Condensation  and Leak Detection

Moisture intrusion can cause extensive long term damage to buildings, contents and have far reaching health effects. Moisture may originate from internal or external leaks, rising damp, and condensation.   Condensation problems are increasingly found in new construction where new construction and novel materials are utilised to reduce running or construction costs. Equally many properties refurbished or "modernised" are undertaken by builders with no real understanding of building physics and in particular how they need to breath or ventilate to remove the constant build up of moisture from normal living. Unfortunately many of today’s construction projects rely on sealers instead of proper water management systems. Leaks can materialise far away from their source as water generally falls or travels by gravity and capillary action.

Condensation affecting windows  caused by missing insualtion

Thermal Imaging discovering missing insulation causing internal "Dew Point" condensation and leaks resulting in ceiling mould

Thermal Imaging discovering missing insulaltion and cause of window condensation and mould

This room suffered mould suspected on being from “Lifestyle” issues.

Thermal imaging showed thermal bridging and construction defect were the real reasons for mould growth

This infra red photo of an external wall of a flat suffering from mould growth,
    believed to be caused by life style issues.

Failures in building design, construction supervision can and often does lead to extensive damage which without the use of specialist equipment would require extensive intrusive investigation or soft demolition. Many condensation or mould type issues are caused by lifestyle or construction defect and specialist knowledge is required to identify these issues.

Glass and Found to be the Wrong Type

Windows Cold Bridging Fault

This graph is from a data logger installed in a property affected by mould. The property owners blamed the occupiers for lifestyle issues such as drying wet clothes or cooking without a lid on saucepan. The information compared against other data loggers clearly showed no increase in humidity generally although areas affected by mould did record rising humidity. This proved the elevated humidity and resultant mould was caused by building defect although the same analysis can be used to prove life style issues.

What we do

 

• Assess potential and causation  of condensation
• Invetigate leaks or penetrating damp
• Assess visible signs and locations of moisture damage.
• Undertake investigation of both relative and specific humidity.
• Inspect areas with infra red cameras to identify missing  insualtion or thermal bridging.
• Scan surfaces with ultrasonic and conductive moisture meters.
• Test moisture content in concrete and walls with Calcium Carbide.
• Scan buildings using infra red thermography.
• Assess the benefits of localised invasive investigation.
• Assess damage potential and potential for hidden mould.
• Sample air for potential hidden mould
• Report