Anti-Condensation Products
- Background and preventative measures
- Surface Cleanser/Anti-Mould Emulsion
- Passive Solutions
- Extractor Fans
- Heat Recovery Units
- Positive Preassure Units
- Useful links
Background and preventative measures
Condensation is the most common cause of dampness in buildings and affects properties of all types and ages. In particular it is directly associated with black mould growth. Triton offers a comprehensive range of products to control condensation including passive air vents, extractor fans, heat recovery ventilators and positive pressure units.
Effects of condensation
Black Mould growth is often the first visible sign of condensation, usually present on decorative surfaces such as wallpaper. The mould and its spores also cause a musty odour and often give rise to respiratory health problems. When condensation occurs in roof spaces or sub floor areas, timbers in those areas can become damp and susceptible to dry or wet rot.
Condensation is more common in the colder months when water vapour levels are higher. It should also be noted that sometimes the problem can occur away from the site of water vapour production. For example water vapour produced in a bathroom or kitchen may diffuse through the house and condense on the walls of a cold bedroom.
It should be noted that Black Mould can only flourish on the pure water associated with condensation - therefore it is not an indication of rising damp.
Primary Measures
1. Improve Ventilation
Ventilation can be achieved by a variety of measures including simply opening the windows, however the most effective method to control local condensation problems is the installation of a powered extractor fan. However, where the condensation is a widespread problem, a more successful approach would be the installation of a positive pressure system. This will draw air in to the roof space, gently push it down in to the property, and cause moisture laden air to be continually pushed out.
2. Apply Heat
A constant low level background heat will gradually warm wall surfaces and reduce the risk of condensation.
Secondary Measures
The following supporting measures may be required in severe cases of condensation: remove excess water sources such as bottled gas heaters; insulate cold surfaces; insulate solid walls and floors; prevent water penetration which may be the cause of cool walls.
Other Useful Measures
1. Dehumidifiers
A strategically placed dehumidifier, to lower the water content of the air, can be very effective.
2. Surface cleansers and anti-mould paints
Surface cleansers or anti-mould washes are an effective short term measure to remove Black Mould from walls and other surfaces.
Anti-mould paints are particularly useful in kitchens and bathrooms or other areas where condensation is often difficult to control and where there is a high risk of mould growth. They must not be decorated over and will remain effective for many years.
3. General advice
When cooking, washing, bathing or drying clothes, keep the door closed and the window open. This will prevent warm, moist air moving to colder areas of the building.
Triton Surface Cleanser/Anti Mould Emulsion
Triton Surface Cleanser
Designed primarily to prepare and cleanse surfaces prior to the use of Triton Anti-Mould Emulsion.
Supplied as a concentrate for dilution with water (1 part concentrate to 19 parts water by volume), the concentrate contains <10% w/w Quaternary Ammonium Halide dissolved in water.
Application: After removing non-washable or loose material, the dilution should be used to wash down the surface using a sponge, scrubbing brush or cloth. Allow to dry thoroughly, applying a second wash to badly soiled areas.
Drying Time: 1-4 hours normally.
Practical Coverage: 6-8m2/litre when diluted, depending on the porosity and roughness of the surface.
Pack size: 250ml. Supplied as a kit with Triton Anti-mould Emulsion.
Triton Anti-mould Emulsion
Triton Anti-mould Emulsion is a premium quality, low odour anti-mould coating which is guaranteed to protect against Black Mould even in cases of persistent condensation. The anti-mould biocide is combined throughout the paint film, which is formulated to impart toughness, elasticity, water resistance and durability to the surface finish.
Application: Following the application of Triton Surface Cleanser, Triton Anti-mould Emulsion can be used as a primer for new or porous surfaces (thinned up to 10% with clean tap water). Allow primer coat to dry thoroughly. Apply two coats of Anti-mould Emulsion using a brush or roller, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
Coverage: 10-12m2 per litre but an extra allowance should be made for rough or porous surfaces.
Drying Time: Touch dry in one hour and re-coatable after 2-4 hours.
Colours: Brilliant White and Magnolia.
Pack size: 2.5 litre (as a kit with Triton Surface Cleanser) and 5.0 litre.
Health and safety: The product is approved under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 for use as directed (HSE No. 6308). In use it is very similar to conventional high quality emulsion paint.
Passive Solutions
Triton Passifier Air Brick (Passive Air Vent)
A passive solution to condensation, mould growth and poor ventilation. The Triton Passifier Air Brick takes around one hour to install, makes no noise and works passively 24 hours per day. There are no moving parts or running costs.
Siting and installation: Normally installed in bedrooms, one unit per bedroom is usually sufficient. Install in a relatively high position on an external wall so as to provide cross ventilation, i.e. at the furthest corner from the door. The unit is telescopic (260mm - 400mm) and therefore suitable for various wall thicknesses. The vents occupy the space of a normal 9" x 6" air brick which is supplied as the external facing part of the vent. Installation is simple and full instructions are provided with each unit.
Triton Passive Air Vent
The Triton Passive Air Vent offers replacement air without draughts, four position cord operation airflow control, sound insulation, dust and insect filters, water deflector and fly screen on external grille. An economical although less quick acting alternative to a dehumidifier or positive air vent, the Passive Air Vent will give the same final result and so reduces condensation and Black Mould problems.
