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CONDENSATION
Despite the fact that condensation is one of the most commonly occurring forms of unwanted dampness in residential properties in the UK there is a general lack of understanding about what causes it and how to reduce it. In this part of our web site we attempt to explain condensation in short, simple, easy to understand ways that we hope you find useful. It is perhaps better to start with definitions of words commonly used when condensation is being discussed.
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Condensation
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Condensation is the change in matter of a substance to a denser phase, such as a gas (or vapour) to a liquid.
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Condensate
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Liquid which has been condensed from a vapour is called condensate.
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Dew point
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Dew point is the temperature at which water vapour reverts from its gas state to a liquid. Sometimes referred to as dew point temperature.
Or for the purists: The dew point of a given parcel of air is the temperature to which the parcel must be cooled at constant barometric pressure, for the water vapour component to condense into water.
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Relative Humidity
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Relative humidity is the term used to describe the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere at a given temperature expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible at that temperature. Or for the purists: Relative humidity is defined as the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapour in a gaseous mixture of air and water to the saturated vapour pressure of water at a given temperature. Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage.
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Vapour
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Vapour is the gaseous state of matter that is a solid or liquid at normal room temperature.
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Vapour Pressure
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The balance between condensation and evaporation gives the quantity called vapour partial pressure which is abbreviated to Vapour Pressure. Vapour Pressure is an indication of a liquid's evaporation rate. It relates to the tendency of molecules and atoms to escape from a liquid or a solid. A substance with a high vapour pressure at normal temperatures is often referred to as volatile an example being petrol. The higher the vapour pressure of a material at a given temperature, the lower its boiling point.
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Water Vapour
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Water vapour is the gas phase of water.
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Condensation Explanations
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Condensation - A simple explanation |
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The Condensation Season - October until March |
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"Inability to diagnose" - a disappointment and concern |
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"Condensation?" - The football explanation |
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"How do I prevent condensation happening in a house?" |
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"But I dry my clothes in the dining room and the condensation and mould is in the bedroom" |
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"The rising damp in the walls is causing the condensation" |
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"Junction of the wall and solid floor is not sealed allowing water vapour up to cause condensation" |
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"I never use that portable gas heater”. “I never dry my clothes inside” |
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"If you fit double glazing it will cure condensation" |
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"I am told ventilation will cure condensation" |
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"Where does all the water vapour go?" |
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"The Relative Humidity level is high so it must be condensation" |
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"How can I check for condensation?" |
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