SCHRIJVER SYSTEM: Handy info and review.
The NPA editor has read many times about a very interesting system to stop damp in buildings. Although we DO NOT offer this system, we thought it was so interesting, we would share it with you! Article taken from the Public domain, all copyrights respected. Now sit back and enjoy the following
Nine years ago the Schrijver Systeem came to the UK. Since then thousands of customers have enjoyed the benefits of using the Schrijver Systeem.The clever Dutch method is different from other products available in the United Kingdom, such as chemical injection and waterproof coatings.These methods attempt to block out the damp without removing it, whilst the Schrijver Systeem actually removes the moisture and decreases the humidity level, leaving the walls drier. As all work is done from the outside of the property, no replastering is required and there's no mess on the inside Frank Schrijver Uk Ltd Damp Control
Recent research has shown that 80 per cent of houses in the United Kingdom have problems due to damp, a source of irritation and misery for both tenants and homeowners. Excessive damp can be caused by a wide range of factors, and many of us think that the problems arising from this excessive damp are beyond our control.
Excessive damp is usually caused by:
1. Rising damp
2. Condensation
3. Penetration of rainwater owing to poor construction, ageing or awkward location of the building.
INSULATION
Increasingly, problems arise because of wall insulation in newly built as well as existing houses. Cavity insulation can have a dramatic impact on the ventilation within the cavity. Ventilation is essential in order to prevent condensation within the wall. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to use insulation materials that are pervious to water vapour when insulating a cavity wall, as these enable the wall to breathe in a natural way.
Cavity insulation is not the only cause of trouble: double glazing and tightening all chinks and cracks in the house also frequently lead to an enormous increase in the relative humidity indoors. One of the most noticeable effects of a substantial increase in the humidity level inside the house is saturated walls. Wet walls are very good transmitters of heat and therefore have a negative impact on your energy bill, while insulation is actually meant to reduce your bills!
VISIBLE EFFECTS
The first signs of an overabundance of damp are usually visible in the house: condensation on windows, wall paper coming down, fungus and mould (for example behind wardrobes), visible wet spots on walls and ceilings, rotting carpets and worst of all, an unmistakably musty smell throughout the house. The paintwork is usu- ally affected and the decay of floors and wooden window frames is irreversible.
Replacing window frames and redecorating (plastering or painting) walls is expensive. Moreover, these are temporary measures since nothing is done to tackle the source of the problem: damp. For years people heave tried to find solutions to these problems. This has resulted in all kinds of damp courses, the application of waterproof coatings on walls and injecting or impregnating walls with chemical solutions.
These methods have one big disadvantage: they obstruct the natural circulation of water damp in the walls. This causes the relative humidity in the house to rise, which in turn causes problems in other areas.
MESSAGE FROM NPA EDITOR: I would disagree somewhat with the above statement! Not all coatings are the same!
........... There is also an increased risk of frost damage, loose pointing and cracks appearing in walls. Moreover, these methods are usually geared towards removing a single cause of the problem, while ignoring the fact that damp is often caused by a number of factors.
HEALTH RISKS
In addition to the visible effects of excessive damp, it can pose a health risk for the inhabitants. These risks are often underestimated. Studies show that in the Netherlands more than three million people suffer illnesses and disorders because of damp. Chronic disorders of the respiratory organs and illnesses such as asthma, rheumatism and tuberculosis can be exacerbated by a high relative humidity.
For homeowners, thermal comfort is crucial and depends on both air and wall temperatures. A dry wall is a better insulator than a wet wall. A dry wall gives off more warmth and therefore ensures a reduction in the air temperature (and also heating temperature), while maintaining the same thermal comfort. In short, dry walls not only mean a healthier living environment, lower repair costs and are more pleasing to the eye, they also offer savings on heating bills.
THE SOLUTION?
The Schrijver Systeem is a Dutch method named after the inventor, Mr Schrijver. The system is specially developed to tackle the causes of excessive damp -and it's proving to beagreat success! Since 1976, the system has been produced and installed to full customer satisfaction in over 25,000 homes in the Netherlands. Outside the Netherlands, the system has been used in Belgium, France, Portu-gal and Spain. Only after extensive laboratory tests and the results of test houses did the system receive its official patent in 1988. In the same year the system won first prize in the Dutch national competition for new inventions.
HOW THIS SYSTEM WORKS
The Schrijver Systeem is a humidity regulating system that consists of a stone element and a ceramic tube. The whole system is fixed in a specially prepared niche in the outside wall. Through an opening in the element, dry air can flow into the system. This air is led directly to the ceramic tube and two air chambers. A second opening in the system causes a draught. This leads to a drop in temperature within the tube and asaresultacold bridge is created. Since humidity tends to form at the coldest spot, it will gather in the ceramic tube, from where it is transported outside by the airflow. In the same way, condensation from within the house also disappears.
Schrijver's own specialists install the Schrijver Systeem around buildings in the outside walls (approx. one element per 14 running foot/2.3 per meter) at about 14 inches (35cm) above ground level. By means of this intensive method of natural ventilation, damp will be constantly withdrawn from the building, even under the floor. The amount of damp that is withdrawn depends on weather conditions and wind speed. The system is a very natural and environmentally friendly solution, which does not use chemicals or involve complicated construction work.
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The Schrijver Systeem has been successfully fixed in both insulated and non-insulated houses and in both single brick and cavity walls. It can be easily placed in both new and existing houses, and even buildings of special significance such as monuments, castles and churches.
For more information on this system contact Frank Schrijver UK Ltd on 01689 800101 and arrange your free survey, or alternatively visit the website www.schrijversystem.com
Copyright 2006 Independent Newspapers UK Limited
ARTICLE FROM THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. PLEASE NOTE NPA HAS NOT RESEARCHED INTO THE CLAIMS OF THE ABOVE COMPANY AND THIS INFO IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This article has been read and approved by Iwan Schrijver (!)
(apologies for the poor picture above, we could not find any good photos online regarding this system!)
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