Condensation in terrace housing: causes and cures

Abstract

This paper contains some results of an on-going project concerned with remedying surface condensation and mould growth in terrace housing. The project started in 1983 and was instigated by Coventry Churches Housing Association in response to complaints from tenants of ‘damp’ and mould. It was carried out in two phases. The first phase consisted of a detailed survey of a sample of houses and their occupants. This survey analysed the relationship of condensation with house plan type, the form and construction of the extensions, the orientation of the house, the moisture generated within the house, the amount of heating and the extent of ventilation. This, together with a theoretical analysis, indicated some of the most appropriate methods of remedying the problems. The second phase involved the implementation and monitoring of the remedial measures.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

1 Thomas, A., The 1983 Repair and Maintenance Survey, Unpublished report, Centre for Urban & Regional Studies, Birmingham University (July 1983).

2 Stafford, B. R., CCHA Condensation project: the social survey, Internal Report, Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, University of Birmingham (May 1984).

3 Ash, J., Tackling condensation, mould and insulation in housing, Housing Review (July-August 1983).

4 Loudon, A. G., The effects of ventilation and building design factors on the risk of condensation and mould growth in dwellings, BRE Current Paper 31/71 (1971).

5 Ministry of Public Building and Works, Condensation in dwellings Part 1: A design guide, HMSO (1970).

6 Cornish, J. P., Insulation, Build. Serv. (March 1985).

7 Byrd, H. and Axis Design Collective, Energy and condensation: Issues in housing rehabilitation (1984). (Available from Coventry Churches Housing Association.)