Identifying moisture and ventilation issues
Energy efficiency upgrades can fail—or even cause harm—if underlying issues like damp or poor ventilation aren’t addressed first. During our survey, we look for these problems and explain their root causes. While solutions like damp-proofing or tanking exist, we prefer cost-effective, less-invasive methods that tackle moisture at its source.
This pre-1900 solid stone walled property had condensation streaming down the waterproof and vapour impermeable roof membrane that had been installed when re-roofed. Insufficient ventilation through the roof space, combined with the vapour impermeably of the membrane, meant that water vapour had nowhere to go other than to condense on the cold roof and run back down the walls inside.
The condensation could be seen streaming down the walls of the bedrooms below. The wet areas of wall can be seen clearly in blue on this thermographic image.
To retain the heritage features of this property, internal wall insulation was the only viable wall insulation option. It’s imperative that moisture issues of any sort are remedied prior to the application of insulation to avoid undermining the performance of the insulation and causing mould growth.
