What is Condensation?

Condensation is the most common type of dampness affecting our homes. Condensation occurs whenever warm, moist air meets a surface or object cold enough to chill the moisture in the air below its dew point. It is the conversion of the invisible water vapour in the air back into a liquid, and occurs when the vapour cools. The temperature at which the vapour begins to condense is called the dew point.
Condensation is often considered a trivial problem that can be easily dealt with. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, condensation is probably the most difficult type of dampness to control due to the complex interacting factors that cause it. At Dampdoctor our experienced team can help identify solutions to your damp related problems.

Causes of Condensation

Condensation and mould are often described as a ‘life-style problem’ as it is directly linked to the way we live in our properties as outlined above. It is most problematic in winter time, triggered by the colder weather. The result is often water forming on windows and mould growth. Also, musty smells become apparent and clothes may become a feeding ground for various types of mould. In many cases the mould and its spores (‘seeds’) give rise to complaints about health, and cause the ‘musty’ odour frequently associated with a damp house.

The introduction of Part F of the Building Regulations 2009 has seen a continued move towards draught proofing homes to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. Natural ventilation has been reduced if not eliminated (in some cases) as a direct result of more energy efficient homes that have been fitted with insulation and made air-tight with triple glazing. This means that the moist air generated by everyday activities (as detailed above) is unable to escape thus increasing the humidity in your property and leading to condensation and visible damp spots.
The conditions that determine condensation are as follows:
• The level of moisture in the air
• The temperature of the air in your home
• The surface temperature of the windows & walls and other surfaces

The Solution – Positive Input Ventilation

As a direct consequence of more efficient homes there has been a steady move towards controlled ventilation. Our team at Dampdoctor specialise in the provision and installation of ventilation systems in all types of properties, from single room solutions to multi-room systems, from houses to apartments. The PIV system replaces stale moisture laden air with fresh healthy air in your living space. The dramatic reduction in humidity creates a situation where condensation and mould are unable to exist and grow. Along with this the ongoing flow of fresh air in your living space represents a much healthier living environment dramatically reducing pollutants from cooking and cleaning, along with Radon gas, Carbon monoxide and pollen.

Our ventilation systems offer a solution for the entire property and operate by means of a pressurised system. The PIV unit introduces a continuous flow of fresh filtered air into your property replacing stale, moisture laden air. This system offers a reliable year-round ventilation solution creating a constant circulation of air from inside to outside.

Our heat ventilation system offers the added advantage of a combined heater that can be set to vary the temperature of incoming air as needed. The units integrated heater automatically switches on during cold periods. Running costs are extremely efficient also, running at just over 1c per day.
Our units are an ideal solution for retro-fit projects with minimal disruption to your property. There is minimal visual evidence of the attic units which are placed in the attic out of site.
Features & Benefits of our Heated Ventilation System:

• Eliminates Condensation, Dampness, and Mould Problems
• Marked Health benefits for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers
• Dramatically enhances Inside Air Quality
• Extremely Efficient to Run
• Five Year Warranty
• Complies with Current Building Regulations as a Low-Energy Ventilation Solution
• Combined Heater to Heat Incoming Air if Required
• Smart Heat Recovery
• Discretionary Manual Boost Switch for Extra Ventilation
• Minimal Maintenance – filter clean or replacement every five years
• System standby in summer months– when the attic temperature exceeds 23°C

PIV for Apartments or Buildings without Attics

This Ventilation system is also based on the popular and low-energy Positive Input Ventilation principle and has been specifically designed to ventilate homes without attics. This PIV system offers all the same benefits as the attic unit. It introduces air into the home at a continuous low rate, eliminating condensation and dampness, while also forcing our indoor pollutants such as Radon gas and carbon monoxide. Similar to the attic unit this unit too is fitted with an integrated heater which can provide additional heating when required.