Damp prevention in unoccupied properties

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 12:29

This coming new year we will be bringing in a ventilation system from the UK, which will be of great benefit to owners of closed-up, unoccupied properties which suffer from damp problems, due to lack of air circulation.

These ventilators will typically cost about 100 pounds per room, supplied and fitted.

The system consumes no electricity making them ideal for holiday villas/appartments.

To express an interest, please e-mail me on

vaughan@sunnycyprus.net

flutterby


Joined: 11/01/2008
Posts: 214

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 12:55

These sound excellent, not only for unoccupied apartments, but perhaps for use in shower rooms/bathrooms where there is no ventilation in most properties here in the TRNC?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 13:34

Damp problems due to lack of "DAMP COURSE",Vertical or otherwise is 90% of the problem here in TRNC, Ventilators do nothing except "partially" dry out the rising damp ,,Which, if the House had been built with any form of building control (or know-how) Should never occur ,,,,,Why don't you introduce C.P.I .damp proofing?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 14:38

martinD41,



Rising damp is a serious problem here in TRNC, due to poor construction, and we have solutions for this.

However, many villas and apartments are only used for spring/summer holidays and are locked-up tight with closed windows all through the autumn/winter. Damp mould thrives in these conditions on walls, in cupboards and wardrobes. Natural convection ventilation runs 24 hours a day and helps prevent black mould from forming.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 15:05

What solution do you offer for rising damp.Are you aware that BLACK MOULD is a serious Health hazard and should be controlled by the use of HEPA Air filters not Ventilators which serve to spread the air born Spores.The only way to prevent "Toxic" Black Mould is by Humidity Control hence Dehumidification ...

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 15:48

Whilst we are aware that black mould (Stachybotrys Chartarum) spores are a health hazard the purpose of our system is to prevent their formation and further propogation, i.e. prevent them, not control them.

We are also aware that the problem takes place during the off-season when the buildings are sealed tight and not occupied and that therefore any health hazard is moot.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 19:32

Unless you can import an effective "Damp Proofing" System "NO" amount of Ventilation from outside (High Humidity Air) will " PREVENT" Microbiological growth..Unless, your systems can "Dry Source" the inlet air???.....Electro Osmotic systems would be effective against damp penetration as would C.P.I..But to say that ventilation alone would "Prevent Black Mould" is somewhat ambiguous...Sorry..(45 years a master builder!)

gardenmaker


Joined: 01/09/2008
Posts: 170

Message Posted:
20/12/2010 21:54

got to agree martin but i think there worse problem is no DPM espeically as they soak the backfill to compact thenpour thwe oversite on wet ground?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
21/12/2010 09:41

Thanks for your input martinD. We acknowledge that proper positive pressure ventilation is only one plank, albeit a major one, in the overall solution to black mould growth. Subject to survey we may recommend other remedies, including cleaning and treatment with biocide and the application of paint impregnated with chemicals to inhibit further mold growth.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
21/12/2010 10:15

Even if they do fit a DPC they then plaster right over it creating a bridge between the foundations and upper areas!

airy____fairy


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 813

Message Posted:
01/01/2011 19:19

Vaughan -



I would like to express an interest in this - can you e mail me please - rach_scissor_hands@hotmail.com

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
02/01/2011 07:30

airy fairy,



sent e-mail.

Let me know if you don't get it.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
05/01/2011 14:32

We will be doing surveys in the Esentepe, Bahceli and Tatlisu areas next week. If anyone wants a free, no obligation survey, please let us know.

straitasadie


Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
05/01/2011 23:03

martinD41.we have a large bungalow, and only have a problem with one nw facing bedroom.

tried dehumidifier also leaving windows open 6 hrs a day.still have the problem musty smell.nw corner

abovefloor black patches.ne corner wardrobe green on shoes.any suggestions.thanks in advance

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 09:14

You can minimize damp but only way to get rid of it is knock the building down and do it properly from the start, every building almost in Cyprus is affected by this (damp) and in the long term buildings just lose value because of this,

juliamoons



Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 849

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 09:58

What is C.P.I damp proofing please?

juliamoons



Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 849

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 10:11

Does anyone know if ELECTRO OSMOTIC dpc systems are sold and installed here in TRNC?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 10:33

juliamoons...C.P.I. stands for Chemical Pressure Injection.....



