Condensation Damp

What Is Condensation Damp?

Condensation Damp is generally a bi-product of how we live and is caused by too much water vapour in the air. Various things that we do on a daily basis – bathing, showering, cooking etc – exacerbates the levels of atmospheric moisture in our homes and buildings and this has a direct bearing on the levels of condensation damp.

Condensation damp is likely to occur when there is a lack of natural ventilation within the property, when there is regular change in temperature in a property, when radiators have been used excessively to dry clothes or when steam is allowed to move from a kitchen or bathroom into another room. Hot air is able to carry more moisture than cold air, so as the temperature of air increases it is able to hold a greater volume of water, increasing the chances of condensation damp developing.

As soon as the warm air, containing moisture, comes in contact with the cooler surface, it will condense. Thus the air molecules reduce in size and so are unable to hold the same amount of moisture, and therefore the excess moisture escapes on the surrounding surfaces. This causes visual dampness on the walls, and encourages  damp mould – an example of which is shown above. This can also aggravate health problems, especially in those prone to respiratory problems and asthma, as the spores of the mould can manifest themselves permanently in the wall plaster.

Condensation damp can be helped by improving the ventilation in a property – either by opening the windows regularly or by installing a climate control device. Tumble driers should be checked to ensure they are ventilated according to the manufacturers instructions. The chances of condensation damp developing would be further reduced if extractor fans are installed in the kitchen and bathroom

Newton Damp Proof Membranes are the ideal solution for Condensation Damp

Application of Newton Damp Proof Membranes

Newton Damp Proof Membranes can be applied to walls affected by condensation damp, staining and mould. The High Density Polypropylene and Polyethylene damp proof membranes are moulded into a stud formation which creates an air gap behind the system. The impervious nature of the damp proof membrane coupled with the ‘egg box’ stud profile means that when the membrane has been applied to the wall surface, mould spores caused by the condensation damp can no longer affect new finishes which would be applied to the Newton Damp Proof Membrane. Similarly, any dampness in the structure will be prevented from affecting the wall finishes.

The air gap provided by the studs of the membrane is a natural insulator and this means that when applied the membrane serves to gently warm up the surface of the wall and the thermal qualities can help to reduce levels of condensation damp.

Newton Damp Proof Membrane Systems can be applied following the removal of the wall finishes affected by condensation damp, or simply directly over the top of them

One contractor who regularly uses Newton Damp Proof Membranes said “We don’t mess about anymore. Whenever we have a wall affected by condensation damp we firstly install better levels of ventilation – naturally or mechanically – and then we apply Newton 503 Mesh to the walls and dab fix an insulated plasterboard to the Newton Damp Proof Membrane. That way we get a nice dry and warm wall surface which considerably reduces the chances of condensation damp re-occurring”

View More Solutions

Rising Damp Treatment
Penetrating Damp
Damp Walls Treatment