| About Condensation Damp | | | | particularly if damp mould has been present. |
| Condensation Damp is generally a bi-product of how | | | | Numerous people have found that using standard |
| we live and can effect damp walls, and damp cellars. | | | | cleaning products or bleach can sometimes be a futile |
| Various things that we do on a daily basis | | | | exercise when trying to remove penicillium mould |
| exacerbates the levels of atmospheric moisture in | | | | permanently. If the spores of the mould have |
| our homes and buildings and this has a direct bearing | | | | manifested themselves then the only option may be |
| on the levels of condensation damp. Cooking, bathing, | | | | to remove the wall plaster or apply an impermeable |
| showering and even breathing can increase moisture | | | | damp proofing membrane over the affected areas. |
| levels in the atmosphere with the average person | | | | Application of Damp Proof Membranes |
| expelling up to 5 pints of moisture a night just while | | | | Damp Proof Membranes can be applied to damp walls |
| they are sleeping! | | | | affected by condensation damp, staining and mould |
| Condensation damp can occur: | | | | and penetrating damp. The recommended High |
| - When there is a lack of natural ventilation | | | | Density Polypropylene and Polyethylene damp proof |
| - When there is a constant change in air temperature | | | | membranes would be moulded into a stud formation |
| in a room | | | | which creates an air gap behind the system. The |
| - When wall surfaces are damp and cold | | | | impervious nature of the damp proof membrane |
| - When radiators have been used excessively to dry | | | | coupled with the 'egg box' stud profile means that |
| clothes | | | | when the membrane has been applied to the wall |
| Basically, air molecules are larger when they are | | | | surface, mould spores caused by the condensation |
| warm and so they can hold more atmospheric | | | | damp can no longer affect new finishes which would |
| moisture. When the air cools the molecules reduce in | | | | be applied to the Damp Proof Membrane. Similarly, |
| size and so are unable to hold the same amount of | | | | any dampness in the structure will be prevented |
| moisture, and therefore deposit the excess moisture | | | | from affecting the wall finishes. They can be applied |
| on the surrounding surfaces. Visually this can appear | | | | by a DIY damp expert, or a professional damp |
| as actual moisture and wet to the touch, or as black | | | | specialist. |
| spot penicillium mould. Both can have detrimental | | | | The air gap provided by the studs of the membrane |
| affects to the internal finishes and the spores of the | | | | is a natural insulator and this means that when applied |
| mould can manifest themselves permanently in the | | | | the membrane serves to gently warm up the surface |
| wall plaster. | | | | of the wall and the thermal qualities can help to |
| Condensation damp can also be a health hazard | | | | reduce levels of condensation damp. The damp |
| especially to those who already have respiratory | | | | plaster can then dry out behind the membrane, thus |
| health problems. | | | | treating damp permanently. |
| Dealing With Condensation Damp | | | | Damp Proof Membrane Systems can be applied |
| For below ground damp problems, a full damp tanking | | | | following the removal of contaminated wall finishes, |
| system should be applied to the damp cellar. When | | | | or simply directly over the top of them. |
| dealing with above ground damp it is important to | | | | One contractor who regularly uses Damp Proof |
| provide increased and regular levels of ventilation to | | | | Membranes said "We don't mess about any more. |
| facilitate regular air changes within a room. If this can | | | | Whenever we have a wall affected by condensation |
| be achieved naturally then some form of mechanical | | | | damp and damp mould we firstly install better levels |
| ventilation or climate control should be introduced. | | | | of ventilation - naturally or mechanically - and then |
| In turn some attention should be given to the | | | | we apply a Damp Proof Membrane to the walls and |
| surfaces where the condensation is occurring | | | | dab fix an insulated plasterboard. |