Siting and Installation: Four of the vents, positioned at ceiling height, two in each of the opposite facades on the ground floor, should provide a cross-flow sufficient for the average two or three bedroomed property. Out of the way rooms should be considered for an additional vent. Installation is simple using a 105mm diameter core drill. Full instructions are provided.
Extractor Fans
The TLC-5 extractor fan is SAP Appendix Q listed
Triton Eco-line Fan
An energy efficient, three speed extraction fan designed to be installed in walls, panels or windows. The Eco-line Fan runs silently and continuously at a choice of two lower speeds. The user can then boost the fan speed to maximum when required.
The Eco-line Fan will exhaust air directly to the outside or into a short length ducting (max 3m length) and is suitable for toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.
Features a maintenance free, self lubricating, sleeve bearing motor for long life and noise-free operation. The fan complies with EN 6033502-80, EC Low Voltage Directive LVD 2006/95/CE and EC Directive EMC89/336. It is splash proof, CE marked and double insulated.
Triton Low Carbon Fans
A range of five fans, all designed to deliver high efficiency, low carbon operation and low running costs. All feature extremely quiet operation and are suitable for toilets, shower rooms, bathrooms, utility rooms or kitchens.
TLC-1: standard version operated by pull cord or remote switch.
TLC-2: timer model with integral timer so fan will operate at maximum speed when switched on and at low speed for over-run period.
TLC-3: Comes on automatically at low speed when relative humidity reaches pre-set level.
TLC-4: Operates when it senses presence of person.
TLC-5: Compliant with SAP Appendix Q, this fan combines latest technology with energy saving efficiency. A quiet running, 3 speed fan, designed to run continuously at either of two lower pre-set speeds. The user can then boost the fan speed to maximum by means of remote switch/light switch/PIR sensor or humidistat. This fan is suitable for use in all domestic wet rooms.
Heat Recovery Units
Heat recovery ventilators provide a continuous air change, replacing stale moisture-laden unhealthy air with filtered, fresh, warmed air from outside the dwelling. The continuous controlling of relevant humidity levels ensures that conditions will not exist in which condensation or mould growth problems can develop and thrive. Both units offer a secure means of ventilation (no need to open windows) and low running costs.
Triton Heat Recovery Room Ventilator
A continuous heat recovery unit which is suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms and lavatories, utility rooms, living rooms, washrooms, conservatories, offices and bedrooms. Pull cord provides manual override option to facilitate additional ‘boost’ of fresh filtered air.
- Energy loss is reduced by the recovery of up to 86% of exhaust heat, even when operating in boost mode
- Meets IEE, SELV and Building Regulation requirements
- Easy to install, no external access required
- Quiet in operation
- Continuous trickle ventilation
- Humidity and night sensors
Installation: A through-the-wall unit designed for easy installation by use of a 152mm core drilled hole. Suitable for wall thicknesses from 229mm - 356mm.
Also available: Extension Kit for walls up to one metre thick; Window Kit for installation through single or double glazed windows.
Triton Trakmaster Heat Recovery Ventilator
A continuous heat recovery unit which is suitable for flats, bungalows, kitchens and bathrooms. Energy loss is reduced by the recovery of up to 65% of exhaust heat, even when operating on boost mode. A variety of manual or automatic control options are available. The Triton Trakmaster unit is factory set to provide a positive pressure facility to combat the ingress of radon gas and increase heat exchange efficiency.
- Meets Building Regulations requirements
- Easy to install, no external access required
- Quiet in operation
- Continuous trickle ventilation
- Humidity sensor
Siting: Can be sited anywhere within a dwelling using ducting. Ideally should be sited as close as possible to outside wall to minimise ducting. The extraction point should preferably be ducted from the nearest ‘wet’ source ie kitchen or bathroom.
Positive Pressure Units
Positive pressure units are designed to eliminate moisture from the home by a constant circulation of gently pressurised, clean air. Installed in either the loft of a house or a hallway cupboard in a flat, the gentle pressurisation of the property expels any stale, humid air through natural ventilation points which are present in even the most insulated buildings.
Up to four humidity sensors can be fitted around the home all connected back to the main units described below to ensure total control. The air is delivered to the property through a centrally located inlet grille on the landing or hallway ceiling or a wall grille for properties without lofts.
Running costs: Both the units described below are rated at 7 watt slow and 14 watt fast. Assuming electricity costs of 12 pence per unit, and that the units might be used for an average of one hour per day, running costs would equate to just 3 pence per day/21 pence per week.
Triton PPU Flat
A cupboard mounted unit for properties without lofts. Low wattage with 2-speed manually operated switch. Extract speed 55 litres/second on fast speed or 44 litres/second on slow speed. Noise level (at full speed) is just 20dBA.
Triton PPU Loft
A loft mounted unit for installation in properties with loft space. Low wattage with 2-speed manually operated switch. Extract speed 55 litres/second on fast speed or 44 litres/second on slow speed. Noise level (at full speed) is just 25dBA.
Useful Links
PCA - Property Care Association
Visit their website for further information
www.property-care.org