Damp/mould issues.

[Louisa]

I have had possibly the worst few weeks of my life. A persistent mould issue in my property has lead to myself and mr Louisa becoming rather sick with chest related symptoms/infection. Can someone please advise me on the best route to take in the removal of mould? I was advised by a builder that ventilation is the best way to prevent it forming, but in winter this doesn't seem practical. The mould is all upper bedrooms of the property at the very top of the walls/ceilings. I have used step ladders to remove most of it but it just seems to reform within a week sometimes less. I have tried leaving windows open when not at home but they don't really make much difference.never previously had this problem, so firstly could someone advise what is causing it? And secondly, how can I stop it coming back?

Louisa.

[red devil]

If you live in a house, from what you describe suggests the source of the damp is coming from the roof.

Did the builder not check to see if there was an external cause for the damp?...

[Louisa]

Yes rd, a terraced property, and this is what I thought too. He didn't check the roof he just had a quick look but didn't seem overly interested if I'm being honest. The dampness is appearing in all top floor rooms including bedrooms and bathroom and only in the top corners and along the external walls. Doesn't appear to be anything from outside inspection of the roof but of course I know nothing about this sort of thing. Myself and mr Louisa have been very chesty and feeling under the weather as a result (we believe) of this mould. I can't reach high enough to wipe all of it away but the vast majority had gone with a quick wipe.

Louisa.

[AbDabs]

If it is on every part of the top of external walls then I'd doubt it was the roof - that would be more likely if it was localised (i.e. front or back). It sounds like condensation. It's been an unusually damp winter; opening the windows is a good idea if you can keep them open but if it's a wet day you may simply replace warm damp air with cold damp air. The best thing is to turn the heating up and keep the windows open a little bit to let heated damp air escape - you want a draught which moves the air around. The other thing to check is that you have enough insulation in the loft, otherwise the warm damp air rises, hits a cold ceiling and then condenses. Worth checking that rodents (e.g. squirrels) haven't been stealing your insulation for nesting. Keeping the doors shut on bathrooms and kitchens helps to contain the worst of the damp air away from the rest of the house.

[mancity68]

Could also be as a result of condensation. Try running a dehumidifier as soon as you can and until you discover if there really is a damp issue? Meaco are excellent and have a low energy model which doesn't rack up the leccy bills as much as others.

[malumbu]

Forced ventilation (could be pricey)

Or dehumidifier - special offer at the moment. http://www.robertdyas.co.uk/diy/diy-accessories/de-humidifiers

Used for my daughter's room as she didn't ventilate it.

Older houses with no cavity in the wall will be more difficult. Always check that the sub floor ventilation (air bricks below the damp proof course) is not blocked. A draughty house tends not to be a damp house.

[fizzmoll]

A dehumidifier can completely transform a room. Get one unit for each room affected, run them, see how much water they collect. Get cheap hygrometers to measure room humidity. You should see (and maybe feel) the difference in a matter of days. If it's condensation, this will most likely fix your problem straight away.

I have tried quite a few different dehumidifiers and can recommend this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-DES12-Compact-Dehumidifier-Litre/dp/B0029NZW5E

If it doesn't work on the other hand, it can be mould, e.g. damp coming from an external source (gutters, roof etc).

One thing that I have used in the past (with asthmatic children) is an air purifier - it's pretty amazing actually, it cleans the air things like mould spores and other bad particles. We have one of these bad boys at home: http://www.breathingspace.co.uk/air-purifiers-c1/blueair-blueair-203-slim-air-purifier-with-hepasilent-technology-p151

[Salsaboy]

What other people say - condensation.

I too get a little bit of mould in my place and it's at the junction of 2 external walls. Only happens in the winter and you can see the droplets of water on the wall. I run an automatic de-humidifier 24 hours a day and in the winter it pulls 5 litres of water from the atmosphere over 2 days. There needs to be a constant trickle of fresh air flowing through a property and try not to have washing drying on radiators if possible. Extractor fans in bathrooms are a great help too.

