It ensures the delivery of good quality, compliant homes that value both the importance of occupancy comfort and the longevity of the building. Ensuring there is no (or absolute minimal) risk of condensation has benefits that are two-fold, it protects building users from the risk of: a) adverse health effects and b) financial implications of condensation and mould growth in properties for freeholders, leaseholders or landlords.

All buildings have become much more thermally efficient in recent years. Because of this improved efficiency, the risk of condensation has inevitably increased.  Designing buildings with this in mind has never been more important and both residential and non-residential developments now need to balance energy efficiency, ventilation, and condensation mitigation measures.

By liaising with building control bodies and warranty providers to understand your specific needs, we at Melin use world-leading 3d modelling software to undertake a comprehensive condensation risk analysis, in order to meet your exact requirements for each development. 

Please contact us here to discuss your requirements with our dedicated team.

Condensation forms when warm humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface, or where there is a significant temperature difference between elements of the building fabric.

There are two main types of condensation

This type of condensation occurs on the visible surfaces of a construction, rather than between the layers.  Internal surface condensation can promote mould growth, creating unsightly staining and reducing indoor air quality.

Thermal bridges can undermine effective insulation and can contribute to the formation of surface condensation as the cool air is drawn out, leaving the inner surface warm.

This type of condensation occurs between layers of the construction, for example ‘inside’ the roof, wall or floor elements. This form of condensation remain hidden and as such contribute to the deterioration or even failure of the components of a structure, potentially drastically shortening the lifespan.  It is important to ensure an element is designed to avoid interstitial condensation, or to design an adequate ventilation solution to remove any subsequent condensation risk.

Condensation Risk Analysis (CRA) assesses where condensation is likely to form within or on the structure, evaluating the likelihood of both interstitial and surface condensation in your building elements, and whether or not this will create a design issue.  

Our CRA assessments enable us to calculate the predicted dewpoint temperature (which varies on the materials used in the construction) and environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature differential from outside to inside.

Where we find that there is potential for condensation to build up over time, it’s vital that this is addressed at the design stage to reduce the condensation risk and ensure occupancy comfort when built (and ultimately to avoid costly remediation at a later date).

Surface and Interstitial condensation can be mitigated or managed by;

• Redesign of details
• Minimising cold bridging
• Introduction of insulation around cold bridges

• Careful consideration of Vapour control membrane positioning
• Reducing penetrations in insulation
• Where interstitial condensation can build up, consideration as to how it can be drained

Whether you have been asked by your Building control body, warranty provider, or just for your own peace of mind, using state of the art 3d modelling software, we can produce a compliant Condensation Risk Analysis report to assess the risk of condensation in your building.

If the findings of the Condensation Risk Analysis predicts any chances of condensation occurring, drawing on our many years of experience, our technical team will work tirelessly to offer solutions and potential design alterations to ensure the risk is minimised.

Where any risk remains, we’ll propose measures that will mitigate the risks of any moisture forming, or ensure its subsequent removal from the building fabric  

Don’t just take our word for it, read  our customer reviews, get in touch here,  and put us to the test.