Prevent Condensation in your property
Condensation is a seasonal problem in both period properties and newer homes. Steamed up windows, mould growth and a musty odour are all signs of a Condensation.
Damp Stop has a revolutionary treatment to solve Condensation problems within every type of property, whether it’s housing, commercial or industrial.
The installation of a Positive Input Ventilation Unit (PIV) will remove Condensation in your property.
SPEAK TO A CONDENSATION EXPERT NOW 0800 328 1560
Condensation prevention by Damp Stop – Positive Input Ventilation Unit
Our Positive Input Ventilation Unit (PIV) draws in fresh, filtered and clean air before gently ventilating it throughout your property. This prevents condensation. In properties with more serious issues we would recommend the installation of a low voltage extractor fans to higher moisture producing areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Once installed, moisture laden air is diluted, displaced and replaced. This controls humidity levels, significantly reducing or eliminating surface condensation and removing the main cause for mould growth.
Lower humidity levels also reduce dust mites, providing a healthier environment for the likes of asthma sufferers.
Overall, indoor air quality is vastly improved.
Information on property Condensation…
Condensation is a process that occurs when a cold surface meets with moist, warm air. When this happens water vapour condenses resulting in condensation.
Condensation is easy to identify on windows and other non-absorbent surfaces. You will notice droplets of condensed water which is called surface condensation. Droplets of this type occur when the air adjacent to the surface is at or below the dew point.
Interstitial condensation happens when there is a greater overall air pressure in the structure of a building caused by warm moist air moving through it. When this occurs it can cause the dew point to cool within the fabric of the building.
Interstitial condensation presents a much bigger threat than surface condensation. If undetected, interstitial condensation will seriously damage your property and cause timber decay.
Condensation is caused by one of the following:
- Heating
- Thermal capacity and insulation
- Moisture generated within the property
- The ventilation system
Condensation is normally caused as a result of moisture being generated through inadequate ventilation systems.
Most buildings are designed like a ‘sealed box’ to prevent heat loss. Double glazing and draught excluders remove ventilation causing poor circulation. When domestic activities take place within the ‘sealed box’ moisture has nowhere to go. This leads to stale air and condensation.
Kitchens and bathrooms in particular are the breeding spots for condensation. These rooms often have the coldest surface areas or create the most moisture.
Condensation can spread to other cooler parts of a building such as bedrooms. Once this has happened the first signs of condensation will become evident in the form of mould growth.
When mould starts to appear the issue of condensation needs to be addressed. Black mould can damage furnishings and decoration.
Black mould will produce unpleasant smells as the problem worsens. It can quickly become a hazard that can cause health problems.
Damp Stop offer a mould cleaning service if your property has already reached this stage.
In the UK, condensation is the single largest complaint made by tenants to landlords, in both public and private sectors.
Often these condensation issues are caused by the owner/occupier.
‘Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating system, mould is listed as a class one health hazard and is treated very seriously by environmental health officers. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their properties are free from risks to the tenants’ health and have a duty to provide adequate heating and ventilation; what is more, under EU regulations concerning fuel poverty, opening windows during the space heating season to ventilate is no longer a viable defence.’
‘High relative humidity levels are quite common place in properties these days. Our drive for energy efficiency means houses are built more tightly and are effectively ‘sealed’ with insulation and double glazing. As we cook, bathe and breathe up to 4 pints of moisture per person, per day is trapped in the property.’