Something Wrong with the External Wall?

MentalMinnie

I rent the house i live in from a friend. It's a 3 bed semi, however this winter we seem to have a problem along the external side wall. The hallway and landing always seem to be cold, as does the spare room, all of which share the external wall. Admitedly I've had the radiator turned off in the spare room up until the weekend, but we have a double futon against the wall, which on inspection this week, was covered in white stuff where it had been touching the wall. The room seems to get cold quite quickly as well. My friend said that its had cavity wall insulation done, granted about 15 years ago, but when it was checked for the HIP's thing 2 years ago, it was deemed as being ok (the house was on the market). Can anyone suggest whats going on?!

ormus

is it a north facing wall?
in which case itll always be the coldest wall in the house.
in this present cold spell you probably need more heating on.

MentalMinnie

Er, no idea! Will check tonight. There is a driveway between us and then theres next doors house, so would it really make much of a difference?

ic

MentalMinnie wrote: »

Can anyone suggest whats going on?!

Its winter and cold outside - turn on the heat. Insulation only serves to slow down the rate at which heat leaks out of the building, it doesn't negate the need for heat in the first place.

MentalMinnie

So it's not likely to be the cavity wall insulation thats broken down? Any idea why the futon cover has got this with crap on it? I thought damp at first, but it would affect as high up as the 1st floor would it?

donteatthat

It is a damp issue - sounds like white mould in a cold spot. Move the bed forwards so air can circulate better round that room and make sure it is heated properly.