Positive Input Ventilation (PIV). These ventilation units offer a cost-effective solution for the whole home and are available with intelligent heat recovery system and are installed in the loft of your property. There is also another version for dwellings without lofts.

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.