Anti-
Damp
Down to Earth Advice
Telephone:
1300 301 210 Mobile: 0419 842 686
Licence
Number 84908C
What is Condensation ?
The Problem
Condensation is by far the most common cause of dampness in buildings,
probably accounting for the majority of damp problems reported. It affects
both old and new buildings, and can be a significant problem where the
building has been modernised. Although it's the most common cause of damp
it's not the only cause you may have rising damp.
Condensation is directly associated with mould growth which is associated
with many health problems. It is this that the
occupier sees first, and it gives an indication of the potential scale
of the problem. The mould is usually found on decorative surfaces, especially
wallpapers, where it can cause severe and permanent spoiling. In many cases,
the mould and its spores ('seeds') give rise to complaints about health,
and cause the "musty" odour frequently associated with a damp house.
The obvious places for condensation to occur are on cold walls and floors,
but it can also occur in roof spaces and in sub-floor areas where there
is a timber suspended floor; in the latter case, it can lead to rot developing
in floor timbers.
The Cause
It is a fact that warm air can hold more water as vapour than cool air.
Condensation is caused when moisture-laden air comes into contact with
a cold surface - the air is cooled to the point where it can no longer
hold its burden of water vapour. At this point, (DEWPOINT), water begins
to drop out of the air, and is seen as condensation on surfaces. On impervious
surfaces such as glass and gloss paint, beads or a film of water collect.
On permeable surfaces such as wallpaper and porous plaster, the condensing
water is absorbed into the material. Therefore, the problem is not always
initially obvious.
One should also be aware that the problem can occur well away from the
site of most water vapour production. E.g. water vapour produced in the
kitchen may diffuse through the house into a cold bedroom where it will
condense on cold walls.
So How Do You Treat IT ?
Improve Ventilation
This will sweep away the internal moisture-laden air and replace it with
drier air from the outside (yes, external air is drier than internal air
most of the year!)
Ventilation can be achieved by opening a few windows, installing air
vents, and using extractor fans, however not all condensation problem originate
inside the living areas of the house. Many houses suffer from poor or inadequate
sub-floor ventilation due to either non-existent or insufficient ventilation
of the sub-floor. Often owners are unaware of this until advised by a plumber,
builder, pest control or damp expert that there is a potential problem.
If they have not been fortunate enough to have been so advised, the problem
is not known until serious damage is discovered.
Install Sub-Floor Vents
The majority of problems can be eradicated by installing sub-floor vents
such as those shown in the picture. Anti-Damp is the largest installer
of large brass mesh vents in Sydney, this style provides 8 times the airflow
of standard terracotta vents. We have had considerable experience in ventilating
difficult sub-floors and have provided our services to builders, the Department
of Housing, environmental pest companies and the general domestic market.
Install a Wind Turbo
The Wind Powered Turbo Ventilation systems can be installed in situations
where it is not practical to install, Anti-Damp Vents, e.g. high soil levels,
terrace houses or semi detached houses with little access etc. They are
mounted on either a 100mm or l50mm pipe and often used in conjunction with
Anti-Damp Vents.
Install a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers remove water from the atmosphere; they lower the water content
of the air, and therefore lower the risk of condensation. One strategically
placed dehumdifier can be very effective. The dehumidifiers
Anti-Damp recommends and supplies remove large amounts of water every day
quietly and efficiently, substantially reducing the conditions under which
mould and condensation occur. We can also supply a carbon filter which
is especially effective against odours. These dehumidifiers are tough,
strong and very reliable. Air intake and output, and water container are
at the front/top of the machine. This is a special feature which allows
the unit to be placed right up against a wall with a piece of furniture
on either side. Plus there is a handle located in the top of the unit,
which provides ease of mobility without having to bend. These units can
either be leased or bought.
Anti-Damp Australia Pty.
Ltd.
Specialist in treatment
of rising damp, sub-floor ventilation and waterproofing
e-mail:
enquiries@antidamp.com.au