Old house - White mildew, mold

hubb

Well, after installing a log burning stove downstairs (which has saved massively on gas central heating) I have found that the white mildew on the outside facing walls and window mold on the glass and silicone sealant has got worse. I was told that having the log burner would keep the wall warmer, enough to stop damp from condensation on the chimney breast but this has got worse (the chimney breast the only non damp area). The best I can do is go round with a damp cloth (with a dash of apple cider vinegar/water/cinnamon oil) and wipe it all down, open the windows and dry. Even a very good large dehumidifier isn't stopping it. The roof has been re-slated, chimney pointed (used to let in moisture in old, cracked mortar) and all this hasn't stopped the wall getting damp. Its depressing as because it is single brick (Victorian semi) we can't have the walls insulated. 

I recently purchased one of those decent Levoit air filters from Amazon that takes mold spores out, among other things. 

Will the fact that the central heating hasn't been used much compound this problem ? or the heated chimney breast is causing all the moisture to disperse to the coldest spots, making it a more concentrated area of moisture ?

Emmia

Are you sure its mould, and not just salts coming out of the bricks etc. 

Mildew is usually black in colour...

hubb

Emmia said:

Are you sure its mould, and not just salts coming out of the bricks etc. 

Mildew is usually black in colour...

Yes, def white mold. The house is built 1883 so the bricks certainly do not expel salts. The mold is on the surface of the wallpaper which easily wipes off. 

Emmia

hubb said:

Emmia said:

Are you sure its mould, and not just salts coming out of the bricks etc. 

Mildew is usually black in colour...

Yes, def white mold. The house is built 1883 so the bricks certainly do not expel salts. The mold is on the surface of the wallpaper which easily wipes off. 

So, when I deal with mildew (small patch near my backdoor that is awaiting the door being replaced) I use either undiluted white vinegar (not water with a dash of vinegar) or neat bleach... wiped over the mould.

If it is mould you presumably have a source of moisture and "food" that it's living off - how long has the wallpaper been up, and could that be trapping moisture?

hubb

The wallpaper has been up for about 21 years. Perhaps when we redecorate this year we should use anti mold paint and also a thin layer of foam under the wallpaper ?

Emmia

hubb said:

The wallpaper has been up for about 21 years. Perhaps when we redecorate this year we should use anti mold paint and also a thin layer of foam under the wallpaper ?

I'm not sure how paint (under the wallpaper?) will help - the mould is growing on the wallpaper (probably because the wall is slightly damp and doesn't dry out properly because its cold). 

Did you have the problem when you used GCH?
 
Incidentally you know that log burners can be really bad health wise as they emit particulates into the air into the room, which you breathe in... they're also really bad for the environment.

hubb

Sorry but with respect I didn’t ask for an opinion on log burners, which incidentally are safe otherwise they wouldn't be legislated. You can go outside your house and breath in c**p from exhaust fumes etc that ate far more harmful. Pretty much everything seems to be bad for your heath whatever you decide to do these days . We did burn coal on the open fire and use smokeless now so feel no guilt, not that I ever did anyway. You sound suspiciously like one of the younger generation obsessed with the environment. 

Emmia

hubb said:

Sorry but with respect I didn’t ask for an opinion on log burners, which incidentally are safe otherwise they wouldn't be legislated. You can go outside your house and breath in c**p from exhaust fumes etc that ate far more harmful. Pretty much everything seems to be bad for your heath whatever you decide to do these days . We did burn coal on the open fire and use smokeless now so feel no guilt, not that I ever did anyway. You sound suspiciously like one of the younger generation obsessed with the environment. 

I've just tried to be helpful - you've turned off the GCH and you have a mould issue... the two may be connected.

My age (not that young btw) is irrelevant, and I'm not some woke hippy - just pointing out the potential health issues (especially for children and pets) associated with the choice of heating - but it is your choice.

I'll leave you to it. 

hubb

Sorry but you are wrong as they would be banned if that was the case. Especially in this safety conscious climate. Its a new stove fitted last summer.

‘modern stoves can be much safer for the environment, producing around 90% less emissions than an open fireplace. Ecodesign compliant is the standard to look for.’

When properly seasoned wood is burnt efficiently, it is actually a carbon neutral process. This is because the CO2 produced by burning it is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the tree in its lifetime. Many firewood suppliers also commit to replanting every tree they cut down.

Good quality wood also emits less CO2 when burned than when it is left to decay naturally.

babyblade41

I have had log burners in pretty much every house I've lived in as I like them as a feature especially in the winter months 
We are lucky to have a big supply of seasoned logs on tap which also helps our choice .

We have 2 open fully functional chimneys , one has a log burner and because my OH uses our other room he hates too much heat so instead of a full on log burner, we bought a bio fuel fire .

It certainly doesn't throw out as much heat as a log burner but is very aesthetically pleasing and does produce a good heat .