Condensation

What is condensation? 

All air around you holds moisture, and the temperature of the air around you determines how much moisture it can hold, and warm are contains more moisture than cold air.

When warm, moist air comes in contact with a surface that is cooler than it is, ie a window pane or uninsulated external wall, the warm are, cools down and is unable to continue to hold the moisture as it did. This moisture laden air settles on a cold surface and mould can soon form.

Condensation is by far the most common cause of dampness in buildings, probably accounting for the majority of damp problems reported. It affects both old and new buildings and it appears to be a significant problem where the building has been modernised due to the fact that effective double glazing and insulation prevents the extent that the property can naturally ‘breathe’. As a society, we are spending more and more time indoors, and this factor also contributes to the increasing levels of moisture in your home and the nasty effects of the condensation you may suffer from.

Condensation is directly associated with peeling wall paper, wet window reveals and mould growth. It is this that the occupier sees first, and it gives an indication of the potential scale of the problem. The mould is usually found on decorative surfaces, especially wallpapers, where it can cause severe and permanent spoiling. In many cases, the mould can give rise to complaints about health, and cause the musty odour frequently associated with a damp house.

Where Does Condensation Occur? 

The obvious places for condensation to occur are on cold walls and floors, but it can also occur in roof spaces and in sub-floor areas where there is a timber suspended floor. In the latter cases, it can lead to dry rot or wet rot developing in floor and roofing timbers. Atlantis Damp Proofing and Timber Specialists  are able to provide expert condensation advice relevant to your property.

How To Alleviate Condensation 

Improving ventilation and removing sources of penetrating damp will help to alleviate the problem as this will help to reduce the moisture content in the air inside your home. Furthermore, to reduce the risk of dew point temperature being reached (the temperature where moisture droplets will form), it may be necessary to warm up the surfaces of the walls as well as ventilating the property. This two-pronged approach of increasing ventilation and increasing the surface temperature will help to alleviate the visible signs and negative health effects associated with condensation.

We offer a range of ventilation systems, which include traditional or economical sleeved wall vents which will alleviate condensation with little or no heat loss and mechanical vents that are whisper quiet, energy efficient and low maintenance to create a healthier living atmosphere, alongside our insulating options.

Our surveyor will investigate fully the source of condensation within your property and explore the suitable method of treatment. All of the results and feedback will be provided in a full written report, along with recommendations and details of the cost.