Condensation

Condensation accounts for approximately 70% of reported damp problems in domestic dwellings. It can also be a contributory factor of infestation by wood boring insects and outbreaks of fungal decay.

Condensation can commonly be attributed to a lack of balance between heating and ventilation, resulting in a rise in relative humidity. Air can hold more water vapour when warm than when cold. When warm air is cooled, such as when the heating switched off at night, it will deposit the water that it can no longer retain as condensation on a cold surface. A similar effect can be demonstrated by breathing onto a mirror or other cool surfaces.

An average family of 4 people can produce up to 16 pints of water vapour a day! This can come from drying wet clothes on radiators, using a tumble dryer, having showers & baths, cooking and of course breathing. Thats a considerable volume of water vapour being stored by the warm air in a centrally heated, double glazed home. Cool air cannot hold the same amount of water as warm air and when the warm air comes into contact with a colder surface such as a wall or window, it will deposit moisture onto that surface. This can lead to misted or streaming windows, walls that are wet to the touch, plus mould growth on walls, windows, furniture, furnishings and clothes.

 

Symptoms of Condensation

• Peeling wallpaper
• Crumbling plaster
• Spoiled paintwork
• Discolouration of carpets, curtains and furniture
• Mould on walls and ceilings
• Mildew on leather goods, shoes, belts etc
• Mould behind units, headboards, wardrobes
• Unpleasant smells

HEALTH HAZARDS

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. Rooms affected can smell ‘musty’

In 1995 BRE advised that: 'Mould may affect the occupants' health by inducing anxiety. It is also possible that people prone to asthmatic or allergic conditions (which adds up to roughly 10% of the population) may be affected by long-term exposure to concentrations of airborne spores'
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

MOULD (ASPERGELLUS NIGER)

 

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

It can 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. It needs food and water as it is a living organism. The water (condensation) is readily available and its food source can be paint, plaster, timber, clothing, leather all these items are ideal hosts to mould spores.

Dust Mite

There is not a house without dust mites as they live on the dust from our skin. They leave droppings wherever they go and the enzymes contained in the droppings can cause asthma and other allergic reactions. 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 are the perfect breeding ground for the dust mite.

Condensation Solutions

Why not use 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 which works out expensive. They are generally noisy which can be a nuisance at night, they consume a great deal of energy (250watts) so are energy negative. They also need constant emptying. They will not ventilate your home or solve the source of the problem.

Adequate ventilation will control the production of condensation. The Vericure
Condensation Control System which has been solving severe condensation problems for over 20 years, achieves this air change by gently introducing filtered air into the living space and creating a very slight positive pressure. The result of this positive pressure is to expel all the moisture-laden air out through leakage points that are found in all properties unlike leaving windows open, which creates drafts and a security problem.

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HOUSES WITH LOFTS

Generally, lofts are warmer than the outside air. On average, throughout the year, night and day, this equates to around 3C. However, although 3C is the average, the variation in loft temperature is huge, over 30C, depending on solar gain.

Many central heating systems are programmed to switch off around 9.00am and switch on again at around 5.00pm, perhaps because the occupants are out to work, but this is exactly the time when the sun can be shining and the Vericure 2000 House takes full advantage of this to build up some warmth in the home. Turning up the heating may make the problem worse as stated previously, warm air will hold even more water vapour!

This means that when the heating system switches on it uses much less fuel to bring the home up to temperature. This is a patented and valuable feature that is unique to the Vericure 2000 House and will obviously stay that way. In addition you will find that the diffuser re-circulates the heat at ceiling lvel on your landing. This is a valuable feature. During the summer months the temperature in your loft can be excessive and it would be most uncomfortable to bring this heat into the home. The Vericure 2000 House will sense this condition and automatically move into standby mode. The unit will commence again when the temperature reduces to an acceptable level.

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FLATS WITHOUT LOFTS

VERICURE 2000 FLAT, condensation control system suitable for a property which has no loft. The unit is about the size of a cooker hood, is fitted discreetly as possible and has ducting to the outside air. Low power consumption, as little as 8 watts. High efficiency grade G3 air filter which needs a clean every year. This unit not only re-distributes heat from ceiling level, it has an integral heater with manual over-ride to temper the incoming air and help heat the home.

For those properties which do not have a suitable layout for a Vericure House or Flat unit then we would recommend our tailor made range of extraction fans suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. As most of the moisture generated in a property is from these areas then it makes sense to remove the moisture as soon as it forms.

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