The phenomenon of “condensation
“, occurs when the temperature of the external walls is lower than the “dew point” of the internal air.
In particular, the humidity of condensation originates when, due to a sudden change in temperature, the water vapor abruptly passes from the gaseous to the liquid state, forming a myriad of droplets on the flat surfaces of walls and ceilings.
Depending on the different ventilation and bad thermal insulation, “condensation” can occur on the surface or even inside the masonry itself.
The phenomenon can manifest itself evidently on the surfaces (surface condensation) when the “ventilation” of the environment is deficient and/or incorrect and in a hidden or hidden way in the wall body when it originates from insufficient insulation (internal condensation).
Normal activity inside the home
it is also the cause of a considerable “production” of steam available for the “condensation” (sometimes a few tens of minutes of morning ventilation of the premises would be sufficient to dispose of it).
The appearance of mold in indoor environments is often a consequence also of the inadequacy of the ventilation systems of the living volumes, as well as the condensation phenomena. In general, in homes, the necessary air exchange should be close to at least half the volume of air contained in the environment: for each hour n = 0.5 V/h. The mentioned replacement, which should be guaranteed naturally, can also be achieved with special devices.
The condensation and the thermo-hygrometric conditions that allow it to occur are certainly the fundamental causes that lead to the establishment and growth of molds in the interior of buildings.
To limit and/or reduce the extent of the harmful manifestations caused by humidity, it is also possible to act with “light” methods aimed at the reclamation of the settlements (molds etc.) and the punctual reduction of the lack of thermal insulation of the areas concerned. These are measures which, while operating on the effects rather than on the causes, as it would be more appropriate to act, can also bring about significant improvements in the significance and consequences of degradation, especially if they are supported by appropriate adjustments of the internal ventilation. The measures that can be immediately adopted are attributable:
- To the improvement of heating and ventilation, with particular attention to “cold” points;
- To the construction of an insulating protection (thermal coat) in correspondence with the colder walls;
- To optimize air exchange in the given conditions: keep the door closed and open the window of the room concerned, cooking, bathing, washing and drying clothes, dishes, etc.;
- To the installation of a dehumidifier in the rooms affected by the problem;
- Improvement of ventilation in the presence of stoves and heat sources in general;
- The removal, where necessary, in the most conspicuous cases, of the bulkier furniture from the walls (provisionally or not);
- To the application, once the mold has been eliminated, of internal thermal insulating and external water repellent paints.
Products and technologies to use
The problems deriving from condensation humidity can be solved by applying treatments against mold (one detergent and one inhibitor of reproduction) and plasters, thermal paints and/or thermal renders applied in the areas to be reclaimed and mainly on cold walls. An intelligent, completely natural solution for the restoration from inside of environments strongly attacked by mold and for the protection of thermal bridges is represented by muffaway PROFY, made up of an exclusive natural anti-mold panel based on lime and cellulose, by a specific NHL 3.5 natural hydraulic lime-based glue-mortar and special transpiring, sanitizing paint or plaster finishes.