Damp/Mould

PiKe

PiKe

PiKe

Caporegime
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
25,287
Location
Lake District
I live in a detached bungalow and have always suffered with damp in the 4 corners of the house and in the wardrobes.

We were recommended that we installed a Nuaire Drimaster as people have had success with those, we also bought a small humidity gauge to see what effect it has.

At the moment the humidity in the house is still between 70 and 80% but the humidity outside is in the 90's. Should we expect to be able to hit the magical 50-60% RL when it's so high outside?

We had previously run a de-humidifier but there's no way one small unit can dry out the whole house.
 
I have some mould on one of my walls, I just sprayed it with Cilit Bang 10 minutes ago and it's disappeared. Sure, the problem will still be there but it's good at getting rid of the black stuff.
 
Make sure outside walls are not obstructed and inside walls have sufficient flow of air.

Check that the grout/filler around windows isn't damaged and letting water into the walls.

Is the damp mould caused by yourself due to lack of air flow or due to water seeping in the house walls?

When was the property built?
 
There's no obstructions, windows are UPVC tripple glazed efforts, grouting is fine.

All the bungalows around here suffer from mould, I'd guess they were built in the 60's.
 
Need to diagnose whether it's damp or condensation that's the problem. If its damp coming from outside, correct whatever defect is causing it. If its condensation, ensure there is adequate air flow. Condensation often forms on cold walls. Consider dry lining affected walls, with a layer of insulation under a new layer of plasterboard. Makes particular sense if it's a solid brick wall rather than cavity which will likely be warmer.
 
Er yes sorry, it's condensation but I considered it to be damp. The windows in the winter, although triple glazed, are running with water some mornings.
 
I have this problem in one cupboard in my house. Its right on the outside corner and at the prevailing wind side so it is the coldest part of the house hence where the condensation would be. I aim to treat it soon.

ATM I keep it at bay by keeping the cupboard door open. The cupboard is only 12 inches or so deep so it was a nice place for mould to grow.

My windows do not have trickle vents either which doesn't help... In the Winter the windows are damp with condensation (bedroom only). I just leave them open slightly on the latch during the day. Not recommended unless you live a couple of floor up.
 
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Older houses were never designed with double glazing in mind. They are thus sometime prone to mould when we trap all the air inside with little circulation. Our cold damp climate doesn't help as well of course.

There are anti mould paints you can use in bathrooms that can help too, as well as substances that can be mixed with paint.
 
What about the actual humidity inside the house, how is 50-60% possible when the air outside is 90+?
 
How is your roofspace aired?
Is it insulated, if so ensure the insualtion doesnt run into the eaves, else it'll block your standard airing ability if it is eaves aired, this is true for your gutters too if overgrown in filth.
 
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