E.O systems are not available as far as I know ..........At least I have not come across them...I think they should be imported ASAP!!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 10:36

msg14.as msg15 I'm afraid :(

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 11:38

Short of lifting one's 'concrete tent' off its foundations with 'skyhooks' for the duration of the 'sillyseason', there's really no sure-fire cure for 'rising damp'!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 12:58

Ten...Electro Osmotic systems would do it ,but I fear the cost would maybe prove prohibitive,under this present Government/Customs regime.........One Kit typically costs around £400 in the UK

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 14:17

Only way to rid damp is knock the place down and build it properly from the start.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 14:28

Given that houses here are built with steel reinforced concrete columns against earth tremors/quakes, I don't see how a dpc could be installed in the first place.

juliamoons



Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 849

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 16:30

if I brought Electro Osmotic system in from the UK could any one here fit it for me.

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 21:00

steel reinforced rods can be dipped into a flexiseal dpc liquid then when dry steel fixers fix them into position, believe me it can be done that's how we had to do the bridges around bluewater shopping centre, also concrete can be poured onto it. Simple but not so in Cyprus.

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 21:03

steel reinforced rods can be dipped into a flexiseal dpc liquid then when dry steel fixers fix them into position, believe me it can be done that's how we had to do the bridges around bluewater shopping centre, also concrete can be poured onto it. Simple but not so in Cyprus.

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 21:59

steel reinforced rods can be dipped into a flexiseal dpc liquid then when dry steel fixers fix them into position, believe me it can be done that's how we had to do the bridges around bluewater shopping centre, also concrete can be poured onto it. Simple but not so in Cyprus.

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 22:00

Don't know why this keeps repeating sorry

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
07/01/2011 08:02

msg23.........Waterproofing ADD-MIX in the first 900mm of the concrete pour.....Re- bar should be double bound in this section,but most importantly the pour should be agitated thoroughly to remove "AIR "bubbles and compact the aggregate.."Starter" columns as they are known should be left for twice the usual "Cure "time and the heads cleaned with a" Needle Gun" before the final pour...

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
07/01/2011 18:41

msg25....I don't understand how dipping re-bar in flexiseal prevents water penetration...re-bar is only effective if it is clean,not even rusty re-bar is acceptable in quality builds.. ..........Concrete is "NOT" fully waterproof,but can be made so with the appropriate Add Mix...However additional re-bar bindings are needed to compensate for the slightly weaker inherent strength of the pour..............

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
08/01/2011 13:17

juliamoons,



msg 24



contact me please on:

vaughan@sunnycyprus.net

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
08/01/2011 14:15

msg24juliamoons...E.O.is not difficult to install, but great care must be taken with the installation of the "Platinum coated Titanium Anodes",particularly in the bonding.One air gap around the Anode and that section becomes US...I would ask around for an installer who has done this work in TRNC,(I Have but I am retired))..A good electrical Installer would at leased understand the principle . you do not want to be someone's first attempt or Guinea pig,not at many hundreds of pound per ATTEMPT good luck...

neilhodgin


Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
25/01/2011 13:05

Interested in the above. Has anyone had Either the ventilation system fitted or gone down the rout of Electro-osmosis?

neilhodgin


Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
25/01/2011 13:15

Anyone tried http://www.Solaair.com/ or is there another company that does this?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
25/01/2011 14:20

The ventilators have arrived from the UK and the cost to supply and install them is 90 pounds per room, subject to survey.



Please contact:



vaughan@sunnycyprus.net



for further info.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
25/01/2011 14:44

Re msg23..........Best stick to what you know then

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
25/01/2011 15:00

martinD41,

msg 7.



While we can't say we are master builders for such a long time as your esteemed self, our partner here in TRNC, Donegal Developments, is registered with the UK Federation of Master Builders.



http://www.donegal-developments.com/index.php?/about-us.html

neilhodgin


Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
25/01/2011 15:33

TRNCVaughn,

thanks for the info,are the ventilators solar? Probably b in touch later this week.

clarets



Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 752

Message Posted:
26/01/2011 01:23

Vaughan, I am interested in this. Please e-mail me some details on iain.ashworth@nhs.net

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
27/01/2011 15:22

Clarets,



info e-mailed.



rgds



Vaughan

Allan


Joined: 28/12/2010
Posts: 40

Message Posted:
27/01/2011 19:48

Hi TRNC Vaughan



There are some cynical people about, you are offering a solution for lack of ventialtion, subject to survey with alternative advice & solutions where this dictates.

