kair ventilation - condensation control

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Kair VentilationCondensation control



Introduction to

Kair Ventilation Ltd

Established 1997

Wide range of products Solve every conceivable damp problem

Member of BWPDA, PCA, Green Organisation

Three associated companies ± Kair Ventilation Limited

± Kiltox Contracts Limited

± i-sells.co.uk

(National Damp Advisory Centre)



Kiltox Contracts

& i-sells.co.uk

Kiltox Contracts Limited ± Established 30 years

± Damp proofing

± Waterproof tanking

± Building refurbishment

± Timber remedial treatments

± Electrical contracting

± National Damp Advisory Service

i-sells.co.uk ± Online store

± Over 10,000 specialist products

± UKs widest selection of ducting



Condensation

&Mould Growth



Condensation

Water enters buildings in a number of ways causing:

± Superficial damage

± Structural damage

Condensation is one of the most commoncauses

± Unpleasant

± Uncomfortable

± Unhealthy

» Mould growth

Over 50% of buildings in the UK areaffected

Largest single complaint received by local

authorities in last 25 years!



Condensation

The Problem

± A problem of today ± Heating

± Ventilating

± Insulating

± Household income related

± Nationwide



What is Condensation?

Air contains water vapour ± The capacity to do so is directly related to

temperature

± Warm air holds more water vapour than cold air

Air is saturated when it cannot hold anymore water at the existing temperature ± Relative Humidity = 100%

Dew Point ± The temperature of the air falls until saturation

point occurs

Any Further Fall in Temperature WillResult in Water Vapour Being Forced toCondense



Surface Condensation

Warm air comes into contact with a

cold surface

Air cooled below saturation point Condensed water appears as water

droplets or film on non-absorbent

surfaces ± Windows

± Tiles etc.



Interstitial Condensation

Condensation can occur within the fabricof the building

Internal air permeates through thestructure because of greater pressure

More water vapour = more pressure ± Vapour Pressure

Most building materials are permeable

Water cools below its dew point within

the fabric of the building It can go undetected for long periods

± Serious structural damage

± Render ineffective any insulation



Conditions for Condensation

Mainly a winter problem

Water vapour is produced from a

number of activities Water vapour can rise from damp

ground

Severity depends on type andnature of construction



Causes of Condensation

Modern living standards Domestic activities

Ventilation

Unoccupied dwellings

Economic pressure Under-use heating systems

Unused rooms not heated

Seal drafts

Change in building design Open fire places removed Double glazing

Insulation

Elimination or overhanging eaves



Mould Growth

Mould will appear on any dampsurfaces

± Plaster

±

Wallpaper ± Timber

Mould is associated withcondensation problems

Mould is Unacceptable ± Appearance

± Health hazard



What Are Moulds?

Simple fungi

Spores Reproduction

± Asexual & sexual

Three principle features Simple food requirements

Produce vast number of spores

Grow very quickly under suitable conditions

Main requirement for development andgrowth?Moisture!

Hydrophilic fungi



Mould



Health Hazards of Toxic Mould

A paper in the British MedicalJournal, Vol. 298, as far back as June1989, stressed the higher incidence

of ill health in damp buildings withaccompanying mould growth and itis now accepted that air pollution isa major reason for the huge

increase in asthma sufferers of whom children and the elderly areoften the most vulnerable.




According to the World Health Organization,Every year, indoor air pollution is responsiblefor the death of 1.6 million people thats onedeath every 20 seconds.

Chemicals used for cleaning, cooking, doinglaundry; products such as hair spray, nail polish,paint; petting the family dog; materials used inthe construction process of the home contribute

to air pollution indoors. As homes become moreenergy efficient, hazardous chemicals remaintrapped in the home with no means to escape.




Fungal Exposure

± Certain types of moulds produce

secondary metabolites called

MYCOTOXINS

± MYCOTOXINS can destroy your health!

± Its impossible to know how much

damage they cause until it is too late!




Chronic Bronchitis

Learning Disabilities

Mental Deficiencies

Heart Problems

Cancer

Chronic Fatigue

Lupus

Fibromyalgia

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Bleeding Lungs

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

DermatitisRecurring Cold and Flu-like Symptoms

Burning Sore Throat

Headaches

Diarrhoea

Impaired or Altered Immune Function.



