Damp problem?

Murgatroyd

In the last month or so I've noticed a couple of black patches starting to appear on my bedroom ceiling. The patches are along the edge of the ceiling, where it adjoins a wall with a window in it.

As far as I can tell, there doesn't seem to be any problems with the roof tiles, though I haven't had them looked at professionally.

I'd be grateful if somebody with far greater knowledge of these things than me (which is probably most people :rolleyes: ) could give me an indication of what might be causing the problem, and how I can go about solving it. Many thanks.

Entertainer

Where are the patches in relation to the window? If its not the roof have you checked the pointing outside?

Murgatroyd

Neither of the patches are that near to the window, but more towards the corner of the room. I've also noticed that the wallpaper behind the wardrobe is starting to peel.

I haven't checkied the pointing, I've just had a look at the roof from ground level. Not really all that confident with this sort of thing

Ystrad_Lad

I had a similar problem. I lived next to a busy road and always kept the window closed at night. The moisture in the room built up and condensed on the cold outside walls. I tried re-papering and using mold inhibiting paint but the only solution was to run a small de-humidifier in the room all day. I was astonished by how much water it collected - about a gallon a day!

I now live out in the country and sleep with the window open!

Of course in your case it might be coming in from outside.

nicolarichard

the first post could have been me - have exactly the same problem but am wary of calling a workman who may rip us off - ie charge a few hundred quid for a £30 job!!!

kazzagrezza

Have a look at your guttering - it may be blocked!

cattie

Yes, check the guttering, when I had a similar problem last year it turned out to be the guttering needed cleaning. Ceiling has been repainted now & no further trouble with damp.

clairehi

Hello

Black mould is often condensation. Are your windows steamed up in the morning?

Murgatroyd

clairehi wrote:

Hello

Black mould is often condensation. Are your windows steamed up in the morning?

Yes, they do seem to get quite steamed up, so I've been trying to leave them open as much as possible lately. I'm hoping that condensation is the cause of the problem and not something major (head in the sand moment ).

mikeywills

Condensation build up is as a result of the humidity in the room, if you close your curtains at night and the warm damp air comes up against the cold window it causes condensation.

Check to see if your upvc windows have vents if so open them, get a dehumidifier for the room, and keep the bedroom door open to allow air from the rest of the house in. We give off a lot of heat and moisture as we sleep.
It is also worth hoovering your mattress as allergens and dust mites contained within this can have a bearing on the dampness of the room.

Are the damp patches near the corners where an internal wall meets an external if so, you are getting the same result on your walls.

Try and pull your wardrobe away from the wall to allow air to pass around. The dehumidifier will long term resolve your problems.

It is always worth checking your guttering regularily anyway to make sure they are clear.

Good Luck

Murgatroyd

Thanks for all your advice mikey, will try out everything you suggest to see if it helps :T