Condensation is probably the most common type of dampness in buildings. Condensation can cause mould growth on walls, ceilings and clothing and can lead to peeling wallpaper and many other problems.
Insufficient ventilation or multi-occupancy, such as student accommodation, are common causes of condensation. Flats and bungalows are especially prone to condensation problems.
BAR Preservation along with leading British specialist ventilation manufacturers can offer Positive Pressure Ventilation Systems to help eradicate condensation.
Most people think that mould growth, musty smells, streaming windows, wet curtains or pools of water on window sills are caused by rising damp, however this is not always the case. Quite often the problem is caused by condensation. To discover more about condensation and its causes click here.
To cure condensation in single rooms or small dwellings BAR Preservation normally recommends a heat recovery ventilation system. This system provides a continuous change of air; continuously replacing stale damp air with fresh, filtered, warmed air from outside. Heat recovery ventilators are economical and recover around 73% of exhaust heat; replacing conventional extractor fans with heat recovery systems could save more than half of the energy used.
For a whole house a positive input ventilation system is usually recommended. The main ventilation system is usually placed in a loft space to utilise the dry and relatively warm air found there to provide a continuous supply of fresh air to the whole property. Via an inconspicuous, unobtrusive vent, usually positioned in a central point of the dwelling like the top of the stairs or in a hallway ceiling, the system gently replaces stale moist air found in the house with clean dry filtered air.
The fresh dry air mixes with the existing air and distributes throughout the whole of the property. The whole house then becomes slightly pressurised with new fresh dry air circulating throughout the property, thus eliminating any stagnant pockets of air. The slight positive pressure causes air to gradually leak out through windows, doors, grilles and other natural crevices leaving only dry, filtered air left within: A significant improvement will be seen within a few days of installation.
As well as removing the problem of condensation these systems also help remove fumes; from tobacco and exhausts, chemical emissions; from furnishings and cleaning products, dust; from furniture, carpets and bedding, and pet odours. These systems typically cost around 1 penny a day to run.
To discover more about condensation and its causes click here.
BAR Preservation is a structural repair and preservation specialist based in Manchester and working across the North West. For a damp survey, a wall tie survey, a structural survey, a timber survey or any other building survey click or call 0161 655 3480 now.