[Bob Buzzard]

I think this is probably due to excess condensation from breathing - I'd suggest turning down the heating slightly and leaving some windows ajar for ventilation.

[Louisa]

I have taken everyone's advise and left all upstairs windows partially open whilst at home. Being fairly mild at the moment makes it easier. It has not yet returned but I suppose it's a little too early to know yet. Thinking about it, the small area of damp I have downstairs is entirely different to this mould growth that's happened upstairs, so I am

hoping this will make a difference. I actually find it easier to breath and sleep at night with windows open too.

Louisa.

[Salsaboy]

I always have the bedroom window open at night, even just a tiny bit. I've found it does make a difference to my sleep.

[pipsky2008]

Have you had your gutters cleared if there is a 'T' downpipe that is blocked if you are in a terrace?

Does your neighbour have a similar damp problem?

[Louisa]

Good point. I've not considered my gutters to be the issue before.

Louisa.

[Jah Lush]

I've little problem with condensation in a couple of rooms. What's the best way to clean it away.

[red devil]

Dettol make this mould and mildew remover, great in the shower for clearing any mould and discolouration.

Smells bleachy for a bit, but soon goes...

http://images3.mysupermarket.co.uk/ProductsDetailed/78/112978.jpg?v=10

[Loz]

red devil Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Dettol make this mould and mildew remover, great

> in the shower for clearing any mould and

> discolouration.

> Smells bleachy for a bit, but soon goes...

Keep that stuff away from any clothes/towels/carpets you don't want bleached white spots on. It's lethal.

[red devil]

Brings up white tile grouting a treat! :)...

[lizbells6]

Also, wear a mouth mask while you are dealing with the mould so you are not breathing in the spores.

[Jah Lush]

Thanks RD. I'll give it a whirl.

[Seabag]

What period is your property Louisa?

Some of the older 50/60's properties lacked ventilation, but also do you have a tumble drier? Sometimes these add moisture into the air, which as its warm rises easier and can cause mold

[Jah Lush]

red devil Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Dettol make this mould and mildew remover, great

> in the shower for clearing any mould and

> discolouration.

> Smells bleachy for a bit, but soon goes...

>

> http://images3.mysupermarket.co.uk/ProductsDetaile

> d/78/112978.jpg?v=10

Thanks for this recommendation RD. Bought some today and it worked a treat. As if the condensation marks had never been there at all.

[JohnL]

Jah Lush Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> red devil Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > Dettol make this mould and mildew remover,

> great

> > in the shower for clearing any mould and

> > discolouration.

> > Smells bleachy for a bit, but soon goes...

> >

> >

> http://images3.mysupermarket.co.uk/ProductsDetaile

>

> > d/78/112978.jpg?v=10

>

> Thanks for this recommendation RD. Bought some

> today and it worked a treat. As if the

> condensation marks had never been there at all.

I brought Cillit Bang black mould remover - got rid of all the mould and left a huge stain on my trousers :)

[Charl70]

Hi there , you need to insulate your wall , build stud frame and insulate with ceplex insulation board (or kingspan ) then put plastic sheet over insulation and studs then plasterboard on top and skim I done a few of these jobs ,if there's a radiator on wall then that will need re hanging on new wall

[DulwichFox]

Charl70 Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Hi there , you need to insulate your wall , build

> stud frame and insulate with ceplex insulation

> board (or kingspan ) then put plastic sheet over

> insulation and studs then plasterboard on top and

> skim I done a few of these jobs ,if there's a

> radiator on wall then that will need re hanging on

> new wall

All that will do is box the problem in..

The cause of the problem needs to be established and rectified..

Would seem to me to be a possible case of penetrating damp... Could be caused by damaged guttering

which is spilling over and soaking the wall.. Pointing needs to be checked too.

Just covering up the proplem will not resolve it.. like papering over the cracks...

DulwichFox

[Earl Aelfheah]

If the problem is condensation caused by a cold external wall however, then insulation is exactly what you need.