If you’re looking to reduce the chance of damp and mould taking hold in your home, it’s essential that you have adequate sub floor ventilation beneath your proper</p></p></p></p></p>
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The space underneath your floorboards is very often overlooked. We know sub floor ventilation is integral to creating a moisture and damp-free household. Helping clean, fresh air to circulate.
<p><p><p><p>&amp;lt;p><p><p><p>In this article, the expert team at Atlantis explains what sub floor ventilation is, and why you need it in your ho&lt&lt;/p></p&
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What Is Sub Floor Ventilation?
<p><p>&amp;lt;p>&lt;p>This term refers to any system or method designed to effectively ventilate the area below your floorboards on the ground floor of a buildi&lt;/p&gt;</p&gt;</p>&amp;lt;/p&
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ng. This area is commonly referred to as the ‘sub floor void’, and there are several ways we can help you keep the air flowing in your underground space.</p></p></
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The most common method is the installation of air bricks, which is required under building regulations. Air bricks are terracotta bricks with holes in the sides. Ideallf installed on every side of the building (at sub floor level) they allow air to flow in all directions.
We can help improve the conditions under your floor with the installation of fans, extra vents and air pumps. Your home’s airflow can be assisted through basic ventilation methods, such as keeping windows and doors open, and making use of extractor fans.</p></p&gt;</p></p></p>
Why Do You Need Sub Floor Ventilation?
<p><p>Spaces under your floorboards aren’t commonly top of the list when it comes to inspecting our
homes or looking for signs of moisture or da</p></p>
However, that’s exactly why you need to take sub floor ventilation seriously. Therefore, poor ventilation can often go unnoticed until wider problems start to appear above ground level. <p>Without sufficient ventilation, your home will have inadequate circulation and it will be much more susceptible to problems arising from excess moisture and damp. Damp and mouldy conditions can cause health problems, lead to woodworm or fungal infestations and, in the worst-case scenarios, cause serious structural damage to your home.</p&amp;gt;</p></p></p>
Furthermore, here are the most important reasons to ensure that your sub floor ventilation is up to scratch:
Regulate underfloor temperatures and humidity
Avoid a build-up of damp below your floorboards
Avoid growth and spread of mould throughout your home
Prevent the spread of fungal spores through the property
Remove the conditions needed for woodworm and other unwanted infestations to thrive
Create a clean flow of air throughout your home
Promote a healthy living environment
How Can Atlantis Help?
If you are worried that your sub floor ventilation is insufficient, the expert team at Atlantis is here to help.
<p><p>&amp;lt;p><p>We can provide a detailed survey of your current underfloor situation, fix any existing problems and determine the best way to improve your conditions going forward</p&gt;</p></p></p&
Initially, condensation may seem like a harmless nuisance that can be easily solved with a paper towel. Over time however, it can result in damage to your home and health problems for your family. Although condensation can never be fully removed from your home, we believe steps can be taken to significantly reduce its occurrence.
In this article, we’ll explore how to reduce condensation from double-glazed windows.
What Is Condensation?
Tackling the issue of how to reduce condensation from double-glazed windows first requires that we answer the question ‘what is condensation?’ Condensation is the natural process whereby water vapour becomes liquid, due to falling temperatures. Surfaces in your home will have a ‘dew point’. This is the temperature that water vapour turns back to a liquid.
Your windows are cold surfaces, and therefore more likely to reach dew point more regularly. This is why condensation on windows is very common. Particularly in the cooler months.
What Causes Condensation on Windows?
In the comfort of our own homes, we tend to do activities such as cooking, showering, and washing and drying clothes. Unfortunately, these activities are a source of excess humidity. They release water vapour into the air. This phenomenon is further exacerbated during winter, when we use more heat. It also occurs when a building is poorly ventilated and excess water vapour cannot escape.
Condensation occurs when water vapour cools and becomes liquid. Therefore, when water vapour in the air makes contact with the cool surface of a window, the vapour will condense. This results in water droplets falling from the surface of the glass and forming pools on or around window frames.
