Article By Russel Rafton https://www.dryfix.net/
Condensation season is now very much in full swing.
Blame for a lot of condensation and mould associated problems is often put on the occupants particularly in the case of social housing however, in my experience disrepair, neglect and poor building work are often the cause.
I’m amazed how we can live in what is considered to be a wealthy country with such poor standards of housing. In my opinion much of this is due to a combination of cost cutting and simply a lack of knowledge and care. Here’s just a few images taken from surveys just this week.
1: Poor mechanical extract ventilation install, excessive lengths of duct, no condensate trap and condensed water within the exhaust pipe.
2: Mechanical extract fan venting into the cavity with no ducting.
3: PIV unit exhaust duct not connected to the ceiling diffuser.
4: Boiler exhaust pipe too close to the bathroom vent (minimum spacing 300mm).
5: Natural air bricks sealed with silicone.
6: Insulation installed between rafter with non-permeable membrane and no air gap (minimum requirement 50mm).
7: New build property with missing insulation with the ceilings, eves and walls.
8: Roof covering with double layer of non-permeable membrane with high humidity, condensation and mould problems.
9: High internal humidity.
It’s probably accurate to say that the effects of the new 2018 Homes Act has somewhat been shadowed by the Covid pandemic, but homeowners, landlords and social housing organisations pull your socks up because this year especially with the cost of living crisis, report cases of condensation and mould are seeing a significant increase. A Merry Christmas for it won’t be!
