Stop condensation problems in London South West
Damp Proofing London South Solutions for Condensation. Stop Condensation Problems in London South West & Other Areas of London
Condensation is one of the most common causes of dampness in buildings which can often lead to the appearance of mould growth. It is the presence of water condensed on walls, ceilings and other cold surfaces which support mould growth.
Throughout the UK the living conditions of a large majority of the population have been adversely affected by condensation. Its occurrence together with the subsequent mould growth has been the largest single complaint received by local authorities during the past twenty years.
In industrial premises the effects of condensation and mould growth are also well-known and have created their own particular problem especially in breweries and food processing factories.
Condensation Problem
The problem of condensation, particularly in dwelling houses, is very much a problem of today and results from a series of relatively simple, totally invariable conditions, and is directly related to standards and methods of heating, ventilating and insulating buildings.
Air normally contains water vapour in varying quantities and its capacity to do so is related to temperature - warm air holding more water than cold air. Air is saturated when it cannot contain any more water vapour at the existing temperature; under these conditions it is said to have a relative humidity (RH) of 100%. If the temperature of the air falls until saturation point occurs the air is at a critical temperature at which it cannot hold any more water - this temperature is known as the dew point. Any further fall in temperature will result in water vapour being forced to condense out as liquid water. The amount of water vapour condensing out will be the equivalent to the amount of vapour excess of 100% RH of the air at its new temperature. Therefore, when warm air comes into contact with either colder air or a cold surface the warm air is cooled, i.e. depressing the temperature of the air to a level at which it can no longer contain all the water vapour and some of it is discarded as condensation or liquid water.
Condensation in a building usually occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface. The air is cooled below its saturation point causing its excess water vapour to change into liquid water. The condensed water usually appears as water droplets or water film on non-absorbent surfaces such as windows or tiles. This form of condensation is SURFACE CONDENSATION. It is obvious and always occurs on the surfaces which are at or below the dew point of the air immediately adjacent.
Condensation can also occur within the fabric of the building due to the internal air permeating through the structure because of its greater pressure. Water vapour in the air exerts a pressure which contributes to the total pressure of the air.
The more moisture present in the air the greater the contribution of water vapour to the total pressure of the air referred to as vapour pressure. Air inside a heated building usually contains more moisture than does the external air.
This means it is at a higher pressure which tends to force the warm air through the structure taking the moisture with it. Most building materials, except metals, plastics and certain lined elements, are to some extent permeable and do not obstruct the movement of moist air through the structure. The warm moist air will eventually cool below its dew point within the fabric of the building resulting in condensation. This form of condensation is INTERSTITIAL CONDENSATION.
Interstitial Condensation is rather more complex than the surface condensation and presents a greater hazard because the resulting high moisture content can often go undetected for long periods until serious structural damage has developed such as timber decay. It will also render ineffective any insulation within the component where it occurs.