When a pub in the North West had a problem with condensation and mould growth in their cellar the specialist Envirowise air quality team at Timberwise were called in to find a solution.
Envirowise determined that the problems were associated with the excessive moisture present in the air within the cellar. As a result this moisture, was causing a condensation problem and in turn a mould problem. The solution was simple – the installation of an Envirowise Cellar Positive Pressure System.
Designed to create enough air changes to replace the moist wet air trapped in the cellar in such a way as not to interfere with the normal chilling of the beers The Envirowise Cellar Positive Pressure System is designed to control the humidity in the toughest of cellar environments and reducing the risk of condensation and mould forming on beer lines which in turn reduces maintenance and cleaning costs.
The Science behind the Cellar Positive Pressure System
The principles behind the system are simple: If the moisture laden air is replaced with clean fresh filtered dryer air any evaporation that then takes place can be absorbed into the internal atmosphere and washed out by the Envirowise Cellar Positive Pressure System unit before condensation has any opportunity to reform on any cold surfaces.
To work, the system requires an air supply from an external source that is then ducted to the Envirowise Cellar Positive Pressure System. The system is designed to deliver an air flow either directly from the main unit or if necessary further ducting can be added to a desired point within the cellar.
Energy Saving Technology
The system benefits from our energy saving technology and operates within set temperature parameters hence the annual running costs are only around £10.00 per year.
The pictures below show the installation of the positive pressure system in the cellar:
Heavy mould growth and condensation on line pythons
Showing hanging moisture below the python and new mould growth above
Cellar Positive Pressure system air in-put direction grill
Looking for more information on positive pressure ventilation?
To find out more about our range of positive pressure systems for use in domestic or commercial environments check out our dedicated ventilation section of this website. Alternatively call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 or arrange an air quality survey to see how we can improve the air quality in your property.
With October not too far away the age old problem of condensation will be back with a vengeance causing dampness and misery for homeowners. Condensation traditionally occurs during colder weather, regardless of whether it is raining or dry. It tends to appear on cold surfaces and places where there is little or no movement of air – for example in the corners of rooms, near windows or behind cupboards and wardrobes.
Every home owner dreads finding damp in their home. To help home owners avoid damp problems in their home here are Timberwises top 5 tips to avoid damp problems in the future:
Top 5 ways to avoid damp problems
Regular external maintenance:Keep gutters and other rain water goods clean and free of leaves and other debris. Also seal any leaking joints as these could lead to damp problems.
Routine property inspections:Have a thorough inspection by a qualified surveyor every couple of years to identify potential damp problems such as water ingress through leaking gutters.
React fast!: If you do discover a damp problem with your home dealing with the damp issue sooner rather than later will save you money in the long term. The longer the damp problem is left the worse it will become.
Control the moisture within the building: Condensation within a property is one of the major types of dampness found within properties. Condensation can be controlled through ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens or by using such methods as positive pressure units to control the ventilation of the whole property.
Check seals:Seals around baths, showers and sinks can all eventually perish. Check the seals and where needed renew to prevent damp problems occurring.
Further help to prevent damp problems
Timberwise have been treating damp problems for over 40 years. More help and information about damp problems can be found on our damp related web pages:
If you find you do have a damp problem that needs some expert attention simply call 0800 288 8660 or request a damp survey on line by completing our damp survey request form.
Condensation mould (A part of the Aspergillus family of mould) forming on the back of a wardrobe
This great image taken on a condensation consultation in Manchester clearly shows the forming of condensation mould. Condensation mould doesn’t necessarily form in areas you can see and can prove to be a hidden menace! This example of condensation mould was caused as a result of the wardrobe pushed up against a cool external wall. As the wardrobe was close to the wall there was little or no air movement so when condensation formed in the bed room there was no air flow to dry the moisture. Within the space of around a week the condensation mould had begun to form as the timber of the wardrobe provided a food source for the mould. Our picture shows mould growth after around 3 or 4 weeks of development.
Do you need advice on curing condensation?
If you have a problem with condensation or condensation mould help is at hand. Envirowise, the specialist air quality team within Timberwise are experts in condensation and condensation mould and are able to provide a condensation consultation to determine the causes of condensation with the property and recommend the right solution to control condensation and condensation mould. We have a variety of solutions at our disposal ranging from positive pressure ventilation units through to whole house ventilation and kitchen and bathroom fans. In some cases we may also recommend products from our range of dehumidifiers. Condensation mould removal kits are also available and can be bought securely on-line in the Property Care Experts Shop.
Today’s picture from our surveyors files is of condensation black spot mould (also known as Aspergillus Niger).
The picture shows black spot mould at the cold spot of the wall / junction as well as mould on the plasterboard finish where the “dabs” holding the plasterboard have created a cold spot. The “dabs” are the only contact between the plasterboard and the cold wall, therefore the temparature of the cold wall is transferred through the “dab” on to the surface of the plasterboard. This causes moisture trapped in the air to “condensate” out at this cold spot. This is otherwise known as “Cold bridging”.
Condensation black spot mould is a direct effect of condensation. Black spot mould usually appears in areas where there is very little air movement such as window reveals, floor / ceiling and floor / wall junctions and behind furniture that is positioned behind colder walls. The conditions that black mould needs to develop then are cooler parts of a property where the average relative humidity is 70% or more on a regular basis.
Black spot mould and health
There is much concern surrounding the effect of condensation mould spores in the air on the health of you and your children.
