ABSTRACT
Rising and penetrating dampness can generally be attributed to design, inadequate construction or disrepair. Traumatic problems may be a result of inadequate frost protection or disrepair.
Condensation can be caused by deficiencies in the design, construction and/or maintenance, or through unreasonable occupier behaviour. Moisture is produced by occupants through their normal biological and domestic activities. Relatively low levels of moisture are generated through breathing and are spread over 24 hours, but there are higher levels produced in peaks from cooking, clothes drying and bathing. A dwelling should be able to cope with a degree of moisture generation appropriate to its size, without resulting in problems of condensation.
