Mould Issues, PIV and work done or not?

jennylaslo

jennylaslo

jennylaslo

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United Kingdom
Hi everyone,

I’m dealing with a few issues at home and could really use some advice:

Air Filtration with PIV DriMaster:

I’m considering getting a PIV DriMaster for better air filtration and fresh air circulation. Will this help with air quality and mould prevention, or is it mainly for dealing with condensation (which I don’t currently get on my windows)?

After installing a PIV , the proposed solution after removing the boxed off toilet and cleaning the mould up is to clean and damp proof the mould from this in between the kitchen/toilet downstairs section between the studded wall. This would cost another £1000. Is this overkill for the issue at hand as the damp/mould in between will sort itself after the leak is gone? There was damp detected on this studded partition wall up to a certain level.

My mould issues seem to be purely from the fact there was a leak in the toilet downstairs and a leak from the roof upstairs, so is it more of a local leak issue? I have been seperately interested in the idea of having fresh air throughout the house without the windows being opened all the time, because for a long time I've found the house groggy to breathe in, but am concerned about the basic piv drimaster model running all the time, in case it becomes too cold in the house and hall. I've heard others turn it off when not sleeping to combat this and the basic version drimaster doesn't seem to have this option on some tutorial and review vids I found. I’ve seen some models have controls directly on the vent, but others switch etc.

Is it possible to have an electrician install the PIV instead of paying the £700+ installation fee?

In total this is going to cost after installing a new toilet and sink approx £1000 for the PIV Drimaster and £1000 for the knocking in of the wall and clean up for a £2000 + total.

Black Mould Issues:

I have black mould hiding behind cupboards upstairs that I've noticed since then, which is likely linked to the open roof issue causing water damage (roof tiles are giving way in another room/toilet).

If anyone has experience with PIV systems or dealing with hidden mould, your insights would be really helpful. Thanks!
 
Yes an electrician can install a PIV.

I don't know much about them beyond what little I researched having moved in to an Edwardian property recently but believe a PIV increases pressure by forcing fresh air in, driving out the existing moist air through gaps around external windows, doors and ceilings/floors etc. A heated PIV doesn't cost much more annually to run and can help to take the chill off.

It would probably help to understand what type of property construction you have. In older non-cavity wall construction plaster should be breathable lime and placing fully fitted furniture against exterior walls decreases airflow and can encourage mould to form.

If you've had recent leaks or water ingress I would let this settle and clean it up to see if it reoccurs before you apply a fix to a problem that doesn't exist.
 
PIVs are great. I have one in a 1920s solid wall house and it completely solved the mold and condensation issues we were experiencing behind furniture, on windows, etc. Also helps with drying clothes and air feeling fresher, imo.

Downsides are a slight draft and hum near the unit. Mount it suspended from the roof timbers so it doesnt vibrate/resonate.

Its very easy to install, but a bit messy cutting the hole.

I would recommend the carbon filter upgrade as this cuts down on odors from fires etc. Would also recommend the heater element just to take the edge of it. It isnt a substitute for a heater though.

Before all of this though I would check for roof leaks, damaged bricks/pointing or blocked/damage rainwater goods, these can cause symptoms of damp and I would resolve these first as a PIV wouldnt cure these (but may reduce them a bit). As you have aluded to there is already a known leak so I would rectify.

Thanks.
 
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