Condensation & Mould GrowthAsthma & Upper Respiratory Problems

The UK has by far the highest prevalence of asthma in the world. (Howieson)

Increasing levels of insulation, double-glazing

and the sealing of open chimneys dramaticallyreduce domestic ventilation rates, which in turnproduce warm, humid and polluted indoorenvironments.

Such conditions prove ideal for the colonisationand proliferation of the house dust mite.



The House Dust Mite

The mite family Pyroglyphidae produce a large range of particularlyallergenic proteins, which have a direct causal and a dose-responserelationship with asthma. (Howieson)

It is mainly their faecal matter that is responsible.

The only regulating factor in their common habitats is the availability of moisture.

They have an ability to adapt and hibernate through non-optimumconditions.

Fossil studies show that mites have existed on Earth for over 400 millionyears. There may be over 100 million different species of mites in

existence.

Dust mite is the generic term for all the species of mite commonlyfound in homes. 13 species of mite have been found in house dust.



Conclusions

Condensation provides standing liquid water, which is apotential breeding ground for harmful toxic moulds.

Toxic moulds have been identified as a serious healthhazard

Condensation can cause damage to building materials,

which requires expensive repair. Condensation is a symptom of an excessively humid

dwelling.

Excess humidity encourages the proliferation of housedust mites and the exacerbation of allergy symptoms.

Effective ventilation dissipates moist air to the exterior of

the dwelling, reducing humidity and its resultingproblems.

The benefits of this include better health and lowerbuilding maintenance expenses.

Effective heat recovery ventilation encompasses thesebenefits, and adds energy efficiency, thus reducingexpenditure on energy.



Legislation

&Regulations



Legislation & Regulations

Those who

understand the

regulations

Those who do

not understand

the regulations

Those who didnt

know there where

regulations

Those who

are a bit

confused!

Those whounderstand someof the regulations

Those who

didnt know

there where

regulations

and dont

care that

they dont

understand

Those who

think they

understand

even though

they didnt

know there

were

regulations




± DETR - The Fitness standard - Housing Act 1985.)

± The Housing Health and Safety Ratings System

± N.H.S. Health Strategy for London

± The Decent Home Standard

± Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 ± Building Regulation Part F Means of Ventilation

(Latest Revision)

± Building Regulation Part L Energy Efficiency

(Latest Revision)

± DETR Energy efficient Ventilation in Housing - Good

practice guide 268

± UK Fuel Poverty Strategy

± UK Energy White Paper 2003




± The Energy Act 2008

± The Climate Change Act 2008

± UK Low Carbon Transition Plan

± Code for Sustainable Homes

± Heat and Energy Saving Strategy 2009 ± Community Energy Saving Programme

± Carbon Emissions Reduction Target Uplift,May 2009

± www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climate/programme/programme-calendar.htm#2009

± www.number10.gov.uk/page16807

± www.communities.gov.uk/planningbuilding/theenvironment/



The Survey

Equipment required for damp andcondensation surveying

Essential» Grid pad or pre-printed survey form with A4 size

grid

»

Four colour or coloured pens» Damp meter, preferably with probe and sonic

options

» Camera

Useful but non-essential» Digital humidity sensor

» Mirror

»

Car mechanic stethoscope» Compass

» Tape measure

» Binoculars/opera glasses

» Ladder or steps



The Survey

Diagnosing the cause of dampness

± General

± Moisture meter testing

± How to use a moisture meter



The Survey

Visual observation

± Rising damp

± Penetrating damp

± Cold bridging

± Lateral (penetrating) damp



The Survey

Establishing the problem

± Overview ± Seek information from the residents

± Include residents in the process

± Be careful about how much info you give out

First Steps ± Show I.D.

± Explain why you are there

± Ask resident to point out problems and showaffected rooms

± Begin conversational questioning



The Survey

Questions to Ask ± How many occupants?

± How long have you lived here?

± Has occupancy increased during that time?

± When did the problem/s start to arise?

± Does it get better or worse during certain times of

the year?

± Do neighbours have the same problem?