Generally speaking, mould spores, like pollen, are air-borne and everywhere, and do not affect those in good health. Problems do occur though when mould is allowed to grow and produce spores in great numbers, and these can exacerbate problems in those suffering from asthma, or with respiratory or pulmonary conditions.
Treating condensation mould
Condensation mould can be treated very easily. Simply washing off condensation mould and re-painting areas doesn’t work! The only way to remove all the mould spores is to use a condensation mould eradication kit. These mould kits remove mould once and for all! To see how simple the kits are to use check out our condensation mould expert in this video It is though important to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and improve the ventilation in the property (using bathroom and kitchen fans or positive pressure units) or the mould will return!
It’s the time of year when thousands of people wake up to windows looking like the scene below. Condensation occurs when moist air come into contact with air or a surface that is at a lower temperature. This is generally seen when warm air in living areas in homes penetrates to the cooler parts of the property. Condensation can lead to other problems in the home such as black spot mould which in turn can lead to health problems such as asthma.
Condensation help is at hand!
The specialist Air Quality team at Timberwise, Envirowise, can help with your condensation problems. With our range of positive pressure systems it’s never been easier to control condensation without losing heat within the home. Our range of positive pressure units are designed with the end user in mind – simple to use and very effective! We also have a range of kitchen and bathroom fansfrom our Energysaver range – economical to run and packed with state of the art technology to help control condensation and air quality in the home. We also have a range of dehumidifiers to help remove the moisture and help stop the condensation as well. With a full range available there’s sure to be one that suits your property and budget.
For properties that have blackspot mould as a result of condensation we have availabe a condensation mould kit. Designed to kill the mould spores and prevent the mould coming back. The condensation mould kits are easy to apply and can be purchased in our on-line shop.
Timberwise can also provide a condensation consultation in your property. Here our condensation specialist will be able to identify the causes of the condensation in your property and recommend a condensation solution to help. To arrange a condensation consultation click here.
To solve your condensation problems there really is only one name you need to know! Trust the condensation experts trust Timberwise.
Are you looking for a property care company you can trust to care for your property? Do you have rising damp or condensation problems and not sure which way to turn or who to trust?
To help show why Timberwise are the property care company of choice for many we have compiled a short animation that looks at what makes Timberwise different from everybody else. From our skilled surveyors and technicians to our office based teams all at Timberwise are dedicated to providing the best quality service for you and your property.
Timberwise have over 4 decades experience in the caring of properties – from damp, rising damp and dry rot through to basement waterproofing and woodworm our highly skilled surveyors are able to diagnose a solution to suit your needs. As members of the Property Care Association
Don’t just take our word for it though! To become one of the many satisfied clients of Timberwise simply complete the survey request form or call 0800 288 8660.
It’s that time of year again when condensation rears it’s ugly head in properties! The modern menace of condensation can strike anywhere! From the tell tale signs of condensation on windows to the musty smell of hidden black spot mould behind a wardrobe it can sneak up on home owners without any notice. To help people with condensation problems and people searching for condensation cures we have put together a Timberwise Property Focus Podcast that looks at the causes of condensation and how we can help control condensation in properties. Calling on our many years of expertise with condensation and damp problems we are able to offer a full range of condensation solutions to help cure your condensation problem. From increasing airflow with our range of ventilation products through to positive pressure units, mould eradication kits and helpful advice we can help cure your condensation issue.
If you have a condensation problem and need help finding the best way to control the condensation in your property help is only a call or click away! To arrange for a condensation consultaion from one of our Air Quality experts simply complete our on-line condensation survey request form or call 0800 288 8660
As innovators in the air quality market our specialist air quality team, Envirowise, are proud to launch their new positive pressure ventilation system. Our EnergySaver positive pressure ventilation units have always provided a reliable solution to condensation, mould growth and air quality problems within the home and our new enhancements make our units the next generation of positive pressure ventilation systems. The system works by introducing fresh, dry, filtered ambient air into the property. This ‘clean’ air is then circulated around the property diluting and displacing the stale moist air and ultimately reducing the humidity levels to control condensation.
Our new positive pressure ventilation system for lofts has all the benefits of our original system and much more!
Envirowise EnergySaver Positive Pressure Ventilation System features:
• Five year guarantee
• Helps lower energy costs
• Controls condensation and mould growth within the property
• Reduces the build up of Radon Gas where this is a problem
• Low maintenance
New features include:
A new state of the art digital motor – The positive pressure unit will constantly measure the airflow and keep the airflow at the desired rate. This new motor is also more efficient than our previous motor.
A new LED light on the heat switch panel – A clear indicator to show when the filter needs changing.
New style filter cover- Our new filter is now the largest available for a positive pressure loft unit giving clients an increased working life of the filter. Air is also now filtered from all sides of the unit.
As can be seen from the picture to the left the new unit can now be hung directly from a rafter or a cross member. This allows a less intrusive installation than the traditional unit which was fitted directly on to ceiling joists. An added benefit is also less vibration and noise when in use.
How the positive pressure ventilation system works
The loft unit is fitted into the roof void and ducted via an air diffuser, normally mounted in the ceiling above a stairwell. Where there is a pre heat facility a control switch is conveniently sited to allow the user to control the heat facility and the fan speed.
For more information on our range of positive pressure ventilation systems or to arrange a survey call Envirowise on o800 288 8661 or eMail airqualityexpert@timberwise.co.uk
