31/12/2022
If you have damp/ mould/ condensation please read.
Information passed on from a qualified damp expert.
Condensation not Damp
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cool surface.
An average family of four can produce 24 pints (14 litres) of water vapour in just 24 hours, and all that moisture has to go somewhere.
When that air cools the water vapour spills out and condensation is formed on the cold fabric of the property.
Over the years billions of pounds have been spent making social homes more energy efficient.
Insulation into walls external insulation
loft insulation and double glazed upvc windows.
If you can imagine a plastic bag over your home,
If you blow air into a plastic bag all the moisture sticks on the inside.
This is what is happening in the homes.
As a result of these upgrades this may have inadvertently helped cause condensation mould,
because well-insulated homes are more air tight and have reduced airflow and become less reliant on heating.
So no matter what age or type of property, heating and ventilation reduces the moisture levels, and if finances are restricted then the process fails.
at the end of the day, if you can't afford to use the heating and you have or use inadequate ventilation you can take all the precautions you like and you are still going to get mould.
DAMPNESS, CONDENSATION AND MOULD GROWTH
Dampness, condensation and mould growth in dwellings is a common problem, especially in older buildings.
Condensation will occur when water vapour in the air meets a cold surface and water vapour then becomes liquid. The more moisture is produced, the slower that this is removed by ventilation and the colder the surfaces, the more likely that condensation will happen.
Water on surfaces will encourage moulds to grow.
How do I know it is condensation rather than another problem?
It is not always easy to tell, but here are some key differences:
Condensation is usually found on north facing walls and in corners, in cupboards, behind furniture and under work surfaces - in fact wherever there is little air movement.
Condensation can often be seen as water droplets on windows or water pooling on window sills.
Condensation is often associated with mould that looks like 'black spots' and is typically found along skirting edges or ceiling edges.
Other kinds of dampness, such as penetrating damp or water leaks, usually produce a more defined damp stain area.
Rising dampness only affects ground floor/basement rooms and will often show a tidemark on external walls and solid internal walls in contact with the ground and typically only extends to a height of around 900-1000mm above the floor surface. Where such dampness exists the severity will reduce with increased height above the floor.
If you are not sure what is causing the damp in your home, start by checking pipes and overflows and under sinks to see if there are any obvious leaks.
Have a look outside; you may be able to see if there are slates missing from the roof, cracked render or leaking gutters or rainwater pipes.
If you live in a new or recently modernised house or flat, don't forget that it may not have dried out from water remaining after building work. It usually takes several months (depending on the time of year) for this to happen and you may need to use more heat during that time.
What can I do about condensation?
Air can only hold a certain amount of water vapour - the warmer it is the more it can hold. If the air is cooled by contact with a cold surface such as a mirror, a window or a wall, the water vapour will turn into droplets of water
– condensation and allow moulds to germinate. You can get rid of the mould by washing down with a general type solution purchased in a supermarket or fungicidal solution. You can buy special paints which may help prevent mould growth; however, the only permanent cure is to reduce the amount of condensation in your home.
The way you use your home affects the amount of condensation you get. This does not mean that you should alter your habits dramatically - just bear in mind the following tips:
Keep kitchen and bathroom doors shut, particularly when cooking, washing or bathing - otherwise water vapour will spread right through the house and condensation will probably reach other rooms.
The more moisture produced in your home, the greater are the chances of condensation, unless there is adequate ventilation. Nobody likes drafts, but some ventilation is essential.
In winter open the window a little, only as long as they are misted up. If you fit draught stripping, leave a space for a small amount of air to get through.
If you have an extractor fan, use it when cooking or having a bath/shower to stop the windows getting steamed up.
Don't allow kettles and pans to boil away any longer than is necessary.
You will get less condensation if you keep your home warm most of the time. Heating is expensive but without it you are almost certain to get condensation.
Below are some ways to use your heating effectively to reduce condensation:
It is important that your heating system is checked regularly so that it works efficiently.
Try to leave some background heat on through the day in cold weather. Most dwellings take quite a long time to warm up, and it may cost you more if you try to heat it up quickly in the evening.
If you are struggling to pay for heating, ask your fuel supplier or your gas or electricity supplier about ways to spread the cost of fuel.
Insulation will help you keep your home warmer, but remember you will need to keep some ventilation if you install draught proofing or double- glazing.
If you use bottle gas or paraffin heaters you will need to allow extra ventilation. Flue-less heaters of this sort produce large quantities of water vapour and are best avoided if you have a condensation problem.
Drying clothes indoors, particularly on radiators, can increase condensation unless you open a window to allow air to circulate. If you have a tumble dryer, this should be vented to the outside.
Don't overfill cupboards and wardrobes. Always make sure that some air can circulate freely.
Never block chimneys up completely. If you are blocking up a fireplace, fit an air vent to allow ventilation.
Move furniture away from external walls to allow circulation of air.
Please note, I only put this on to help and advise,
Please forward or tag to help whoever may need advise. Thank you