± What do you do to limit the effects?

± Have you had damp surveys carried out before? ± Have any remedial works been carried out

previously?

± Are there any health problems?

Make a note of the answers but do not write down any conclusions at this stage



The Survey

Conducting the Survey ± Complete the Property Plan

± Carry out any required testing (damp meter)

for rising or penetrating dampness through

physical defect

± Check temperature and humidity, (humidity

sensor)

± Name the rooms

± For bathrooms and kitchens look for boxed-in

pipes and tap walls to identify partitioning

and dry lined sections.



The Survey

Conducting the Survey ± If damp readings in the floors are found check

for buried pipes and possible leaks(stethoscope)

± If there is a loft, access for viewing should begained (ladder, torch and mirror)

± Measure the total length, width and ceilingheight of the dwelling (tape measure) andmark them on the plan.

± If there is existing ventilation (airbricks etc.)

mark the position ± Ask the occupants to activate any extractor

fans

You should now have a detailed plan of the dwelling and its condition, enabling

you to arrive at a conclusion as to what the problems are or why the problems

are arising. This in turn should now direct you to the solution and thespecification.



The Report

On Site Report Contains the grid on which the plan is

drawn

I

s a memory aid Contains information about the building

fabric and possible installation problems

Contains humidity readings, weathertype, window type etc.

Is a site and risk assessment for installers Is the template on which the official

report is based



The Report

Typed Report The official version of the problems,

findings & solutions

Is a reminder of the obligations of thelandlord to their tenant (in the standardtemplate notes)

Is a formal quotation, personal protectionand contains the terms and conditions of

the contract Landlords whether private, council or

housing association cannot raise orderswithout one.



Products

&Specification



Alternative Products«

Mould Cleaning

Anti Mould Paints

Anti Mould Chemicals

Changing the internal decor will not reduce the humidity levels that

caused the fungus to grow.



Dry Lining

Insulation


UValues will rise

Wont eradicate condensation &

mould

Improves thermal values but is

permeable

Interstitial condensation will

cause Dry lining to become

saturated

Conditions can develop behind the surfaces in which mildew, mould

and wood rotting fungi such as dry rot and wet rot can develop and

thrive.



Passive Ventilation


Relatively expensive to install

No energy efficiency benefits

Can create draughts Reduces Internal Temperatures

Creates Dew Point

Passive ventilation plays no part in the current Government policy of

reducing emissions through energy efficiency.



Dehumidifiers


Should be plumbed in permanently

Noisy & expensive to run

Doesnt bring in fresh air

Ideally needs to run continuously

Cannot deal with stagnant air pockets

The 24 hour capacity of a domestic unit is approximately 9 litres, well

below the average family unit moisture production rate of 10 to 14

litres a day.



Double Glazing


Improves thermal barrier but

Internal Conditions still reach

dew pointMould still forms on Frames

Double glazing simply seals in the moisture; hence it is likely to make

condensation problems worse elsewhere.



Conventional Extractor Fans


Generally sited in wet areas

Air must be replaced at same rate as

extraction Most set to boost between 65% & 80%

R.H.

The biggest argument against conventional extract fans is that they

consume energy to exhaust energy in the form of heat.



Input Ventilators


The chill factor, particularly in damp, poorly heated dwellings may

force occupants on low incomes into fuel poverty.

Frequently used in social housing

Continuous supply of fresh air 24 hrs per

day

Creates constant air changes

Can impact on heating costs

Possible chill factor



Products

How does Heat Recovery Ventilation

Work?



Products & Specification

Kair 150

(Loft Unit)

± Generally specified for private homeowners.

± Loft sited positive pressure system designedto introduce fresh air at ceiling level in astairwell.

± Input air can be further tempered if there is

an airing cupboard on the landing. ± A whole house solution where there is

already working extract ventilation in kitchenand bathrooms (if not use HRV150).



Products & Specification

Kair HRVF 100

± Ducted system for small flats or larger

properties as part of a Hybrid installation withHRV150.

± Four input / extract points only.

± Suitable for extracting from kitchen and

bathroom and supplying to one or two central

points. ± Alternatively extracting from three dry areas

(bedrooms) and supplying to one

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