Condensation Damp & Mould On Walls: The Treatment - By: David Sutcliffe

Condensation Damp - What Is It?

Various things that we do on a daily basis exacerbates the levels of atmospheric moisture in our homes and buildings and this has a direct bearing on the levels of condensation damp. Condensation damp can affect damp walls, and damp cellars and with the average person expelling up to 5 pints of moisture a night just while they are sleeping! Add to this cooking, bathing, showering and moisture levels in the atmosphere increase greatly.

Condensation damp can occur when there is a lack of natural ventilation, when there is a constant change in air temperature in a room, when wall surfaces are damp and cold or when radiators have been used excessively to dry clothes. Basically, air molecules are larger when they are warm and so they can hold more atmospheric moisture. When the air cools the molecules reduce in size and so are unable to hold the same amount of moisture, and therefore deposit the excess moisture on the surrounding surfaces. Visually this can appear as actual moisture and wet to the touch, or as black spot penicillium mould. Both can have detrimental affects to the internal finishes and the spores of the mould can manifest themselves permanently in the wall plaster.

Condensation damp can also be a health hazard especially to those who already have respiratory health problems

Managing Condensation Damp

Regarding problems with condensation damp in below ground rooms, a full damp tanking system must be applied to the damp cellar. While dealing with above ground condensation damp it is necessary to provide increased and regular levels of ventilation for facilitating frequent air changes within a room. If it can be achieved in a natural way then some form of mechanical ventilation or climate control should be introduced.

In turn some attention must be given to the surfaces where the condensation is occurring particularly if damp mould has been present. Many people have realized that by using standard cleaning products or bleach it could be a futile exercise trying to eliminate penicillium mould as it keeps returning. If the spores of the mould have manifested themselves then the only option might be to remove the wall plaster or apply an impermeable damp proof membrane over the affected area.

Damp Proof Membranes - Application

Condensation damp, staining and mould and penetrating damp can be cured by applying Damp Proof Membranes. The recommended damp proof membranes create an air gap behind the system due to the polyethylene being designed with a stud formation. Damp proof membrane due to its impervious characteristics coupled with the 'egg box' stud profile will cure the condensation damp and mould spores. The damp will no longer be able to affect new finishes, as this would be applied directly to the Damp Proof Membrane. Damp Proof Membranes can be applied by a DIY damp expert, or a professional damp specialist.

The air gap provided by the studs of the membrane is a natural insulator and this means that when applied the membrane serves to gently warm up the surface of the wall and the thermal qualities can help to reduce levels of condensation damp. The damp plaster can then dry out behind the membrane, thus treating damp permanently.

Damp Proof Membrane Systems can be applied following the removal of contaminated wall finishes, or simply directly over the top of them

A contractor who regularly uses Damp Proof Membranes comments "We don't mess about any more and which considerably reduces the chances of condensation damp re-occuring"

About the Author

David Sutcliffe is an independent consultant specialising in the diagnosis of damp and condensation damp in all buildings across the construction spectrum from historic and listed buildings to new build, commercial and domestic structures. David has over 30 years of hands on experience in installing damp proof membranes

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/David-Sutcliffe/66382

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