For our customers, it’s important that we understand the apparent complicated process of how Condensation occurs in order we can provide the right recommendations for overcoming Condensation problems in buildings.

Within these webpages we have provided help, advice and guidance on this topic for interested parties. Protectahome Surveyors are experts at identifying the causes and the potential cures relating to condensation in buildings, so call in our professionals at an early stage.

The air within a building contains moisture vapour. The warmer the air is, the more moisture it is able to hold. The amount of moisture present in air can be measured and is normally expressed in terms of “percentage Relative Humidity”. Relative Humidity (RH) is therefore the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water that air could hold at a given temperature. In other terms, Relative Humidity can be described as the degree of saturation of the air. When air is fully saturated with water it is at 100% RH. Relative Humidity can sometimes appear to be confusing since it varies with the temperature and moisture content.

As warm air cools it is no longer able to support the same quantity of water. Once saturation is reached (at the Dew Point temperature) the surplus water is deposited on cold surfaces in the form of Condensation. The Dew Point temperature can be calculated using a table such as that below. It is therefore possible to determine the Dew Point for air at a given temperature and with a specific Relative Humidity. Use the scale on the left of the table below to find the air temperature, then use the top scale to locate the Relative Humidity. The intersection of the two measurements identifies the Dew Point temperature, or the temperature at which moisture will be released from the air in the form of Condensation.

For example in a room, if the RH is 65% and the air temperature is 18°C, from our Dew Point table the intersection indicates that the Dew Point is 12°C. If the wall or a surface temperature is at or below 12°C, Condensation will occur.

In most instances condensation occurs on cold surfaces in areas where there is high humidity. Areas of likely high humidity in a domestic building often include kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, small bedrooms and toilets.

The Condensation we typically see is usually the result of Surface Condensation. Such typical evidence includes the collection of water on the surface of windows and, for example on the bathroom mirror. Condensation does however also occur within the body of materials or within the fabric of a building. This type is referred to as Interstitial Condensation and is often harder to detect and diagnose. A common indicator of a condensation problem, other than the presence of free moisture on the surface of windows etc, is that of associated mould growth. By far, it is the presence of the typical Black Mould that causes occupants to seek our professional services.Firstly, it is essential that the source of any moisture problem is correctly identified by a professional and that the true extent is identified. Once this has been done a comprehensive remedial strategy can be formulated which may include any of or a combination of the following:

• Action to reduce and/or control moisture generators within the area affected. Such might include the installation of vent kit for a tumble drier etc.
• Provision of adequate ventilation, including passive or powered ventilation where appropriate.
• Improvement of the thermal performance of surfaces where appropriate.
• Provision of adequate levels of heating.
• Application of specialist coatings and paints.

Here at Protectahome we have an extensive portfolio of systems and processes that we may employ to overcome associated problems. All properties are different, as are their occupants. We work sympathetically with our clients to achieve a common goal of a dry, healthy and habitable accommodation.

With offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Bromsgrove, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Leamington Spa, Llanelli, London, Newport, Plymouth, Stockport you will never be too far away from a Protectahome Surveyor.  To arrange a survey call us now on 0800 055 6966 or email us at web@protectahome.co.uk.