SURFACE AND INTERSTITIAL CONDENSATION

WHAT IS CONDENSATION? Condensation is the change of the physical state of matter from gas phase into liquid phase, and is the reverse of vaporization. It can also be defined as the change in the state of water vapour to water or any liquid when in contact with any surface. When the transition happens from the gaseous phase into the solid phase directly, the change is called deposition.

HOW DOES CONDENSATION OCCUR? Condensation in a building usually occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface. The air is cooled below its saturation point causing its excess water vapour to change into liquid water. The condensed water usually appears as water droplets or water film on non-absorbent surfaces such as windows or tiles. This form of condensation is surface condensation. It is obvious and always occurs on the surfaces which are at or below the dew point of the air immediately adjacent. Condensation occurs when relatively warm moisture lade air comes into contact with surfaces, at or below its dew point, which are relatively cold as a result of locally reduced insulation values between the warm air and a relatively cold area. At the air interface between warm moist air and cooler walls and windows, the water vapour will be cooled becoming liquid again, creating many fine droplets. Typical examples of this process are condensation at the base of external walls, where it may be confused with rising damp, condensation on window panes where it often results in accelerated decay to the lower parts of window frames. Surface condensation can also occur on relatively cold internal walls, furnishings and fittings. Uninsulated ceilings are prime locations as warm moist air rises and contacts cold ceiling and wall surfaces often illustrating ceiling joist or timber wall stud or batten locations which act like strips of insulation maintaining warm spots.

Figure: surface condensation on window glazing (non-absorbent) As the temperature of moisture-laden air approaches dew point and the relative humidity rises, a number of moisture associated problems can become apparent, even before condensation occurs. In particular, superficial and interstitial mould growth can occur, especially on surfaces or in materials contaminated by dust or other organic materials. This typically occurs in poorly ventilated areas such as behind furniture and pictures, behind the glazing of pictures, in soft furnishings or carpets, and in poorly ventilated cupboards or corners of rooms, both at ceiling and floor level. This can cause serious damage to decorative and historically important finishes, as well as representing a significant health hazard, especially to sensitive individuals. Interstitial mould growth in contaminated carpets, soft furnishings or insulation materials due to this raised moisture content and inadequate heating and ventilation can be an extreme health hazard, and appropriate respiratory protection should be used in affected areas.

WHAT IS INTERSTITIAL CONDENSATION? Condensation can also occur within the fabric of the building due to the internal air permeating through the structure because of its greater pressure. Water vapour in the air exerts a pressure which contributes to the total pressure of the air. The more moisture present in the air the greater the contribution of water vapour to the total pressure of the air referred to as vapour pressure. Air inside a heated building usually contains more moisture than does the external air. This means it is at a higher pressure which tends to force the warm air through the structure taking the moisture with it. Most building materials, except metals, plastics and certain lined elements, are to some extent permeable and do not obstruct the movement of moist air through the structure. The warm moist air will eventually cool below

its dew point within the fabric of the building resulting in condensation. This form of condensation is interstitial condensation.

Figure: Interstitial condensation on wall

Interstitial condensation can occur in solid and cavity wall properties, and happens when pressure and temperature differences force warm humid air through hygroscopic (water absorbing) materials until they reach a point cold enough for it to condense upon a surface. It is the result of the interaction between a complex set of factors. This includes:

the amount of steam & evaporation and the occupancy level in a given room relative humidity, temperature and pressure both inside and outside (which varies all the time)

the structure and composition of a wall, floor or ceiling/flat roof (sloping roofs above ventilated lofts are rarely a problem)

and the surfaces (e.g. paint type), both inside and outside, of a wall.