Condensation

What is Condensation?

The most common form of unwanted dampness in buildings is water from the air that forms as condensation. It is a relatively new problem and is a reflection on our modern lifestyle. On a daily basis we generate large amounts of moisture within our properties via cooking, baths, showers, drying cloths on radiators and even breathing. In years gone by, this moisture would be removed via natural draughts within the property i.e. open fireplaces, ill-fitting windows and doors etc. These days many of us have double glazed windows, UPDV doors and gas fires, draught excluders are used extensively therefore in essence we live in a well insulated environment which whilst being comfortable, has a down side. All the moisture we generate remains trapped in our properties. The result being in many cases "condensation"

What are the symptoms?

Water on the inside of windows, water running down walls, black spot mould, fungal growths within wardrobes, particularly on leather/suede goods. If you can smell the damp it is generally condensation. What you can smell is the fungus that accompanies the condensation.

If when you get into bed you feel the bedding is very cold, the reason is probably due to condensation, resulting in dampness hence the cold feel. If you get out of bed feeling as if you have a cold which gets better as the day goes on it is likely you have a condensation problem and the black spot mould spores are effecting your nasal passage.

Problems caused by condensation

If ignored this can lead to a deterioration in the decorative condition of the property, stained curtains and decay in window frames and the appearance of moulds on the surface of wallpapers and paints in poorly ventilated areas. Condensation can occur under suspended floors greatly increasing the chances of a fungal decay in floor timbers.

A much less common form of condensation occurs when the Dew Point is reached, not on the surface of a wall but within the structure of the building itself. This is known as interstitial condensation and can easily be mistaken for rising damp or penetrating damp.

Condensation problems can also aggrivate respirital problems such as asthma, particularly in young children.

Remedies

Increased ventilation first and foremost. If you have reasonable ventilation creating air changes within the property, condensation will be minimised. Realistically ventilation means creating a draught which a lot of people find uncomfortable. There is also the issue of security via windows being left open.

Maintain an even if only moderate temperature. Many people have their heating to come on when they are home and go off when they go out. Dramatic changes of temperature result in condensation. It is recommended that during the coldest months i.e. November to April, the heating is left on a relatively low setting consistently. Sounds expensive? Believe it or not the cost will be similar to your current costs if not more economical. The reason being once the house is heated up it will take less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. If the heating is switched on and off you have to use large amounts of energy to get the house back to a reasonable temperature.

Do not dry clothes on radiators! Simple.

What Marsden Preservation Recommend

We recommend the best possible control method for condensation is Positive Input Ventilation. This is a ventilation system which can be installed in the home, which creates an atmosphere where condensation cannot occur.

Above: Some examples of condensation