Drafty spot lights causing issues... maybe!!

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Morning all,

I noticed last night when looking up at my ceiling in my lean to extension as I have some condensation water spots showing on my ceiling. the spot lights I installed are bringing in quite a lot of cold air into the kitchen 8nr over a 8.7mtr length.

Would this be contributing to my condensation issue or is that wishful thinking??
 
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Condensation is from warm humid air cooling. Also, moving air (draughts) prevent condensation.

As this is a kitchen, the issues are more likely related to inadequate extraction, poor user of extraction/ ventilation, or poor design/build of the roof.
 
Condensation is from warm humid air cooling. Also, moving air (draughts) prevent condensation.

As this is a kitchen, the issues are more likely related to inadequate extraction, poor user of extraction/ ventilation, or poor design/build of the roof.

hi woody,

yeah I’ve cocked up as I only have a 20mm void between the insulation and breathable felt with 10mm over fascia vents (pitch 14.6 degree) and no VCL with standard 15mm wallboard to the underside of rafter.

I woke and found moisture on the ceiling yesterday morning. And the is defo excess condensation in the void... took a spot light down to see. While i did this there is a decent draft up there and is blowing a lot through the adjustable lights.

I was thinking as the breeze can get through the sides of the lights as adjustable the heat can also get back up there.

I have bodged the lights with tape so now I can’t feel a draft from the lights to see if that helps.

If so, I’ll buy some integrated led lights to try and help the issue.
 
Also the heat from the lamp will create more condensation if not fitted correctly which type of lights have you got?
 
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Are the lights properly sealed and insulated? Yes low heat led will help.

No vapour barrier is going to be a problem, especially on colder days.
This will need better humidity control in the kitchen and a strict regime to remove vapour from cooking and washing. Consider a constant trickle fan with an auto boost mode, in addition to any cooker hood extractor.

Did you fit abutment ventilation at the roof/ house junction?
 
I have Led spot lights.
Window does not have a trickle vents
We use extractor with carbon filter fitted. And open windows when cooking.

we have separate utility for washing machine and tumbler drier with door on. Not liked to the kitchen.

no abutment vent just lead flashed against the wall with 10mm over fascia vent.
 
No. All that steam is going up, soaking into the ceiling, and out the other side.

A window is not moving air around at the ceiling height either.

Is the window letting cold air in, or warm air out?
 
When it opens it lets cold air in.

I might have to get someone in to drill the 100mm hole then.

I have found a a paintable vapour barrier by Bostik... they must be something on the market for plonkers like me who totally cock this up.
 
Fair comment. I have taped my spots up this morning to see if this helps too.

I will get someone to core the 100mm hole I think when it’s a bit warmer.

that will help with the issue you think?
 
Dealing with condensation is a balance, so it might only take one change to tip the balance. But knowing which thing or things will tip the balance is more difficult.

Removing moisture at source is always a good place to start.

I suspect that in this case you'll need to investigate a bit of a hotch potch of possible measures, before finding what will work

But do have a look a the modern concept of a constant on trickle fan (google current new build building regulations). And potentially a passive vent or two high up in the ceiling space to keep air moving.
 
Thanks woody, ceiling they spot lights seems to have made the room slightly warmer, so I’m hoping now I’ve taped that the hot air won’t be going up or as much!

I’m going look at some of these vents and paintable vcl too, I found something from bostik.
 

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