| Condensation is caused by a lack of airflow
and ventilation in a property. The surface of the plaster
may be damp to the touch and there is also
likely to be a smell in the property and an attack of toxic
mould (Aspergillus Niger) may affect clothing and wall surfaces
alike.
There are various condensation control methods.
We recommend "Whole House" treatment solutions by
the installation of a mechanical positive pressure unit (e.g.
Drimaster &
Flatmaster).
In some instances where cost is a concern and
only individual rooms require to be treated we can recommend
the 'Passyfier
Vent '
WHAT IS CONDENSATION?
Condensation accounts for approx. 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. Air can hold more water vapour when warm than when
cold. When warm air is cooled, such as when the heating system
is 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.
In its less serious form, condensation may “steam up”
windows and mirrors. In more severe cases, it can be absorbed
by surface wall finishes and underlying plaster causing dampness,
although the underlying brickwork or masonry will normally
be of a lower moisture content.
It may cause mildew on fabrics and leather and, in extreme
cases, can cause walls to be visibly wet. It is frequently
accompanied by mould growth, of which the most common is “black
spot” – a mould, which appears, first as small
soot-like spots, of which can join up and cause large black
areas.
Condensation may occur at any height on almost
any cool surface. This distinguishes it from RISING DAMP,
which almost never occurs at heights of more than four feet
over external ground level and which is confined to walls
that are in contact with the ground. Unlike condensation,
RISING DAMP normally results in the brickwork or masonry being
of higher moisture content, than the plaster/render.
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WHAT IS RELATIVE HUMIDITY?
The water vapour content in the atmosphere is measured in
terms of percentage relative humidity (RH). Zero % RH shows
the air is completely dry, whilst 100% RH means the air is
completely saturated. Experience has shown that if the RH
remains above 70% for any period of time, condensation and
mould growth will occur. For this reason it is necessary to
keep the RH below 70% to prevent problems developing. The
water released into a domestic house from sources previously
mentioned may be as high as 17 litres per day, for the average
dwelling of 4-5 persons. In view of this figure we can see
that there is a large amount of water vapour, which needs
to be continuously removed from the internal air.
If the relative humidity remains above 70% for any period
of time, condensation and mould growth may occur. Evidence
from the Building Research Establishment shows that ventilation
resulting in a change of air every 45 – 90 minutes is
required to remove moisture laden air from the dwelling and
reduce the risk of condensation by keeping the relative humidity
below 70%.
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WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CONDENSATION?
In domestic properties condensation may cause peeling wallpaper,
crumbling plaster, spoiled paint-work, discoloration of carpets,
curtains and furniture, and the growth of mould, which, as
well as being unsightly and smelling unpleasant, can be damaging
to health.
This mould growth may appear in various shades of green,
yellow, pink, black, grey, or white. It will form on almost
any surface where it can find a good source of condensation
and organic matter. Paint, plaster, timber, clothing and leather
are common hosts to the spores, whilst paper and fibre building
fabrics may be softened because some mould species are capable
of digesting cellulose.
Mould, in some cases, may be a health hazard as it produces
large numbers (millions) of spores, which may create respiratory
problems and distressing allergic reactions in householders
in frequent contact with them.
The rooms, which are affected, may smell ‘musty’.
Wardrobes in these areas may contain clothes and leather items
such as shoes and belts, which are subject to mould growth.
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WILL EXTRA HEATING DRY THE PROPERTY?
Turning up the heating may make the problem worse as stated
previously, warm air will hold even more water vapour!
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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, not easy if it has to be moved up
and downstairs. The other solution is more than one dehumidifier
– expensive; whereas the Drimaster operates throughout
the home by constantly replacing the contaminated air with
drier tempered air.
There is usually significant noise from a dehumidifier which
means it would be irritating especially overnight in a bedroom.
Generally much condensation appears on a bedroom window overnight.
A Drimaster operates continuously without you realising it.
A dehumidifier removes water from the air and deposits it
in a bucket – emptying this can become tiresome. Dehumidifiers
are energy negative. They consume electrical power. A dehumidifier
runs at 250 watts whilst a Drimaster uses just 5 watts, that’s
50 times better! Drimaster is energy positive saving around
550 kilowatt hours of energy a year.
Dehumidifiers do not ventilate the home and therefore you
will miss out on all the health and comfort benefits of breathing
filtered, tempered air, 24 hours a day, as supplied by a Drimaster.
Because of noise and the cost dehumidifiers are often switched
off until a noticeable amount of condensation exists. This
is really too late. By that time much damage can have been
done. Drimaster avoids this by preventing the problem occurring
in the first place.
Drimaster 2000
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INTELLIGENT HEAT RECOVERY
As you know the loft is always warmer than the outside air.