Given that condensation is a natural occurrence and typical human activities generate excess water vapour, it’s easy to conclude that condensation is not a problem. However, condensation can settle on the surface of your home’s fixtures and cause damage in the form of rot or mould. Although the expense of replacement or repair can be significant, these are not the only concern. Mould spores can become airborne and exacerbate breathing problems such as asthma in your home’s occupants. Therefore, it is a problem that requires a solution. And double-glazing may be one of the most effective solutions.
Where Does Condensation Appear on Double-Glazed Windows?
Double-glazed windows are two panes of glass that have been mounted in a frame. The space between the two panes of glass is usually filled with argan gas, which is meant to serve as an insulator. The purpose of double glazing is to ensure that the temperature outside the building does not affect the temperature inside the building. It’s an effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. This is because it prevents heat and cool air from escaping. In the case of preventing condensation, double glazing helps to stabilise your home’s indoor temperature. Therefore, the water vapour and the window will be the same or near the same temperature, and condensation is less likely to occur.
Once you’ve installed double-glazed windows, you have to pay attention to where condensation appears. This will indicate whether the double-glazing is working. With double-glazed windows, condensation is meant to appear solely on the outer pane, i.e. the pane that is facing outside of your home. In this scenario, the double-glazing is working. The gas in between the two panes serves as an insulator that prevents heat transfer between them. The seals around the windows are meant to keep out air and water from entering between the panes.
Is condensation on my windows a problem?
If condensation appears elsewhere, it’s indicative of a problem. Where condensation starts to form between the two glass panes, it means that one of the seals is likely damaged. Therefore, insulating gas is escaping. If left unresolved, it can affect the appearance of your windows. Therefore raising the question of how to remove condensation from double-glazed windows. This problem can deteriorate and compromise the inner glass pane. Once condensation begins to form on the inner glass, it may be a sign that the double glazing is no longer effective at preventing heat transfer. However, one must note that condensation on interior windows can also be a sign of excess humidity and poor ventilation, in addition to a broken seal. Therefore, you should employ a specialist to diagnose the true source of the problem.
Should You Replace Your Windows?
As previously mentioned, excess humidity in a house is a result of normal human activity. Therefore, condensation is nearly unavoidable. However, there are solutions as simple as opening windows during or after cooking and showering, and using a dehumidifier. If your condensation problem decreases after those measures, there is no need to replace your windows. Yet if the problem persists, you may be interested in more invasive measures such as improving your home’s ventilation system or replacing your single-glazed windows with double-glazed windows.
However, if your home already has double-glazed windows and condensation is forming in the space between the glass panes, it’s advised that you consider replacing your windows. The seals on the window are likely damaged due to age or exposure to the elements. If left unrepaired, water and air can seep in and cloud the window, rendering it translucent. Although there are various home remedies on how to remove condensation from double-glazed windows, bear in mind that you risk exacerbating the problem and damaging your window. If the frames of your windows are wooden, the excess water can rot the wood. For double-glazed windows that still experience condensation issues on the interior glass, it may be indicative of another issue. Therefore, in addition to replacing your windows, it’s important to consider other factors causing the problem.
Contact Atlantis Property Preservation
Condensation starts as a harmless nuisance but can gradually become a noticeable problem. The source and severity of the issue will determine the best measure to treat it. Before you rush into the time-consuming and expensive process of replacing all your windows, you should seek the evaluation of an expert who can diagnose the problem and guide you on the best course of action. There are steps to take to reduce condensation on your windows. Contact our experts today for a damp survey, where we can help you find and treat the source of condensation and other structural damp issues.
Dampness and mould are seemingly harmless issues. But the truth is, they’re far from harmless and can harbour hidden dangers within our homes.
Understanding the underlying causes, the health risks of mould and damp, and the importance of prompt treatment is crucial for maintaining a safe living space.
What Causes Mould and Damp in the Home?
Mould and damp are often by-products of excess moisture within indoor spaces. Leaky roofs are one such cause, often a consequence of damaged or improperly installed roofing allowing rainwater to seep into interior spaces of your home.
Inadequate ventilation can also be a culprit causing mould and damp. It traps moisture indoors, especially areas like the bathroom, kitchen and even basements where water vapours are naturally generated.