As you stated if you can inhibit the formation of the mould growth this must be a positive step in North Cyprus especially when the property is left empty.



Good Luck

BillyB


Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 436

Message Posted:
27/01/2011 20:32

We used a bottle of damp & mould remover from local super market to get rid of black mould. wiped it on twice then put neat domestos on it. That was two years ago and it hasn't returned. In the winter sleep with bedroom doors open as it stops condesation biulding up. If we leave the villa for any length of time we leave a couple of small bathroom windows open with fly screens and security bars fitted. Im not being cynical, just trying to save people money.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
28/01/2011 09:41

Hi Allan,



Thanks for your support.



BillyB,



Many folks leave windows open but this is not always enough. If it is - great. If it isn't - maybe we can help.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
28/01/2011 10:02

Given Cyprus climatic conditions and what with un-vibrated 7:1 mixes, unwashed sea sand/chalk aggregate and un-oiled rusty re-bar - the average 'off-plan' 'concrete tent' should last....well.....about 9 years until it flies to bits, eh Martin?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
28/01/2011 10:53

Ten,Cyprus Houses are traditionally intended to be shelter from the "Sun" and occasional "Rain"much as you would use..."oh yes".. a tent...........I once had a tent that lasted 10 years!! Just one point if I may,Re-Bar should be clean,Not Rusty and definitely NOT oiled,........

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
03/02/2011 09:30

breezyboy



Thanks for the e-mail.

Tried to reply as follows, but it bounced back.



"Hi Erwin,



Our system will work with cavity walls and we usually fit 2 vents per room or 4 in an open plan lounge/diner. The low level vent is the inlet and the high level vent is the outlet.

A pair of vents (inlet-outlet) will cost 90 pounds sterling supplied and fitted.



Hope this info is enough for you.



regards



Vaughan"

dusty48


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 258

Message Posted:
10/02/2011 16:07

Hi Vaughan



Can you give me a call to arrange a survey 0533 832 8943

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
11/02/2011 10:14

Hi Dusty48,



I have tried ringing you but can't get through.

dusty48


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 258

Message Posted:
11/02/2011 23:19

sorry 0533 832 8942

goldenlady


Joined: 11/02/2011
Posts: 7

Message Posted:
12/02/2011 07:49

can u tell me if this product will stop the horrible mould that grows on the back of my wardrobe every year please?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
12/02/2011 13:36

This product will improve the ventilation in unoccupied properties. It is the lack of ventilation that promotes the growth of black mold in wardrobes and cupboards where there is very little air circulation.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/02/2011 20:17

It is the lack of ventilation to a certain extent but more likely to be a "DAMP POORLY BUILT HOUSE" that is the problem..Like most TRNC houses it is built in the same way as a" Lock Up Garage".No insulation ,No damp course

Basically a shelter from Sun & Rain ....Any amount of supposed "CURES" for Black Mould will be a temporary fix,at best ,And I am sorry to say that is all you can hope for..............If they built Houses properly the problem would not exist....................But the houses are Cheap,and poorly built , so I guess you get what you pay for

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
14/02/2011 11:52

It is the lack of ventilation, to a certain extent, that promotes black mold growth, and our proposal is a competitively priced way of improving ventilation in closed-up, unoccupied buildings.

Good ventilation is desireable for many reasons, not least the aleviation of damp related problems.

Everyone agrees that property is poorly constructed here, and that the 100% solutions are very expensive and disruptive.

queenbar


Joined: 14/06/2009
Posts: 427

Message Posted:
14/02/2011 13:15

Hello Büyük Baba! How are you? How is your health are you ok? We haven't see you for many days that's why we are worried about you.













Q.B

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
14/02/2011 13:17

Hello number 1 Patron,



I am well thank you. I will come to see you soon.