Condensation is the most common form of damp problem.
Condensation is the most common form of damp problem it is also hands down the most expensive for of damp to home owners. Not because its difficult to cure but because its easy to label it as other damp problems such as penetrating damp or rising damp.These are the type of damp which cost serious money to fix.
Especially if you listen to the damp salesman with his little “damp meter” It would be better used to test the gullibility of the people who fall for it.
Condensation what is it? I searched Yahoo and this was the very first result which came up.
“water which collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it.
“the inside of the cab steamed up with condensation”
synonyms: moisture, water droplets, steam”
Perfect, if we examine this a little closer. I am sure you will agree we have all been in a cab or taxi when its cold and seen condensation run down the windows making them foggy.
On the other hand I dont think that I have seen a cab that’s actually damp.
So if a cab can be dry until we get in it on a cold day so can your house. The point is that something is giving off the water vapor which is condensing on those cold walls.
If you find out what it is you have saved yourself paying a fortune to the man with the damp meter.
Condensation related damp walls
Condensation is the most common kind of damp and is caused by moist air condensing on walls. It’s mainly a winter problem, as at this time of year walls are much colder than the air inside.
This part is very difficult for people to comply with even if they agree its a good idea.
Condensation can be exacerbated by poor ventilation, and heating that cycles on and off, as this allows damp air to condense.
Ventilation is not a trickle vent left open in a window frame. Its also not a window in the bathroom ajar while you have a shower.
It is the passage of air from one end of the house to the other and includes every room.
The reason that this is hard/impossible for people to comply with is that they think. Wait a minute I have paid a fortune in fuel to get my house warm now you want me to let all that heat out. Are you crazy?
If you have walls effected by condensation you are definitely going to pay more than a heating bill to have it “fixed”.
You dont need to ventilate your house when you are at home cozy in front of the fire. What about 15 minutes during the day – every day. I promise that you will see a big difference in the state of your walls within a week.
If and I am sure there are a thousand reasons why you cant do that then you can install a positive pressure system which works with electricity to ventilate your house for you.
This trapped water vapor in your home as “condensation” is easy to spot. You may notice water on windows, window sills or walls, shadowy dark mold appearing in the corners of the rooms and where the ceiling meets the wall.
If left untreated, condensation can damage paint and plaster and cause window frames to decay.
No one wants a house that smells like a 1960’s damp masionet so talk to the experts and follow the advice that they provide.
Contact us at info@casteloconstruction.com 00351 927168247
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