Even things like water ingress through cracks and gaps during heavy rains. Once water infiltrates your home, it can remain hidden within walls or under flooring, creating a damp environment that encourages mould growth. Persistent dampness from water ingress poses a serious threat to both the structural integrity and indoor air quality of your home.
When any of these factors are present and left unaddressed, they create a breeding ground for mould and damp. Timely detection and proper remediation are crucial to maintaining a dry, safe, and healthy indoor environment.
Why Is It Important to Treat Mould and Damp?
Forgetting the obvious concerns such as structural integrity and health impacts, what other problems can mould and damp cause?
A home affected by mould and damp can face decreased market value. Potential buyers are often deterred by visible signs of mould, water stains, or the musty odour associated with damp spaces. If you’re planning to sell or even rent your property, addressing mould and damp issues beforehand can maintain or even enhance your property’s value.
The long-term consequences of ignoring mould and damp are more expensive than its upfront costs. Repairing extensive structural damage, replacing compromised materials, and potential health risks of mould and damp can be financially burdensome. Treating mould and dampness proactively is a cost-effective measure, preventing larger, more expensive problems down the line.
In essence, treating mould and damp is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s about safeguarding your investment, your health, and the wellbeing of your loved ones. Taking proactive steps to address these issues ensures a safe, structurally sound, and comfortable home for years to come.
What Are the Health Risks of Mould and Damp?
Inhaling mould spores poses significant health risks. The health risks of mould and damp include a range of issues such as respiratory problems, allergies, skin irritation, and eye discomfort. Depending on the individual, these symptoms can worsen significantly with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies, making them particularly vulnerable.
Prolonged exposure to mould may lead to severe health complications, emphasising the importance of timely intervention. Addressing mould and damp promptly is vital to safeguarding the wellbeing of individuals and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
How Can Atlantis Damp Help?
Atlantis Damp stands as your protector against the health risks of mould and damp. With specialised knowledge and advanced techniques, we delve into the root causes, eradicating damp and mould at the source. By choosing Atlantis Damp, you’re not just opting for a solution; you’re investing in your health and the longevity of your home.
If you’re concerned about mould and damp invading your space, act now. Curious on how to identify early signs of mould and damp? Our article on penetrating damp has everything you need to know. Reach out to us to discover customised solutions to fortify your home and protect your family.
Dry rot is a highly destructive fungal growth which affects timber. The fungi spread swiftly by feeding off the wood cells, which makes the timber brittle and extremely vulnerable. Dry rot spores can even penetrate other materials such as brick or steel to reach wood in another part of the structure.
Because of its ability to move through a variety of building materials, dry rot can cause serious and widespread structural damage with alarming speed, so it’s essential to recognise dry rot early signs and treat the infestation as quickly as possible.
How Can I Tell If I Have Dry Rot?
Dry rot can affect timber in any part of a building, and it can be found in modern or older structures. During the early stages, there may be no visible dry rot early signs, but you’ll notice an earthy, musty, damp smell that’s quite unpleasant. Any hint of this and you must investigate further.
Dry rot begins as a tiny spore which flourishes in damp, dark and unventilated conditions. Consequently, the problem often begins in hidden areas – under floorboards or in attics and basements, for example. By the time dry rot becomes visible, it’s probably well-established already, so it’s a good idea to be aware of dry rot early signs.
What Does Early Dry Rot Look Like?
Dry Rot develops in four stages.
Stage One: Red Dust
The first dry rot early sign is a red or orange dust composed of numerous microscopic spores. These spores are present in the atmosphere all around us and at this point they are harmless.
Stage Two: Hyphae
If there’s excess moisture in the atmosphere the spores begin to germinate. You’ll know this has happened as they start to put out fine white or grey strands that look like spiders’ webs. These fine tendrils are hyphae, and the fungus uses them to penetrate timber and suck up moisture. The wood then dries out and begins breaking down. If you spot these dry rot early signs, you can be sure an infestation is underway.
Stage Three: Mycelium
Once moisture is extracted from the immediate area, the hyphae continue to grow. They form whitish clumps which look very much like cotton wool. These fluffy clumps are called mycelium and if these appear it’s vital you act at once.
