Preservation Treatments (Surrey) Ltd.

Condensation damp

Condensation accounts for approximately 70% of reported domestic damp and is undoubtedly a contributing cause of some infestation by Wood Boring Beetle and Dry Rot outbreaks.

Condensation can commonly be attributed to a lack of balance between heating and ventilation, resulting in a rise in relative humidity. In a nut shell, air can hold more water vapour when it is warm than when it is cold. When the warm air is cooled, such as when the heating system is switched off at night, it will deposit the water it can no longer retain as condensation on a cold surface.

An average family of 4 to 5 people can produce up to 17 litres of water vapour a day. This can be from drying wet clothes on radiators or using the tumble dryer, having hot baths or showers, boiling kettles, cooking and of course breathing. That's a lot of water vapour being stored by the warm air in a typical centrally heated, double glazed home. The evenings are chilly, the heating goes off at night and the air temperature inside the home drops. Cool air cannot retain the same amount of water vapour as warm air and when the warm air comes into contact with a colder surface, such as an outside wall or a window, it will deposit the moisture it cannot hold onto that surface. So you have misted or streaming windows, and in extreme cases walls that are wet to the touch and black mould growth.

We currently send out a brochure and a very informative factsheet, on request, about condensation and the cures and we would be pleased to post a copy to you for your perusal and information.

Problems Associated With Condensation

Condensation may cause peeling wallpaper, crumbling plaster, spoiled paintwork, discolouration of carpets, curtains and furniture and the growth of mould on walls and ceiling surfaces. Condensation can form in cupboards and wardrobes damaging clothing and leather wear.

MOULD

As well as unsightly and smelling unpleasant, mould is damaging and can be costly when it causes premature redecoration or replacement.

Mould growth may appear in various shades of green, yellow, pink, grey or white, but most commonly, it appears as black. It will form on any surface where it can find a good source of moisture and organic matter. Like any living thing, it needs food and water. The water (condensation) is readily available on it's food source; any organic matter such as paint, plaster, timber ,clothing, leather, which are all common hosts to mould spores.

HEALTH HAZARD

In some cases, the mould may be a health hazard. It produces millions of spores which become airborne and can then create respiratory problems and distressing allergic reactions in householders in frequent contact with them. The rooms which are affected may smell "musty". Wardrobes may contain leather shoes , belts, coats and other items which can be ruined by mould growth.

THE DUST MITE

There is not a house without dust mites as they live on the dust which comes from our skin. They leave droppings wherever they go, and the enzymes contained in the droppings can cause asthma and other allergic reactions. The variation in infestation does not depend on cleanliness alone; it is greatly affected by the levels of moisture in the house. Warm, moist homes that lack ventilation; the exact climate that causes condensation, is a perfect breeding ground for the dust mite.

WHY NOT A DEHUMIDIFIER?

Dehumidifiers are designed to operate in the room in which they are placed. Generally a home with condensation has the problem in more than one room. This means it will be necessary to move the unit around, or buy more than one dehumidifier, which works out expensive.

Dehumidifiers are generally noisy, which can be a nuisance at night. They consume electrical power running at 250watts, so are energy negative. They also need to be emptied.

A dehumidifier will not ventilate your home.