Condensation certainly isn't a new problem. In fact incorrect energyefficient building design is often the cause of excess moisture and mould growth.
And because of the way modern buildings are constructed, once condensation forms it can be hard to detect and lead to huge rectification costs. This article explores issues, and recommended product solutions to combat condensation.
With rising energy costs and environmental concerns, the construction industry has changed the way it builds, bringing in new types of materials and construction techniques. It's now more common to use lightweight cladding materials in roofs and walls, as well as more wall and ceiling insulation to reduce heat transfer, allowing some surfaces to become cold creating a dewpoints for moisture to condense on.
And with a push to make structures airtight and more energy efficient it's much harder for moisture to escape. In basic terms, new building design has created more cold surfaces and increased the volume of moisture throughout the building envelope. In order to deal with condensation while maintaining improved energy efficiency choosing the right wrap is critical to improve moisture control and reduce condensation risk.
CSR Bradford recommends the use of Enviroseal™ Vapour Permeable wraps to prevent condensation as it allows water vapour to flow freely through the material and reduces air flow through the wall and roof systems making them more energy efficient. It is also important to consider ventilation of the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
The environmental effect
But it's not just the type of construction methods that increase the risk of mould growth. Many environmental factors raise the risk of condensation, such as:
more people living in the house than intended heating and cooling the internal environment the climate zone of the building buildings on the south side of a hill, or shaded by trees or PV solar systems, getting less thermal warmth in the day horizontal surfaces facing the night sky can cool by an additional 5° to 10°C.
