We see condensation all the time. It is caused by the build up of water vapour in the air. The warmer the air is, the more moisture it can contain. If this is rapidly cooled by contact with a cold surface, whether a window, a wall, or even a mirror, the water vapour will gather into droplets of water causing condensation.
Unfortunately, the conditions necessary to form condensation also provide the perfect environment for growing fungi and mould which can cause damage to your property.
Please continue reading below to see some of the common condensation problems we have provided long-term solutions for.
You can often see mould on the frame and reveals of a single glazed timber window. This is often a by-product of condensation. |
Bay windows can also suffer from the effects of condensation, with mould attacking the base underneath the window. |
Condensation has not been checked in this property; consequently mould has affected the full length of the base of this wall. |
Condensation problems are created because of poor ventilation, insulation, or the heating of a home. If these aspects of home maintenance can be controlled, then the problem can often be eradicated. Condensation and mould is often found to affect window glass and the inside of window and external door openings. Other commonly affected locations are the external corners of rooms, the perimeter of solid floors, and ceilings beneath roof voids. In essence, condensation will affect any surface that is at or below the dew-point temperature.
Misting of this window glass is typically caused by condensation. |
Because warmer air can hold more moisture vapour, a general rule of thumb is to avoid 'peaks and troughs' in the daily heating cycle.
Ventilation is very important. Keeping a window ajar by just a couple of centimetres can make all the difference to the air quality within your home. Closing off the kitchen from the rest of the house while cooking can help prevent the build up of water vapour in the home and lessen the effects of condensation throughout the house. Instead, open a window or the back door if you are cooking to let some of the air escape.
Double-glazed window in a modern property with two trickle vents located at the top of the frame. Both of these vents are open and provide some background ventilation. |
Mould growth caused by condensation can be seen on the ceiling. Note how the affected corner is on an external wall. |
Insulation is another significant factor in the battle against condensation. Modern homes typically incorporate good levels of insulation in roof spaces, walls, and ground floors. Older homes that have solid floors and ground floors that do not incorporate insulation are more problematic. Paradoxically, improvements to older homes such as double-glazing, loft insulation, and draught proofing can aggravate condensation and mould growth in areas that remain cold.
Thermal imaging is a very useful technique to highlight colder surfaces that are prone to condensation. In the following series of images taken on the ceiling of a common hall in a block of contemporary apartments, a 'cold bridge' can be seen that precisely corresponds with the location of mould growth.
Here, the thermal image is shown in full contrast and it is quite clear that the thermal properties of this ceiling construction are significantly different. |
Condensation is not a problem restricted to older properties. Britannia Preservation's surveyors are increasingly being asked to investigative condensation problems in relatively new properties. Contemporary building methods and the desire to ensure homes are adequately heated, well insulated, and draught free are encouraging condensation to occur. The continuing drive towards higher standards of insulation and draught proofing to meet energy saving targets is likely to see this problem becoming more common.
Britannia Preservation provides a condensation diagnostic service that utilises environmental measurement techniques, thermal imaging, and data logging. Remedial action can be as simple as implementing small changes to lifestyle or adjusting the way the heating system is used. In other circumstances, it may necessitate improvements to ventilation, the installation of insulation, or a combination of several methods.
In most instances, Britannia Preservation's surveyors are able to identify condensation in a single site visit. However, because a survey is a snapshot of conditions at the time of inspection, condensation might not necessarily be occurring at the time of investigation. Data logging is a useful technique that involves the placing of electronic sensors in the property that automatically collect humidity and temperature data over a period of several weeks. This information is then analysed with computer software. The data logging technique provides a much better illustration of conditions in a dwelling than a single inspection can offer. This method is particularly useful for resolving disputes between property owners and tenants regarding the precise cause of dampness.
If you suspect that condensation may be present in your property then contact us today.
© Britannia Preservation 2011