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.
Consilex Muffa Cleaner
Ready-to-use, transparent cleaning agent for the safe removal of blackish deposits caused by mould and biodeterioration, as well as for the revitalising renewal of wooden surfaces. Consilex Muffa Cleaner is a biodegradable product, completely free from chlorine and caustic soda. Its strongly alkaline pH softens mould and surface dirt. The surfactants it contains assist the natural removal of dirt.
Consilex Muffa Cleaner
Ready-to-use, transparent cleaning agent for the safe removal of blackish deposits caused by mould and biodeterioration, as well as for the revitalising renewal of wooden surfaces. Consilex Muffa Cleaner is a biodegradable product, completely free from chlorine and caustic soda. Its strongly alkaline pH softens mould and surface dirt. The surfactants it contains assist the natural removal of dirt.
Consilex Muffa Remover
Eco-friendly solution containing specific active ingredients for the elimination of biodeteriogenic growths—mould, fungi, moss, algae, lichens, bacteria, etc.—from masonry, in full compliance with ecological protocols, with particular reference to bio-building applications and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings. More than 150,000,000 square metres treated and over 30 years of experience guarantee the product’s quality and effectiveness. Consilex Muffa Remover is based on quaternary ammonium salts and is completely free from chlorine and caustic soda. To promote suitable environmental conditions on the treated substrate and help prevent the formation of mould and biodeteriogenic organisms, the product has been formulated for slow biodegradability.
Consilex Muffa Remover
Eco-friendly solution containing specific active ingredients for the elimination of biodeteriogenic growths—mould, fungi, moss, algae, lichens, bacteria, etc.—from masonry, in full compliance with ecological protocols, with particular reference to bio-building applications and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings. More than 150,000,000 square metres treated and over 30 years of experience guarantee the product’s quality and effectiveness. Consilex Muffa Remover is based on quaternary ammonium salts and is completely free from chlorine and caustic soda. To promote suitable environmental conditions on the treated substrate and help prevent the formation of mould and biodeteriogenic organisms, the product has been formulated for slow biodegradability.
Mauersan
Mauersan is a pre-blended mortar formulated with limes and hydraulic binders, microsilica with pozzolanic reactivity, selected aggregates with a well-balanced particle-size distribution, lightweight spherical mineral aggregates (microporous amorphous silica), pore-forming admixtures and water-repellent agents. Thanks to its network of interconnected pores, Mauersan stimulates and accelerates the evaporation of water contained in damp masonry while simultaneously preventing the transmission of liquid water from the inside of the masonry towards the outside. This dual functionality makes it possible to obtain dry surfaces suitable for receiving various types of finishes, provided they offer high water-vapour permeability.
Mauersan
Mauersan is a pre-blended mortar formulated with limes and hydraulic binders, microsilica with pozzolanic reactivity, selected aggregates with a well-balanced particle-size distribution, lightweight spherical mineral aggregates (microporous amorphous silica), pore-forming admixtures and water-repellent agents. Thanks to its network of interconnected pores, Mauersan stimulates and accelerates the evaporation of water contained in damp masonry while simultaneously preventing the transmission of liquid water from the inside of the masonry towards the outside. This dual functionality makes it possible to obtain dry surfaces suitable for receiving various types of finishes, provided they offer high water-vapour permeability.
Sanatigh
Macroporous, fibre-reinforced plaster based on natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5, for dehumidification and hygrothermal remediation of buildings and masonry, in green building projects, new construction and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings.
Sanatigh
Macroporous, fibre-reinforced plaster based on natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5, for dehumidification and hygrothermal remediation of buildings and masonry, in green building projects, new construction and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings.
Caleosana
Render for internal and external applications, macroporous, designed for sustainable construction, with high thermal-insulation performance, based on natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5, siliceous aggregates, metakaolin and granular expanded silica with a very high volume of interconnected voids and a low elastic modulus. Its specific characteristics make it suitable for dehumidification and the thermal and hygrothermal rehabilitation of buildings and masonry, for sustainable construction projects and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings.
Caleosana
Render for internal and external applications, macroporous, designed for sustainable construction, with high thermal-insulation performance, based on natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5, siliceous aggregates, metakaolin and granular expanded silica with a very high volume of interconnected voids and a low elastic modulus. Its specific characteristics make it suitable for dehumidification and the thermal and hygrothermal rehabilitation of buildings and masonry, for sustainable construction projects and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings.
Sanawarme
Mineral thermal insulating plaster for external wall insulation systems, macroporous, with high thermal insulation and sound absorption capacity, based on natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5, hydraulic binders with a low soluble salt content, marble flour, kaolin, Vichy salt, expanded perlite, cork flour, natural anti-crack fibres and specific anti-salt agents. Used for the dehumidification and thermal and hygrometric rehabilitation of buildings and masonry, in sustainable building applications, new construction and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings. Specifically designed for the construction of “mineral external wall insulation systems”. Performance-guaranteed mortar/plaster with specific insulating properties in accordance with UNI EN 998/1: class T1 (highest thermal insulation class). Suitable, with the addition of water only, for producing lightweight screed underlays with high thermal insulation and sound absorption, in sustainable building applications and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings.
