Moisture in homes is a persistent problem for many homeowners in cool temperate climate zones such as conditions experienced in Ireland. For example, mould and damp have been recurring issues for residents in Dublin*. The number of reported damp, mould and condensation cases in Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties came in at 17,198 in the 2023-24 financial year – a 21% increase compared to 2020-21**.
Tackling moisture is all-the-more challenging in rooms that are poorly ventilated and where exposure to high humidity can lead to condensation, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Here, it is essential that all materials used for furniture within the room are moisture-resistant and able to endure the conditions without compromising aesthetics or longevity.
David Murray, Head of Technical Affairs & Ireland Sales, MEDITE SMARTPLY says, “There are some misconceptions about the long-term performance of timber, particularly medium-density fibreboard (MDF), in these kinds of humid environments due to their porous nature. In reality, modern MDF panels with added moisture resistance are very dense, and precisely manufactured under strict factory conditions and are perfectly suited to applications such as bathroom and kitchen furniture”.
“Compared to regular fibreboards, moisture-resistant (MR) MDF panels offer better durability and dimensional stability in areas prone to moisture. This means a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs, providing a cost-effective solution for homeowners and builders alike. MEDITE MR MDF is designed for use in humid conditions in accordance with MDF.H (Option 1) as defined in EN 622-5. However, it must be stated that Moisture Resistant MDF can never be a substitute for good design and ventilation standards”.
MEDITE MR MDF is an ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) panel with outstanding machining qualities and can be used for everything from furniture and windows to skirting boards and architectural mouldings. This versatility makes MR MDF an ideal material for various applications within bathrooms and kitchens, often machined at high speeds yet with exceptionally smooth and close-grained edges for a perfect finish.
For example, John Penny Bespoke Joinery selected MEDITE OPTIMA – a specially engineered moisture-resistant MDF panel with an extra smooth surface finish – when designing bespoke shaker kitchen doors for a private client in Scotland. John Penny praised the material for its stability and machinability, stating that the product ran smoothly through the machines and handled water-based paints well.
With moisture-resistance and an extra smooth, flawless finish, modern MDF panels are an ideal choice for meeting the demands and expectations of bathroom and kitchen applications.
For more information on MEDITE moisture-resistant MDF, visit mdfosb.com.
*www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/residents-living-with-mould-and-damp-campaign-for-fast-track-regeneration-1.4608001
** www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/rising-damp-mould-damp-condensation-29271993
