Damp and mould issues?

billyboxer

Hi all. We live in a town house constructed in approx 1870. We've been in the house a few years now and have started noticing a few issues that are getting bigger.
If we put a sofa close to a wall on the top floor we get a mould growing on the wall behind it. Also we had a fitted wardrobe installed in the main bedroom a couple of years back. We've found mould growing on leather shoes etc in there after a while. It's easily cleaned off but it's a pain in the backside.
My question is - who's the best person to contact to come round, have a look and tell us what's going on.
I've asked a couple of friends who are builders, plasterers & roofers and can't get a straight answer out of them. They've all got a different take on it.
Any advice would be appreciatd.

Cheers!!

TheCyclingProgrammer

It's likely one of two things: a leak, or more likely, condensation that isn't giving a chance to dry off as there's no airflow behind the wardrobes and sofa. This will, in the right conditions, lead very quickly to black mound.

If it's near the ceiling then there's a chance it could be dampness from a roof leak somewhere and that should be easy to check.

To deal with condensation you need to:

* Reduce relative humidity indoors with good ventilation and things like keeping doors closed when cooking and using the shower, not drying clothes indoors etc.

* Improve air circulation. Move the sofa away from the wall, try and fit some vents into the wardrobe to increase ventilation.

* If you're unable to get humidity down naturally a dehumidifier might help.

* Existing mould can be treated with mould killer spray or bleach and then any staining can be painted over with an anti-fungicidal damp paint before redecorating.

FreeBear

Other issues to look at..

Solid brick walls - Has the exterior been rendered or painted with a modern (unsuitable) coating ?

Are the interior walls still plastered with the original lime plaster ?

Doozergirl

And are these external walls?

divadee

I have this exact scenario in the 2nd bedroom in a propert we have just moved into.

It's on the external north facing wall. We have black mould along the bottom and the wall is very cold but not damp.

Any advice on that one?

[Deleted User]

We moved about two years ago and had a couple of problem areas, despite keeping a window slightly open most of the time.

Suggest you follow earlier advice - we bought a dessicant dehumidifier as well which really helps with drying clothes indoors.