FAQS
How To Stop Damp and Condensation
Below are some of the questions that clients often ask when trying to stop damp, condensation and other damp related problems in their homes or commercial properties. If your questions are not answered here or you would like further help or advice do not hesitate to get in touch.
Why do we suffer from condensation in our homes?
Will double glazing stop condensation?
Will a dehumidifier stop condensation?
Can damp paints help with damp and mould problems?
Why do we suffer from condensation in our homes?
Daily home living (cooking, wash and dry clothing, and also when we take a shower) will produce extreme amounts of moisture within a property. The average 3 person family create around 15 pints of moisture every day. Newly built properties are designed so you can seal windows, they will have draft proofing and no open chimney which means that large amounts of moisture will be trapped in the property resulting in condensation on walls and windows and damp problems. The Damp 2 Dry Solutions ventilation system will ventilate your property and help take away this moisture naturally. Read more about condensation solutions.
Will double glazing stop condensation?
The answer is simple – no. Condensation will occur in the cool parts of the property. If a house has double glazing it will make the windows warmer so reduce the condensation on the windows leaving the condensation to form elsewhere around the home on exterior walls, doors or in the roof space and so on. Read more about condensation solutions.
Will a dehumidifier stop condensation?
Dehumidifiers might reduce slightly the humidity levels in a room by pushing air across a cool coil which will cause the damp air to condense inside the dehumidifier where it can be collected. There can be a number of problems when using a dehumidifier so they are only suitable in certain circumstances on a temporary basis:
- Dehumidifiers are not cheap to buy and are use a log of electricity so are very expensive to run.
- They tend to work correctly in a room that is well heated.
- They need to be left on virtually all the time and emptied frequently.
- They are noisy and can get in the way in the home.
Can damp paints help with damp and mould problems?
Specialist damp or mould paint are often not a permanent solution. The coatings and finishes contain biocide which often contains a toxic chemical. Mould can’t grow in this substance but the damp issues will still be there and mould will re-appear when the chemical fails. Often this happens in a number of days, subject to the type of chemicals in the paint.
Does rising damp exist?
Rising damp has been a concern since ancient times. It is widely referred to in Victorian literature and the Public Health Act of 1875 introduced the requirement for a damp-proof course to be installed in walls to prevent rising damp. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) acknowledges rising damp as a real problem. Indeed, Part C of the Building Regulations for England and Wales specifically calls for the inclusion of a damp-proof course in all new properties. Read more about rising damp solutions.
