How to eliminate condensation/Mould?

Harvs98

Hi, I currently have a problem with condensation and mould around all of the windows in my ground floor flat and all of the front porch area. I was wondering if anybody has any advice on getting rid of it completely?

I have read that this is a 'lifestyle problem' and I do open windows when cooking/showering, leave windows open as much as I can, keep clothes drying to a minimum and if I do, in one room only. I also have a dehumidifier and none of the above has helped.

I have been wiping down with bleach every few months but that isn't a long term solution and was wondering what would be?

So far I have seen the following options;

• Wipe down with a fungicidal wash and redecorate using a fungicidal paint
• Fit trickle vents to my double glazing (don't know if this can be done as the windows are already installed)

I have been told about getting air bricks fitted, would this help? I have none at all in my place. Is there anything else I could do or is the above enough?

Thanks in advance.

onejontwo

I don't know if this works or not but I remember seeing on a DIY programme (I think) of cutting a potato in half ,rubbing it on the window glass then rubbing with a soft cloth to stop mould and condensation. Honestly I'm not winding you up! Try it and let me know if it works.

wallbash

I must be sad , because

cutting a potato in half ,rubbing it on the window glass/QUOTE]

Was of use if your car windscreen wipers failed , when away from home!


But I really think is 'lifestyle problem'
You seem to be doing the right things

anthonykeates

Air-bricks might be a good idea to get some extra ventilation in.

TEDDYRUKSPIN

Expensive air bricks and plenty of ventilation works. It is definitely a lifestyle problem. If you work all day, you don't usually have the time to open windows all day <obviously>. If you dry clothes inside the house, the same problem occurs.

For a temporary measure, strong bleach <REALLY THICK>, and leave it for around 30 minutes will actually wipe the fungus out. Beware of discolouration of any material though!

Harvs98

Thanks all,

I looked up the potato tip and it is an option to look at but I was after something more permanent. I'm wondering how many potatoes I'll need to go through!

I googled 'airbrick' and it seemed to bring back info related to damp proof coursing and under floor ventilation. Is 'airbrick' the correct term? I'm after a solution that will increase ventilation (i've been told that's the most probable cause).

I could keep the windows open, which works when i'm in the house but as soon as I leave, it rains or go to bed, it's all comes back again. I'm on the ground floor so they must be closed when the place is unattended.

phlogeston

Harvs98 wrote: »

Hi, I currently have a problem with condensation and mould around all of the windows in my ground floor flat and all of the front porch area. I was wondering if anybody has any advice on getting rid of it completely?

I had the same problem in an 1900s house, converted to flats. No amount of heating or airing seemed to work. I believe the problem was that the bricks (single skinned) had become porous.

The cheapest option was to buy a dehumidifier (at the time about £100) and leave it on overnight.

This cured all the damp problems and the flat warmed up much quicker once we put the heating on.

If you are in Sussex, you can borrow my dehumidifier!

Kiran

If you have double glazing with night latches you can keep your window adjar while you are out without compromising security. You can also retro fit trickle vents to your windows, they can be purchased online for a few pounds.

The condensation and damp are caused by warm air touching a cold boundary, in this case your walls and windows. The only cure is to keep the airflow constant to allow it to dry. Im supprised the dehumindifer doesn't work though.

BTW, is this problem throughout your flat, or on specific walls?

Harvs98

My double glazing is standard open/close and a lock to keep it shut. There is not a night latch feature.

The problem is throughout the flat (all on one level). It's black on the ceiling above the window and in the top corners of the wall where the windows are. This is the same for each room.

The dehumidifer makes a lot of noise and I am emptying it of water every few days but that's about it. I have left it on overnight once directly under a window and it was dripping wet in the morning, the same as if I had not bothered.

I think it's an issue with the other flats too as I emailed my management company rep, who lives on the same road. Her response was;

"I have exactly the same problem being on the ground floor and am not sure what to do either. Maybe it is a case of windows, humidifer, wiping down frequently with bleach or something and frequent decorating or blowing the place up!"

These flats were built around 1970.

littlesnuggy

Another option would be to install a positive pressure unit - these are usually more cost-effective to run than a dehumidifier and work in a slightly different way. They draw clean, fresh air into the building from outside and force the damp, stale air out. They can either be fitted in a roof void if you want it to work for the whole house, or through the wall of e.g. the kitchen or bathroom. You can get heat recovery ones too, which will take the heat out of the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming air, so you aren't wasting energy aaaaaaaand (last but not least!) when using one you might actually see your energy bills go down, as dryer air is cheaper to heat than moist air.

ariba10

Have a read of this

http://www.harfordsonline.com/downloads/condensation%20info.pdf