This is the point at which dry rot can travel through masonry and bricks to cause huge structural damage. You also want to prevent the fungus from reaching stage four of its development.
Stage Four: Fruiting Body
At this stage, the mycelium forms a mushroom-like structure (the fruiting body) where new spores are produced. They’re easy to spot as they are a distinctive red colour. The fruiting body then pumps spores into the atmosphere in order to reach new timber, and so the damage spreads.
How Does Dry Rot Affect Wood?
The affected timber tends to grow darker when dry rot sets in. It dries out, shrinks and cracks. Sometimes it has a spongy texture. Eventually, the wood disintegrates into small, crumbly cubes of timber. In some cases, wood retains its surface veneer during the early stages. This conceals the underlying damage until the problem becomes too severe and the wood begins to fall apart.
If you suspect you have a dry rot problem and you have wooden floorboards, this can be a good place to begin your investigation. The problem often starts under the floor so you won’t see it but there will be clues. The floor can begin to feel bouncy, and you may notice it creaking as well. This is one of the dry rot early signs that there’s trouble below.
Does Dry Rot Go Away on Its Own?
Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. The spores need moisture to germinate so you might imagine that removing the water source stops them from doing so (fixing a leaking pipe, for example). That may halt the spread for the time being. However, if the spores run out of damp wood, they simply remain dormant – ready to germinate again as soon as conditions are right.
In addition, dry rot weakens timber so even if the spores become dormant you still face the prospect of structural damage. Waiting for it to go away will lead to further problems in the end.
Can You Stop Dry Rot from Spreading?
Yes, you can but once dry rot sets in you’ll need professional help to stop the spread and repair structural damage.
What Is the Best Treatment for Dry Rot?
At Atlantis Damp we know that each situation is different, so we tailor our approach to your specific requirements. Our surveyor carries out a thorough investigation to identify the source of the dry rot. Then we implement an appropriate treatment plan.
We always aim to use environmental controls by fixing leaks and improving ventilation. However, it may be necessary to do more, depending on the circumstances. Here’s a general overview of the process.
Step 1: Pinpoint the Source
Identify the water source that’s causing the excess moisture and repair the leak.
Step 2: Isolation and Ventilation
Where possible we use environmental controls to decrease humidity to prevent dry rot from recurring.
Step 3: Assess the Extent of the Dry Rot
This may involve removing floorboards and plaster to reach the affected areas.
Step 4: Remove Damaged Timber and Fungal Growth
Rotten wood is cut back and replaced with new timber. The entire area is cleaned to remove all traces of the dry rot – visible spores, hyphae, mycelium and fruiting body must all be removed.
Step 5: Fungicide Treatment
It may be necessary to treat the area with a chemical fungicide to guard against outbreaks in the future.
Contact Atlantis Damp
We are a family-run, Cheshire-based business. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and expertise. Talk to one of our friendly team for a reliable solution to your damp and timber infestation issues.
Have you noticed a pungent, mushroomy smell wafting through your home? Are mould or stains forming on your walls or ceilings?
If the answer is yes, then you’re likely to be witnessing the first signs of condensation in your home.
Homeowners should be aware of the damage that condensation and damp can cause, and act fast to have it removed.
In this article, we identify the main signs of condensation and damp to watch out for, before explaining how you can treat damp in your home.
What Are the Main Signs of Damp?
Musty smells, visible moisture staining, rotting timbers and growths of mould are all visible signs of Condensation in your home.
But there are many more signs that may go unnoticed and only become apparent after a thorough inspection of the premises.
If you’ve noticed any of the following signs of damp or condensation, it’s time to call in a professional for a closer look:
Pungent, mushroom-like smells
Mouldy patches
Damp patches
Rotting timbers and woodwork
Salty tide marks on the walls
Cold or wet ceilings, walls or floors
Peeling plasterboard or wallpaper
Water droplets clinging to walls
Damaged or crumbling masonry
Leaks, broken pipes or damaged drains
What Problems Can Damp Leave You With?
