Typical Condensation beads of water and steamed up window glazing.
Surface mould growth on walls and ceiling
Condensation (beads of water) forming under window.
The advice given below can go someway forward to helping with the control of condensation and mould problems.
The Control of Condensation
The control of condensation is based on two very simple primary measures, supported by a number of secondary measures.
Primary Measures
1. Improve Ventilation.
Condensation mould generally occurs in areas where the walls are obstructed by furniture and other stored effects.
By improving general ventilation this will sweep away the internal moisture-laden air and replace it with drier air from the outside (yes, the external air is drier than internal air most of the year!)
Use mechanical extractors and ventilation (where fitted) and keep bathroom and kitchen doors closed during use to prevent moisture movement to other parts of the house.
2. Improved Heating.
Coupled with ventilation, heating should be set or applied to give a low-level background heat. This will ensure no rapid changes to the environment, and will facilitate slight warming of wall surfaces over a period of time, thus reducing the risk of condensation.
Secondary Measures
- Remove excess sources of moisture – avoid drying clothes inside the house and the use of liquid gas and paraffin heaters.
- Insulate cold surfaces.
- Prevent other sources of water ingress and penetration.
- Install dehumidifiers, these can remove excess moisture from the air.
- In areas of continued risk to mould, wash down walls with mould / fungicidal washes and redecorate using specialist Anti-mould paints.
Further condensation advice on the control of condensation can be found in our condensation advice leaflet. Click here to download our condensation advice leaflet.
Please note that the advice given above is given in good faith and does not constitute a specification for the control of condensation, if further advice or a survey is required please contact our office.
