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Condensation Risk With External Walls

Wed 09 Sep 2009 - 07:56

Condensation Risk With External Walls
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michal_Studzinski]Michal Studzinski

In a damp country like Ireland condensation is a common occurrence in poorly insulated house. Condensation can occur when warm moist air meets a cold surface. This could be the surface of a wall, or even on a layer inside the wall (Interstitial Condensation). Condensation can damage the fabric of a wall and lead to more frequent redecorating. More seriously, condensation leading to the growth of mold and mildew can cause ill heath for the occupants.

Condensation is the formation of liquid water from air when the temperature of the air reaches its dew point. This is most lightly to occur during winter months when the walls are cold and the internal air is warm especially in locations where the relative humidity of the internal air is high Bathrooms and kitchens are common locations where this occurs, but also bedrooms in the early hours of the morning.

How condensation manifests depends on the type of wall insulation in the house. With non insulated walls condensation normally occurs on the inside surface as the wall is cold. For houses with internal insulation the risk is that condensation will build up behind the insulation where moist air comes into contact with the cold external wall. (Constructireland has a very clear account of what can go wrong)

In the case of poorly constructed cavity insulation walls, the interstitial condensation can occur. So the fabric of the external wall will deteriorate and suffer from cracks as the water in the wall freezes and thaws.

Using good quality external insulation ensures that the entire fabric of the house remains warm and so the dew point is brought outside the building. This means that condensation can not occur inside the building. The biggest risk is if the insulation is not correctly bonded to the wall, moisture can build up behind insulation. To ensure that the insulation is fully bonded to the wall, you need to ensure that only approved (ETAG 004 in Europe or better) external wall insulation systems is used on your home.

Wall Insulation is an Irish Engineering company specialising in External Wall Insulation Systems (EWIS). For more information visit us at: [http://www.WallInsulation.ie]http://www.WallInsulation.ie.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michal_Studzinski http://EzineArticles.com/?Condensation-Risk-With-External-Walls&id=2823953


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