Condensation Issues - Would You Recommend Installing A Ventilation System?? - Help

rross11

Hi, we have been experiencing issues with condensation in the upstairs of our property and it has begun to cause quite bad mould growth. The issue appears to be exacerbated by the hard plaster we have on our exterior facing walls which creates a cold barrier. We recently had a couple of surveys carried out and we have been recommended to purchase two different types of ventilation systems which could be installed into our loft space. These would allegedly dry out the plaster and then it would be a case of using anti-mould spray/bleach and redecorating to eliminate the mould issue.

We have the heating set to a regular timer via thermostat and make use of a dehumidifier and are waiting for our joiner to install trickle vents to our windows (they're quite old so these will need to be retrofitted) - we currently air the rooms for a period daily.

The surveyors have recommended the following two systems:

Envirovent Atmos / Atmos Dual: https://www.envirovent.com/products/positive-input-ventilation-piv/atmos/

Nuaire Drimaster: https://www.nuaire.co.uk/product-list-page/drimaster-eco-range

Does any one have any experience of these and have any recommendations? Are they worth the investment? Would appreciate any help and guidance.

Thanks, Ryan.

pramsay13

I've got a nuaire drimaster and it is great. We had a really bad condensation issue in the upstairs rooms and now it is is pretty much eliminated. 

Ben1989

Another one who has a Nuaire. Condensation gone overnight and easy for a keen DIY'er to install. Main consensus is the heated units are a waste of money as they make negligible difference, cost more to run, and are more complex to install

jacko220

Would recommend that you look at this first 

Condensation in buildings - Designing Buildings

Also BS5250 particularly the Psychrommetric Chart

Chloe_G

Where did you get the surveyors from?  (We are wondering whether to get ours surveyed before we employ a builder.)

markin

Is the cavity wall? Insulation is the best solution.

Are the Gutters perfect, no drips?

ispookie666

+ 1 for Nuair Drimaster 
Have had it in both the house, installed it myself a few months ago.  
I don't think this is going to be the magic bullet but will be part of the solution.  A dehumidifier would beneficial.  

greyteam1959

Had a Nuaire Drimaster for over 15 years absolutely brilliant bit of kit.
Fitted it myself cheap to run & works well.

rross11

pramsay13 said:

I've got a nuaire drimaster and it is great. We had a really bad condensation issue in the upstairs rooms and now it is is pretty much eliminated. 

Thanks for the feedback - interesting that you've a good experience with it. Did you go for the model which included a heater? We're debating whether we need that option or not.

rross11

Ben1989 said:

Another one who has a Nuaire. Condensation gone overnight and easy for a keen DIY'er to install. Main consensus is the heated units are a waste of money as they make negligible difference, cost more to run, and are more complex to install

Hi, thanks for the feedback - we're certainly leaning towards the Nuaire based on the cost and research. Not very confident at installing myself - but interested to know how many vents into your property you have? Did you have one central one, or into several rooms? We're probably going to avoid the heated one as seems more expensive. But, concerned that it would pump cold air into the house?

rross11

Chloe_G said:

Where did you get the surveyors from?  (We are wondering whether to get ours surveyed before we employ a builder.)

Hi, I did just did a search for local surveyors and was recommended someone via a joiner we've used. I always try to go on recommendations where possible