VIPEQ Guide — Condensation Ireland
Surface condensation — wet walls, black mould, steamed-up windows — is one of the most common complaints in Irish homes. This guide explains why it happens, and how VIPEQ thermal cork coating addresses it.
Surface condensation forms when warm, moisture-laden air inside a room comes into contact with a cold wall surface. When the wall surface temperature drops below what is known as the "dew point" — the temperature at which air can no longer hold all its moisture — the excess moisture condenses onto the wall in liquid form.
In Ireland, this is an extremely common problem. Our climate is persistently damp, heating is often intermittent, and a significant proportion of our housing stock — particularly pre-2000 homes — has poor thermal performance. North-facing rooms, corners, behind furniture, and unheated bedrooms are the typical locations where condensation and mould problems develop.
VIPEQ Thermal Corkspray works by raising the surface temperature of the wall — bringing it above the dew point. When the wall surface is warmer, condensation cannot form, because the temperature differential that causes moisture to deposit on the surface is eliminated or significantly reduced.
The cork coating achieves this in a layer of just 3–6mm. Cork has a thermal conductivity of 0.058 W/mK — considerably lower than concrete, brick or blockwork — meaning it acts as an effective insulating layer at the wall surface despite its thin application.
Crucially, cork is also vapour-permeable. Unlike synthetic coatings or impermeable renders, VIPEQ allows moisture vapour to move through the coating — preventing moisture from becoming trapped behind it and causing further damage to the wall.
VIPEQ Is Effective For:
Not a Substitute For:
Send us photos of the affected walls — we'll advise on whether VIPEQ thermal cork coating is the right solution for your property.