Reducing condensation
Introduction
Healthy housing cannot be achieved without considering people.
Condensation is not just responsible for the development of unsightly mould: certain micro-organisms thrive inside damp buildings, including bacteria, fungi, moulds, mites and yeasts - and all can make people ill.
Planned preventative maintenance programmes can tackle the physical factors affecting the building, but they must also take account of humans. Lifestyle, fuel poverty, cultural needs, and overcrowding can all play a part.
Remedies range from simple changes to the heating and ventilation regime to cosmetic treatments such as redecoration, perhaps with a fungicidal paint. More severe cases may require improvement to thermal insulation, or greater heat input and better ventilation. Before recommending any remedies you must gain a clear understanding of where the moisture is coming from. If this can be reduced, then more than half of the battle has been won.
To remedy a condensation problem, remember the 3 principle factors influencing condensation, singled out by the BRE in Report 174 Tackling Condensation:
- temperature levels;
- ventilation rates; and
- the amount of moisture available.
Remedies for condensation problems must be targeted at 1 or more of these factors. It is possible to raise internal air temperatures, improve ventilation rates or reduce moisture available by adjusting the controls of building services, changing occupier habits and lifestyle, or improving building design or condition.