Building Problems

Moisture problems can have many causes. Condensation and humidity affect the performance of buildings and can result in costly damages. For example, corrosion under thermal insulation or cement-mortar coating. (Image 1)

Whilst cost is an issue, safety can be, in other cases, the primary issue. For instance, corrosion of concrete reinforcement can affect the safety of concrete structures (Images 2-3)

Specifically:

Unwanted moisture in the structure of a building, may cause
–  water to diffuse directly through the wet wall into the room air by evaporation.
–  building walls to cool down by several degrees, due to continuous evaporation.
–  outer perimeter walls resistance to heat loss to be reduced, irrigated by rainwater. Their performance would be as if their thickness was reduced by half or even by 2/3.

Humidity can cause damage to your physical property and be problematic for your family’s health

Moisture: The enemy of our health

An extract from a research study carried out at the 1st University Cardiology Clinic of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens:

The average daily acute myocardial infarction deaths in winter (when humidity levels were up to 72.6%), were almost 32% higher than in summer.  That was more pronounced for older people over 70 years old. In that age group, twice as many deaths were recorded in December than in June. High humidity levels exacerbate heart and respiratory problems. Dust mites, which thrive in humid environments, are one of the most common causes of asthma. New scientific research shows influenza virus transmission is higher when humidity is high. High humidity levels may also trigger inflammation and pain, especially arthritis joint pain. Fungal infections, skin diseases and headaches are also triggered by high humidity.

When mold is present in your house

Mold is almost exclusively caused by excessive condensation. The amount of condensation depends on how much water vapour is in the air. So we need to know that condensation occurs when relative humidity rises and approaches saturation point. Then water vapor inside buildings cools down and becomes liquid. Warmer moist is cooled by contact with cold surfaces, such as walls, floors, ceilings and then water vapor turns to liquid water, referred to as condensation.

Moisture in buildings, due to condensation, is a major contributor to mold growth and unhealthy household environment.

Inefficient or poor thermal home insulation- air conditioning

When you don’t have sufficient thermal insulation, heating and cooling have to be used as a substitute so as to regulate the temperature in your home.

However, there are health risks associated with overusing your air conditioner.
Research shows that people who work or spent a lot of time in over air-conditioned environments may experience respiratory, skin, eye, muscle and joint problems.

-The most common health issues associated with the overuse of air conditioning are pharyngitis, hoarseness, sore throat, cough, rhinitis, constant mucous membrane irritation and breathing difficulties.

Cooling systems and Fan Coil Units, especially if they are poorly maintained, sometimes house germs and bacteria which may promote respiratory infections, ranging from a simple cold to Legionellosis, a very serious lung infection.