Damp can damage your home, cause health problems, and lead to serious structural issues if left untreated. Major problems caused by damp include:
Damaged decoration and furnishings
Health issues, such as coughing, asthma and other respiratory problems
Rotten timbers and weakened structural supports
Weakened brickwork and masonry
The need for costly repairs
How Can You Treat Damp and condensation in Your Home?
If you spot any of the main signs of damp and condensation in your home, it’s important to schedule a professional damp survey immediately. A survey is the first step towards treating damp, and the surveyor will identify the cause, source and type of damp afflicting your home before recommending the best fix.
The exact treatment will depend on the type of damp, the extent of the damp problem and where it’s located, but common fixes include:
Repairing or replacing damaged brickwork and rotten timbers
Replastering walls with damp-proof materials
Lowering the external ground level of a building so it’s below the damp-proof course
How Can You Protect Your Home From Damp and condensation?
There are several ways to protect your home from damp in the future, the majority of which involve removing opportunities for moisture to enter your home and allowing moisture laden air to escape your home too. Common methods include:
Ensuring all pipes and gutters are fixed and clear of debris
Keeping your home well ventilated
installing ventilation systems
Injecting a damp-proof course into the walls
Contact Atlantis Property Preservation is to Find Out More about the Main Signs of Damp and Condensation
If you’re worried about damp in your home, Atlantis Property Preservation is here to help. Our highly qualified team of experts can advise you on the main signs of damp and carry out a professional survey to identify its source.
We often get asked about the cost of damp proofing. If you want to keep your home moisture free, then a damp-proof course is vital of that. A damp-proof course is an effective way to stop water from entering a property from the earth, and it helps protect your home against moisture damage that causes decorative spoiling.
But how much does a damp-proof course cost to install? You can trust the expert team at Atlantis Property Preservation to explain everything you need to know.
What Is a Damp-Proof Course?
A damp-proof course, or DPC, is designed to form a protective, waterproof barrier that stops moisture from seeping into your home. Damp-proof courses create an impervious barrier that makes it impossible to dampness to rise up the walls. They are commonly made from impermeable materials, and they are typically installed in the mortar bed below the internal floor level to protect against rising water.
There are several types of damp-proof courses available, each of which has different associated costs. The most common DPCs include:
Chemical damp-proof course injections
Mortar damp proof-course injections
Electroosmotic damp-proof courses
Why Do You Need a Damp-Proof Course?
A damp-proof course is a vital protective measure that may stop your home from suffering damage from damp. Furthermore. here are the most important reasons to ensure you have a damp-proof course installed:
Keeps your home protected against rising damp
Prevents problems that arise from dampness, including wet rot and mould
Helps you to avoid health problems, such as respiratory illnesses, that may certainly arise due to black toxic mould spores associated with condensation. Therefore black mould is likely to form on the coldest walls in your home, and damp walls are naturally colder than dry walls, which makes black mould more likely in a damp home.
Increases the value of your property over time
Saves you money in the long-term, as you avoid paying for costly repairs.
What is the cost of Damp Proofing?
The cost of a damp-proof course varies from one property to the next. Major costs will include the materials and labour, so the size of the property and the type of DPC being installed will affect the overall price.
The major factors that affect the cost of damp proofing course include:
The size of the area that requires damp-proofing within your property
The time that’s needed for the work to be carried out
The type of DPC you’re going to have installed
Additional survey, damp-proofing or repair work to your property
Additionally, if damp has already taken hold in your property, you may also need to factor in other costs in order to fix and remove the damp problem before a new DPC can be installed. For an accurate estimation, it’s essential that you have a consultation with a damp-proofing specialist and have a detailed survey undertaken.
What Is Included in the Cost of a Damp-Proof Course?
With a professional company such as Atlantis Property Preservation, the cost of a damp-proof course may include the following:
Pre-installation survey, with any upfront survey cost deducted from the invoice of any required works.
Installation of the damp proof-course
Replastering or membrane installation
Tanking solutions to cater for any shortfall
Solutions to solve penetrating damp
Solutions to solve condensation issues
Clean up and removal of waste materials
Warranty
Contact Atlantis Property Preservation for more information and arrange for our expert team to visit your home.
Atlantis Property Preservation’s experienced team of damp-proofing specialists will ensure that your property is fully protected.
