Damp in Ensuite - Taylor Wimpey

randallst

Hi All,

After some advice in regards to damp in my Ensuite Bathroom.

I purchased a new build from Taylor Wimpey in February 2012 and over the last 4 months we have been suffering badly with damp spores on the walls and roof.

I am very OCD when it comes to cleaning so the ensuite is always clean, no towels kept in there (due to the size of the room) and the extractor fan is on a delay.

I have also been drying down the shower to try and prevent but it just comes back worse each time. I have used Detol to remove when it appears. Usually reappears 3-4 days later.

Taylor Wimpey are saying this is normal as it will take the building 2-3 year to dry out and the only thing to do is to keep on top of it.

I don't believe that is true, just hoping someone could confirm and possibly give me some suggestions on how to resolve.

Stu

Nan_Dingle

How often is the shower used? You could rent a dehumidifier to help dry out the building.

randallst

It is used twice a day for about 5 mins each time.

I tend to leave the light on for a while now to let the extractor run for a while longer but not noticing any difference.

fannyadams

is there any guttering or down pipes OUTSIDE that have been blocked up with leaves or something?
Often damp is caused by water coming through the walls having run down them because there is a blockage int he guttering somewhere and the water if forced to run down the wall instead of going in the guttering IYSWIM.
If you have cavity wall insulation (which is likely) then the chances are the gap has been breached and the water has attacked the insulation which means (worst case scenario) it'll take ages to dry out properly.

Bleach is the only way you'll kill the mould spores IMHO the dettol isn't really doing anything (as you are seeing it come back in 3-4 days)
check out this link to discover the difference between damp and condensation...
Good Luck
FA
x

Mickygg

It's not normal at all! TW trying to fob you off. Write a letter of complaint to head office. Normal my bum!

randallst

Fannyadams - Thanks for all the info and the link. I keep getting told off for using the term 'Damp' when I actually mean 'Condensation' haha.

Mickygg - I had about 30-40 pictures of issues (nothing major) to send with my complaint ages ago and sent various emails. I currently have an email chain ongoing with the Customer Care Manager and his solution is sending me a page out of the 'NHBC Guidelines' highlighting the section explaining what condensation is. They have already sent a contractor out to 'treat and paint' and the issue is still present. Not only that, the paint they used is a different shade of white and the ensuite looks a state.

Sorry for the little rant there haha. I dont know what to do to prevent it. My only thoughts is to get a more powerful extractor & to redecorate with speciallist bathroom paint. Unless there is other possible underlaying causes. :S

CLAPTON

try keeping the extractor fan on for a least 2-3 hours after a shower

does the room have a window?

randallst

CLAPTON - I have tried keeping it on for various amounts of time. The room doesnt have a window either.

Thrugelmir

randallst wrote: »

I don't believe that is true,

Fact.

A new house can contain around 1,500 gallons of water. So may take 2-5 years to dry out.

Fire_Fox

It is 'normal' for properties where there is poor ventilation, condensation is very common in flats, many of which have windowless bathrooms. Normal does not equate to healthy or acceptable tho.

You can't get rid of the mould until you get rid of the water, painting will not do that. Are you sure the extractor is vented to the outside and not simply into the ceiling voids, and is the unit powerful enough for the purpose? Without a window I would expect you to need to run the extractor well after you finish showering.

Also what is the humidity in the rest of the house, are you ventilating that by opening the windows daily all year round, are you cooking with lids on pans, are you air drying laundry indoors? Bedrooms can get surprisingly damp simply from breathing overnight, so you may need to ventilate this better. IMO try an electric dehumidifier if you are not willing or able to open all the windows daily year round.

SuzieSue

randallst wrote: »

CLAPTON - I have tried keeping it on for various amounts of time. The room doesnt have a window either.

You can get fans with a humidistat so it will stay on until the humidity has decreased to a set level.