Anti Condensation Paints - Expert installers

Anti condensation paints are a useful product used to prevent condensation forming on cold walls, which in turn can help prevent mould growth.

Condensation is the most common cause of mould in the United Kingdom, and in severe cases can lead to unsightly damage to the surface of walls, deterioration of wallpaper and even health problems. The problem tends to appear in the cold winter months, as temperatures drop outside, so external solid walls become colder. The cold surface causes humid air in the atmosphere to cool and condense.

Condensation can however be caused by other problems, such as leaks and penetrating damp, so it is important to fully understand the root cause of the problem before carrying out treatments. This is why it is important to first have a damp and timber survey, in order to accurately diagnose the type of damp affecting the property, so any treatments will work long term.

Rentokil Property Care have a number of CSRT and CSTDB qualified surveyors who are experts in identifying different types of damp, and will provide you with detailed recommendations for long term peace of mind. We are Property Care Association Members and have a number of branches across the United Kingdom, meaning we have qualified and experienced surveyors and technicians local to you.

An anti condensation paint is designed to stop moisture from condensing on cool surfaces, and is typically applied to walls, around windows and ceilings. They work by creating a thermal barrier between the cold wall and the warm air inside the home. Because the surface now has an insulated barrier, condensation will not form on the surface, as the thermal efficacy has been increased. Warm air is directed back into the room rather than condensing on the cold spot - stopping water beads from forming on the surface.

This removes the conditions necessary for mould spores to germinate, stopping the condensation and mould problem.

Anti condensation paint works because it contains fine glass bubbles containing vacuum which prevents heat transmission. Walls will feel warmer to the touch because of the thermal barrier created. This works in a similar way to a thermos flask.

Anti condensation paints work differently to more typical fungicidal or mouldicidal paints which contain a fungicide to kill mould on the surface over an extended period - but do not address the cause of the condensation - the cold surface.

The anti condensation paint formula used by Rentokil Property Care has been laboratory tested and shown to drastically reduce the formation of condensation. While anti condensation paint is a useful product for small areas of condensation, like walls in a porch or around windows, it will not address the excess moisture in the room.

To remove the warm humid air you will need to increase ventilation through window trickle vents, air bricks, extractor fans or the installation of a PIV unit.

Other products like thermal plastering can be useful options for solid walled properties with an extensive condensation and mould problem, but the primary cause of the issue, the excess moisture production, still requires remediation. Because of this, it is important to conduct a damp and timber survey before applying anti condensation paints, as the professional surveyor can help you understand the root cause of the problem, and offer long term solutions.

The first step that Rentokil Property Care will take is to carry out a thorough damp survey of your property to fully understand the root cause of the damp.

We will provide you with a detailed survey report outlining the surveyors findings including the source of damp, with details on whether or not treatments are necessary. If anti condensation paint would help address the issues your property faces, this will be detailed in the survey report. If you choose to go ahead with anti condensation paint installation, one of our trained technicians will arrive at the property at an agreed time, and begin carrying out the treatment.

The first step is to prepare the surfaces required for treatment. If the wall is damp then an appropriate mould eradication solution will be used. If there is damaged or deteriorated wallpaper this will be stripped back, so the full area can be cleaned and sanded, to prepare a flat smooth surface. Once the surfaces have been prepared, the application of anti condensation paint can take place. The paint is first folded into a tray, before being applied to the surfaces by brush or roller. Once the first coat has dried (typically around 4 hours) a second can be applied.

The second coat should be quicker to dry (normally around 2 hours this time), but it is recommended to wait another four hours before any further decorations take place. Once fully dried the area can be painted or wallpapered over, as the thermal layer is insulating underneath.

• Anti condensation paint will prevent condensation forming, and inhibit mould and fungal growth.
• Perfect for isolated areas of condensation or mould caused by cold bridging.
• It can be used for areas that are difficult to insulate such as eaves voids or sloping ceilings.
• Can be applied directly on a range of surfaces.
• Can be painted or wallpapered over once applied
• Prevents heat escaping through cold walls, helping to reduce heating bills
• Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and lintels over doors or windows that suffer from cold bridging.

Anti mould products will typically use biocides to kill mould spores over an extended period, whereas anti condensation paints will use insulating properties to improve the thermal efficiency of the surface, and prevent condensation forming in the first place.

This means that anti mould paints will remove the problem by killing spores, but not address the root cause of the problem. Anti condensation paints help raise the temperature of the surface of the wall, meaning that humid air in the internal atmosphere does not reach dew point, and will not condense on the surface.

No, anti condensation paint is designed to improve the thermal performance of surfaces, meaning that hot air in the atmosphere will no longer condense on the surface, thereby causing damp walls and mould growth. This is only a solution for a confirmed condensation problem, and is not a fix for all other types of damp.

Damp proof paints are used to specifically stop penetrating damp by creating a waterproof barrier on the exterior of the property, so moisture cannot penetrate inside.

The source of moisture causing the problem will dictate which damp proof paint is required, as tanking slurries are often used for below ground waterproofing or because of high ground levels, whereas masonry protection creams are used to prevent lateral penetrating damp from rainfall.

A damp and timber survey can provide answers on the origins of the moisture problem affecting your property, with a survey report outlining the recommended treatments, if required.

There are various products and treatments that can help stop a condensation problem, and this will vary depending on the unique characteristics of the property in question.

Often walls can benefit from thermal plastering, anti condensation paints and insulation top ups which can help improve the thermal efficiency of the property - helping reduce cold spots and thermal bridging where condensation and mould forms.

While these products are extremely useful ways of insulating cold spots, it is essential to improve ventilation and air flow in a property, as condensation is most commonly caused by moisture being trapped inside. This means it cannot escape, and the warm moisture laden air condenses on surfaces.

A professional damp survey can help provide answers on the best course of action required to prevent the condensation problem long term.

Depending on the product used, sometimes damp proof paints will simply mask the problem, rather than addressing the root cause of the problem. Anti condensation paints are useful products, but the excess moisture inside the property should also be addressed, and improvements to ventilation will increase the likelihood of a long term solution.

External damp proof paints are an effective way to stop moisture penetrating into a property, but if installed incorrectly, they can sometimes trap moisture inside the wall, causing further issues, including fungal decay.

Misdiagnosis of the source of damp can lead to the wrong product being used, which ultimately results in the problem returning, leading to more problems in the future. This is why it is essential to have a professional survey carried out by a qualified surveyor, who can provide you with an answer to what is causing the problem, with recommendations for treatments where required.

Yes it is fine to paint over anti condensation paint. Once the product has fully dried you can paint and wallpaper over it without impacting the thermal performance of the product.

While condensation and mould problems can sometimes be solved by making changes to the way moisture is produced in a property, if you are unsure about the source of the problem, or if the problem is continuing to return, you may require professional assistance. 

Damp problems can sometimes lead to further issues, especially if timber has been compromised and there is evidence of issues such as wet rot, dry rot or woodworm. To prevent misdiagnosis and to fully investigate the problem and the extent of any damage, it is recommended that you get a damp and timber survey from a CSTDB or CSRT qualified professional.

Rentokil Property Care has been working in peoples homes and businesses for over 70 years, correctly identifying property issues and providing long term solutions.

We are experts in property preservation, and can provide you with personalised advice for the condensation problem affecting your property.