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Condensation & Mould
Problem:
We can’t seem to get away from the wet and windy weather in Ireland and that adds to the problem of condensation and Mould
Condensation is the dampness formed when the air laden with water makes contact with a cold surface. The resulting damp causes damage to walls, timber decoration and furnishing. All of this goes to make an unhealthy environment.
Due to the damp conditions Mould growth will start to appear on the surfaces affected with the condensation. The Mould can appear as different unsightly growths and omit an odour that is referred to as damp and musty. This growth can show up in different colours depending of the surface and chemical make up. Black and grey or the most common but you can also expect to see yellow, pink, white and green. Mould doesn’t only look bad it is bad to your health.
Solution:
There are a few things that can be done to help prevent damp and condensation but the most important thing is to keep on top of the problem, for example:
- During the planning and costing of your new build you can help minimise the future problems of condensation and mould by making sure your home has adequate installation, heating and ventilation.
- Also at planning stage, try and avoid putting more than two external walls for any room as this can make the room more difficult to heat during the winter months and can add to the risk of condensation forming and turning into mould.
- In areas where there will be higher amounts of water in the air like bathrooms, kitchen and utility room, paint ceiling with a fungicide coating and install extractor fans to help with the removal excess moisture.
- Purchase a dehumidifier from any electrical shop, you can help control the amount of moisture in the air by moving it around the house. A dehumidifier can collect up to 10 litre’s of water a day from a damp house.
- Avoid drying clothes in the house, if you have to make sure that you have a dehumidifier in that room.
- When heating your home avoid bottle gas heaters and paraffin as just one litre of paraffin can produce over one litre of water and this all adds to the moisture in the air .
- Make sure that all new windows and doors are at least double glazed.
- If you are building in a very wet area or by the sea apply water repellants to external walls to reduce the loss of heat from evaporation of absorbed water.
- To remove any mould that may appear buy a fungicide product which can help prevent mould or wipe the area with a weak solution of bleach.
Remember prevention is better that cure!
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