How moisture can damage
buildings and objects
Moisture damage is caused by the change of temperature and air humidity between outside and inside air, combined with a lack of air circulation or insufficient air exchange. Under normal conditions, warm air contains a larger quantity of (suspended) water than cold air. If this warm air meets a cold object, it cools down, and can no longer sustain its original water content level.
As it passes through, the air cools down, the relative air humidity rises, and condensation can form inside the component. This in turn can damage structures and lead to increased energy consumption.
Another way in which moisture can damage buildings is when it is absorbed by or penetrates into masonry, concrete, screed and other building materials as a consequence of capillary or hygroscopic water absorption, seepage and water coming off slopes, capillary condensation, and the salination of building materials. This causes the air humidity to rise inside the building humidity which cannot be removed by ventilating and heating since the amount of water coming in is more than that which is evaporating. The consequences are mould, bacteria and rot in the masonry, and the growth of dust mites (above 45% RH).
Moisture damage can also occur as the result of leaks in buildings and roofs, water damage, storms and floods, leaks from water installations, burst pipes, and condensation that forms on cold pipes and objects
Moisture caused by processes and production
Moisture damage can also occur in places where water and vapour are used openly. Moisture caused by processes and production can be found in places such as swimming pools, where it is caused by the constant evaporation of water, and in the food industry as a result of hot water cleaning. High maintenance costs are the unavoidable consequence thereof.
| Water contained in the air condenses and is precipitated in the form of condensation. This is referred to as 'falling below the dew point'. It is a phenomenon which can often be observed when warm air in a room cools down on a window, and the moisture in it condenses into water on the window pane. This becomes especially critical if warm room air passes through a component which is not airtight. |
As it passes through, the air cools down, the relative air humidity rises, and condensation can form inside the component. This in turn can damage structures and lead to increased energy consumption.
Another way in which moisture can damage buildings is when it is absorbed by or penetrates into masonry, concrete, screed and other building materials as a consequence of capillary or hygroscopic water absorption, seepage and water coming off slopes, capillary condensation, and the salination of building materials. This causes the air humidity to rise inside the building humidity which cannot be removed by ventilating and heating since the amount of water coming in is more than that which is evaporating. The consequences are mould, bacteria and rot in the masonry, and the growth of dust mites (above 45% RH).
Moisture damage can also occur as the result of leaks in buildings and roofs, water damage, storms and floods, leaks from water installations, burst pipes, and condensation that forms on cold pipes and objects
Moisture caused by processes and production
Moisture damage can also occur in places where water and vapour are used openly. Moisture caused by processes and production can be found in places such as swimming pools, where it is caused by the constant evaporation of water, and in the food industry as a result of hot water cleaning. High maintenance costs are the unavoidable consequence thereof.