About Condensation Damp
Condensation Damp is generally a bi-product of how we live and can effect damp walls, and damp cellars. Various things that we do on a daily basis exacerbates the levels of atmospheric moisture in our homes and buildings and this has a direct bearing on the levels of condensation damp.

Cooking, bathing, showering and even breathing can increase moisture levels in the atmosphere with the average person expelling up to 5 pints of moisture a night just while they are sleeping!

Condensation damp can occur:
• When there is a lack of natural ventilation
• When there is a constant change in air temperature in a room
• When wall surfaces are damp and cold
• When radiators have been used excessively to dry clothes

Basically, air molecules are larger when they are warm and so they can hold more atmospheric moisture. When the air cools the molecules reduce in size and so are unable to hold the same amount of moisture, and therefore deposit the excess moisture on the surrounding surfaces.

Visually this can appear as actual moisture and wet to the touch, or as black spot penicillium mould. Both can have detrimental affects to the internal finishes and the spores of the mould can manifest themselves permanently in the wall plaster. Condensation damp can also be a health hazard especially to those who already have respiratory health problems.

Dealing With Condensation Damp
For below ground damp problems, a full damp tanking system should be applied to the damp cellar. When dealing with above ground damp it is important to provide increased and regular levels of ventilation to facilitate regular air changes within a room. If this can be achieved naturally then some form of mechanical ventilation or climate control should be introduced.

In turn some attention should be given to the surfaces where the condensation is occurring particularly if damp mould has been present. Numerous people have found that using standard cleaning products or bleach can sometimes be a futile exercise when trying to remove penicillium mould permanently. If the spores of the mould have manifested themselves then the only option may be to remove the wall plaster or apply an impermeable damp proofing membrane over the affected areas.

Application of Damp Proof Membranes
Damp Proof Membranes can be applied to damp walls affected by condensation damp, staining and mould and penetrating damp. The recommended High Density Polypropylene and Polyethylene damp proof membranes would be moulded into a stud formation which creates an air gap behind the system.

The impervious nature of the damp proof membrane coupled with the 'egg box' stud profile means that when the membrane has been applied to the wall surface, mould spores caused by the condensation damp can no longer affect new finishes which would be applied to the Damp Proof Membrane. Similarly, any dampness in the structure will be prevented from affecting the wall finishes. They can be applied by a DIY damp expert, or a professional damp specialist.

The air gap provided by the studs of the membrane is a natural insulator and this means that when applied the membrane serves to gently warm up the surface of the wall and the thermal qualities can help to reduce levels of condensation damp. The damp plaster can then dry out behind the membrane, thus treating damp permanently.

Damp Proof Membrane Systems can be applied following the removal of contaminated wall finishes, or simply directly over the top of them. One contractor who regularly uses Damp Proof Membranes said "We don't mess about any more. Whenever we have a wall affected by condensation damp and damp mould we firstly install better levels of ventilation - naturally or mechanically - and then we apply a Damp Proof Membrane to the walls and dab fix an insulated plasterboard. That way we get a nice dry and warm wall surface which considerably reduces the chances of condensation damp re-occurring."

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Are you in need of a damp proofing provider for your job? Then look no further as the team at Plasterers Redbridge can help. Call 020 8088 0926 today so that we can discuss your needs!

Common ceiling treatments include popcorn ceiling removal, treatment for joint shadow lines, treatment for dark areas and others. Some of these treatments can be addressed with DIY efforts. Learning the difference between various treatments allows homeowners to get a better view of what is required of them.

Joint Shadow Lines
Drywall ceilings can develop lines on their surfaces. This problem occurs because of a lack of insulation on the top of joists. The joist tops are exposed to low winter temperatures. The wooden joists are not effective insulators and there is a temperature difference between adjacent parts of the ceiling. The difference helps to create the appearance of lines. Condensation occurs because of the lower temperature: dirt and mould become trapped in these wet spots and shadow lines are produced.

Solutions exist even for problems which seem as insurmountable as this one. Homeowners can address this problem. A special paint can be applied to the ceiling and followed up with repairing the insulation on the joists. This insulation should fill spaces between joists in addition to covering those wooden tops which were previously left uncovered.

This treatment, while intricate, can seem less daunting than the task of popcorn ceiling removal (cottage cheese or acoustic ceiling removal), which can include testing the surface through the help of a laboratory and then contacting an asbestos abatement company in case the samples prove dangerous.

Bulge in Plaster Ceiling
Older homes with plaster ceilings may contain bulges which concern homeowners. In older homes, plaster was applied over metal, wood or gypsum lath in order to coat walls and ceilings. Vibrations and water damage to the roof may interact with the substances applied in the plaster placement process. Layers of plaster coating can cause the plaster to break away from structures within the surface and a bulge is produced.

A lack of heating can cause even the finish coat to create sags in the wall.
Two methods for repair are available. The DIY method, applying plaster washers, may appeal to homeowners wanting to fore-go the cost of the alternative: contacting a plaster contractor. Valuable resources point to an important difference between a plaster contractor and a drywall contractor, indicating that choosing the inappropriate repair business is a common mistake.

Obviously, the DIY method could entail steps which surpass those and involves in popcorn ceiling removal. Yet, if a contractor is involved, popcorn ceiling removal could still equate to more errand work for the homeowner than this treatment would create.

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It may come as a surprise to many people that it’s common place for newly built extensions to get cracks. This occurs because of movement between the ground and the wall.
 
But it’s just been built! I hear you cry. Whist we understand that it’s a pain to have to re-plaster and redecorate an area that’s just been built, it’s a job that’s got to be done.
 
We empathise that paying out more money to fill the cracks is the last thing you will want to do, don't rush into this. We recommend that you wait at least a year before tackling the problem.
 
The movement in a newly built extension takes place over a period of time and can affect various places. Settlement cracks can occur in the joint between the ceiling and wall.
 
The weather and quality of materials used in your extension are determining factors of the severity of cracks seen in your walls and ceilings.
 
So, if your extension is just a couple of months old and the sight of those cracks are driving you mad - get in touch! We can assess the damage and book you in to be seen in a few months’ time. This will give you peace of mind and time to allow any further cracks to appear.
 
Plasterer Redbridge covers east London and Essex, offering you our plastering, rendering and external wall insulation services. Get in touch on: 020 8088 0926.