On average, throughout the year, night and day, this equates
to around 3 degrees centigrade. However, although 3 degrees
is the average, the variation in loft temperature is huge
over 30 degrees c depending on solar gain. But only the Drimaster
2000 will use this extra heat to boost the temperature
in the home and bring this free heat into the living space.
Many home 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 Drimaster
takes full advantage of this to build up some warmth in the
home. 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
Drimaster 2000
and will obviously stay that way.
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FILTERS
The filters on a Drimaster
will prevent dust, pollen, insulation fibres and other floating
pollutants from entering the home. Drimaster
has over twice the filter area of any competitor. Nuaire have
arrived at this filter area following 20 years experience.
In addition only Nuaire use the higher grade EU4/G4 filter
material, fine enough to take out pollen.
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THE DUST MITE
The ventilation of homes is so important in controlling Dust
Mite infestations.
In reality the Dust Mite grows up to about 0.3 of a millimetre
and thank goodness that’s too small to see with the
naked eye. Since these creatures can be present in our soft
furnishings and bedding by the tens of thousands this really
is a blessing.
Dust Mites are related to ticks and spiders and they actually
live from our dust. As many will know much of household dust
is actually our skin or more specifically the dead skin that
we constantly shed. This is one of the reasons they are so
happy to live in our beds, we lose a goodly amount of skin
overnight and having such a plentiful supply of food on the
doorstep is heaven on earth for a Dust Mite.
In fact, there is not a house without Dust Mites. Some houses,
however, contain huge numbers whilst others very few. This
variation in infestation does not depend on cleanliness alone
it is greatly influenced by the amount of moisture in the
house: dry houses in very cold climates or on high mountains
have few mites but houses in temperate climates and normal
altitudes have many more. Of course, the UK fits the latter
category like a glove.
There is now no doubt over these facts nor with the fact
that the allergy to Dust Mites is the single biggest cause
of asthma attack. It is now confirmed that some 80% of asthma
sufferers have a Dust Mite allergy.
So why are moist houses so prone to Dust Mite infestations?
Very simply this is the condition they need to procreate.
They are unable to ‘perform’ in relative humidity
levels below 65% although they can tolerate wide temperature
variations (0-30 degrees C). At around 0 degrees they become
moribund but are not killed at this temperature. The temperatures
they find particularly conducive to breeding are around 20-25
degrees C, just about the same as we too enjoy in our homes,
however, humidity is a more important factor and 65-75% relative
humidity is ideal. These could be just the levels that occur
in badly ventilated homes that are prone to condensation dampness.
The life cycle of the Dust Mite is a 3-stage process: egg,
larvae and adult. This takes about 2-3 weeks and then the
adult will go on to live for about a month.
It is actually the faeces of the creature that does the damage.
They contain a residual enzyme that is the substance causing
the allergic attack. Faecal pellets are between 10-20 microns
in diameter, similar to the size of pollen grains. They are
dry and susceptible to becoming statically charged. This means
that if they are disturbed, by sweeping, hovering, shaking
bedclothes etc they become and remain airborne for a considerable
period of time. In this state they can very easily enter the
bronchial system.
Understanding the biology of this invasive and damaging creature
will help you appreciate why positive input ventilation with
a Drimaster can help to alleviate asthma attacks. It will
have two positive effects on the home. With this mode of ventilation
the moisture laden air throughout the home is gently diluted
and replaced with tempered, fresh and drier air from outside.
The relative humidity levels will drop, so creating a humidity
level that is not friendly to the breeding habits of the Dust
Mite.
The effect of replacing the air also removes the airborne
faeces of the mite replacing it with filtered air from outside
and remember that the filters on a Drimaster will prevent
even particles such as pollen from entry.
By adopting this method of ventilation and utilising barrier
systems on pillows and mattresses (that prevent Dust Mites
from entering and breeding within this micro-climates) asthma
attacks for those who suffer from the Dust Mite allergen can
be significantly reduced. This will reduce the input of drugs
and the distress of this awful complaint.
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CAN THESE PROBLEMS BE CURED?
Yes! Adequate ventilation will control the production of
condensation. The Fresh NuAire Condensation Control System
(details enclosed) 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.
A Drimaster 2000
condensation control system suitable for a house or flat with
a loft will cost £637.45+vat including installation.
Click here for a sample
quote
Where there is no loft access we recommend a Flatmaster
2000 which is wall mounted and has a heater and boost
switch. The average cost of this unit is £764.26+vat
including installation.
Click here for a sample
quote
In addition, the filters contained in the unit prevent dust,
pollen, insulation fibres and other floating pollutants from
entering the home. The unit costs less than 1p per day to
run.
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Flatmaster 2000 |
Drimaster 2000 |
Passyfier Vent |
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