Help re plastering/condensation problem please!

princessamy86

Hi everyone
We've had a problem with condensation in our bedroom for a while now, hadn't realised quite how bad it was until I pulled the wallpaper off :eek:. Basically, all the plaster on the gable end wall is mouldy, I've read umpteen articles about prevention of condensation and followed all the guidelines-we've had heating on, opened windows, pulled furniture away from the wall and stopped drying hair and clothes in there, but still it comes back. We also have a dehumdifier, but as it's still pretty warm at the moment I can't judge how well it will work in the colder months. I pulled the paper off thinking I could have the wall skimmed and paint with anti mould paint, but I think it's beyond that. I know the plaster will have to come off, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any anti mould plasters, or any other solution which might work?
Any advice gratefully received!

macman

Are you sure it's condensation, and not damp coming through the wall? Rain hitting old brickwork? Leaky downpipe or blocked/overflowing gutter?

princessamy86

I'm 99% sure it's condensation, all brickwork has been repointed in the last year, no blockages in the gutter. I think it's condensation because it's those weird blooms of mould that are typical with condensation, smells damp though but I think it's just because we've exposed it. Doesn't feel wet or damp to the touch, and it was worse in winter. It is literally just the gable end walls, the chimney breast hasn't got any if that's relevant?

princessamy86

Hopeful bump...does anyone know anything about it? I'm not even sure what kind of specialist I would need to contact!

littlesnuggy

Hi amy,

There's a company in the South West called Advanced Chemical Specialities who manufacturer all sorts of mould control paints (to any colour/gloss/whatever you want), so might be worth getting in touch with them. I'm pretty sure they'll send stuff by mail order, and they'd definitely be able to give you advice on what you need or what you can do http://www.facadeprotection.co.uk/mould_growth.htm

hope that helps!

ormus

if its the gable end, it maybe there needs some/more insulation in the brick cavity?
hot air in the room meeting a very cold wall, will give rise to condensation.
also check there is no water getting into the wall somehow.

i once saw an overflow pipe (CWS tank in the loft) inserted direct into a wall cavity.

princessamy86

I know we need insulation, but we've been told the cavity wall isn't wide enough for insulation. I actually find this a bit difficult to believe, it's a 110 year old terrace and the gap is certainly wide enough to need wall ties, as they have been replaced. Definitely no water getting into the wall, there's not even a gutter near it! Littlesnuggy, that looks really helpful I'll look into it.