Sanawarme
Mineral thermal insulating plaster for external wall insulation systems, macroporous, with high thermal insulation and sound absorption capacity, based on natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5, hydraulic binders with a low soluble salt content, marble flour, kaolin, Vichy salt, expanded perlite, cork flour, natural anti-crack fibres and specific anti-salt agents. Used for the dehumidification and thermal and hygrometric rehabilitation of buildings and masonry, in sustainable building applications, new construction and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings. Specifically designed for the construction of “mineral external wall insulation systems”. Performance-guaranteed mortar/plaster with specific insulating properties in accordance with UNI EN 998/1: class T1 (highest thermal insulation class). Suitable, with the addition of water only, for producing lightweight screed underlays with high thermal insulation and sound absorption, in sustainable building applications and the restoration of historic and monumental buildings.
Sanaxil P - Therm
Mineral potassium silicate paint for interior and exterior use, offering outstanding adhesion to porous substrates through both mineral combination and chemical bonding. It combines anti-condensation and insulating properties (thanks to the presence of hollow glass microspheres 3M Glass Bubble in the formulation – thermal conductivity 0.08 W/mK) with high resistance to mould and microorganisms (thanks to the naturally alkaline pH of potassium silicate) and excellent hiding power (Class 1 according to EN 13300, with a coverage rate of 6–7 m2/l). Due to its mineral nature, Sanaxil P - Therm revolutionises the concept of adhesion to the substrate, penetrating deeply into the wall pores and then reacting with its components to form a unique, indissoluble silicate bond.
Sanaxil P - Therm
Mineral potassium silicate paint for interior and exterior use, offering outstanding adhesion to porous substrates through both mineral combination and chemical bonding. It combines anti-condensation and insulating properties (thanks to the presence of hollow glass microspheres 3M Glass Bubble in the formulation – thermal conductivity 0.08 W/mK) with high resistance to mould and microorganisms (thanks to the naturally alkaline pH of potassium silicate) and excellent hiding power (Class 1 according to EN 13300, with a coverage rate of 6–7 m2/l). Due to its mineral nature, Sanaxil P - Therm revolutionises the concept of adhesion to the substrate, penetrating deeply into the wall pores and then reacting with its components to form a unique, indissoluble silicate bond.
Protech Sil P - Therm
Anti-condensation, elastic, sanitising and heat-reflective paint containing hollow glass microspheres (3M Glass Bubble – thermal conductivity 0.08 W/mK), ideal for both external façades and interior spaces. It is based on an emulsion of siloxane resin, with high water-vapour permeability and excellent hiding power. Recommended as a breathable, water-repellent protective finish for macroporous dehumidifying plasters (Sanatigh, Sanawarme, Caleosana).
Protech Sil P - Therm
Anti-condensation, elastic, sanitising and heat-reflective paint containing hollow glass microspheres (3M Glass Bubble – thermal conductivity 0.08 W/mK), ideal for both external façades and interior spaces. It is based on an emulsion of siloxane resin, with high water-vapour permeability and excellent hiding power. Recommended as a breathable, water-repellent protective finish for macroporous dehumidifying plasters (Sanatigh, Sanawarme, Caleosana).
Sanaxil I - Therm
Trowel-applied mineral coating for interior and exterior use, based on potassium silicates, with outstanding adhesion to porous substrates, achieved through both mineral interlocking and chemical bonding. It combines anti-condensation and insulating properties (thanks to the inclusion of hollow glass microspheres, 3M Glass Bubble – thermal conductivity 0.08 W /mK) with high resistance to mould and microorganisms (thanks to the naturally alkaline pH of potassium silicate). Due to its mineral nature, Sanaxil I - Therm revolutionises the concept of substrate adhesion, penetrating deeply into the wall pores and then reacting with its components to form a unique, insoluble silicate bond. The final appearance of Sanaxil I THERM depends on the different available grain sizes and is generally similar to that of a traditional plaster finish.
Sanaxil I - Therm
Trowel-applied mineral coating for interior and exterior use, based on potassium silicates, with outstanding adhesion to porous substrates, achieved through both mineral interlocking and chemical bonding. It combines anti-condensation and insulating properties (thanks to the inclusion of hollow glass microspheres, 3M Glass Bubble – thermal conductivity 0.08 W /mK) with high resistance to mould and microorganisms (thanks to the naturally alkaline pH of potassium silicate). Due to its mineral nature, Sanaxil I - Therm revolutionises the concept of substrate adhesion, penetrating deeply into the wall pores and then reacting with its components to form a unique, insoluble silicate bond. The final appearance of Sanaxil I THERM depends on the different available grain sizes and is generally similar to that of a traditional plaster finish.
Protech Sil I - Therm
Nanotechnology trowel-applied wall coating for interior and exterior use, anti-condensation, elastomeric, sanitising and thermally insulating, formulated with hollow glass microspheres (3M Glass Bubble – thermal conductivity 0.08 W/mK), heat-reflective and based on siloxane resins in aqueous emulsion with high water vapour permeability, providing a final appearance similar to traditional render. It enables thermal insulation to be achieved, with the clear benefits of recovering the thermal mass of the walls and eliminating thermal bridges and temperature fluctuations in buildings.
Protech Sil I - Therm
Nanotechnology trowel-applied wall coating for interior and exterior use, anti-condensation, elastomeric, sanitising and thermally insulating, formulated with hollow glass microspheres (3M Glass Bubble – thermal conductivity 0.08 W/mK), heat-reflective and based on siloxane resins in aqueous emulsion with high water vapour permeability, providing a final appearance similar to traditional render. It enables thermal insulation to be achieved, with the clear benefits of recovering the thermal mass of the walls and eliminating thermal bridges and temperature fluctuations in buildings.