Condensation and mold, stopping it?

gm_xone

Hi

Johnstones Anti-mould and Anti-condensation paints are available from Johnstone-Leyland Decorating Centres.

Try searching the Kalon Trade website for your nearest branch.

I've never used these products myself, so it might be best to phone and ask advice before buying the paint.

MATH

Hanging a cotton bag of salt in a room helps to reduced the moisture in the air. Take it down ever so often and dry off in a just warm oven.

tricky_3

You say that ventilation is one answer, from the description of your problem it is the only answer.

Modern (and modernised) houses are generally sealed tight (like your new double glazed windows). There is a massive amount of water vapour in the air from things like baths, kettles, diswashers, drying clothes etc. Much more than the 'old days'. This vapour will then, generally, condense on the coldest surface, which never really dries and goes mouldy. Your only options are a) massivley increase your heating (not a good idea considering the name of this site), not practical, and will just move the problem to somewhere that might be harder to fix. or b) Ventilation! I trust your new double glazed windows were fitted with trickle vents at the top. OPEN THEM. This may add 1p a year to your heating bill but will massivley reduce your redecorating bill, and avoid potential future problems of failed plaster. (and dont forget your health....those are fungus spores your seaaling into your house)

Alternatively do your drying in the bathroom (with the extract fan on).

Ive specified systems to solve this problem and one of the best systems is by Greenwood Airvac. If your serious about sorting it out and not just painting over the stain....this is the job

http://www.greenwood.co.uk/greenwood.asp?type=environmental&page=greenwoodairvac

it go's in the loft and pushes, prewarmed, air into the house, providing a whole house solution. (no i dont work for them)

I know you didnt want this answer but, apart from MAJOR drylining and insulating expense, it really is your only course. (obliously any insulation you put in the loft is good, but not the answer on its own).

tricky_3

ps....dont stuff too much insulation in at the edge of the roof. this will cut off the air supply to the roof, which is required to stop the roof timbers rotting......lecture over

rabialioness

in our small bedroom we have this problem.
the window is double glazed and has an air vent which is always open. also the window is left open most of the day. yet we still have this problem. water literally can be seeeen on the external wall and it is wet to touch.
can anyone suggest any reasons for this and solutions.
many thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tricky_3

Sounds like your doing what you can, but best not to do your drying, ironing etc in that room.

Condensation will always happen on windows if any of the above is happening near it. It only becomes a problem if it never dries out and couses damage. If your opening the window and allowing it to dry.......theres not really a problem

rabialioness

thanks,
however the problem is its not drying out
would a dehumidifier help??????????

gary38uk

You say that ventilation is one answer, from the description of your problem it is the only answer.


Ive specified systems to solve this problem and one of the best systems is by Greenwood Airvac. If your serious about sorting it out and not just painting over the stain....this is the job

http://www.greenwood.co.uk/greenwood.asp?type=environmental&page=greenwoodairvac

it go's in the loft and pushes, prewarmed, air into the house, providing a whole house solution. (no i dont work for them)

looked at this, looks good, but no info on prices?

XYZed

I can't give you any information on the prices, but I can vouch for the positive pressure systems. Works a treat in our house. no more soaking windows in the mornings, or mold in the bathrooms etc...excellent.

catherineblack

Hello!
Had a similar problem with mould in the bathroom and the bedroom. Last winter I had several bad coughs and chest problems - pulled back the bed and discovered massive mould spores down to the floor! It was so disgusting. That night we slept in the spare room and almost instantly my chest problems improved. So please don't let it get as bad as I did - it can really damage your health.
Now we make sure that the bedroom window is opened every day for an hour. The mould seems to occur because we don't open our window at night and the body heat causes condensation and therefore has nowhere to go. But it is too cold to keep the window open! (badly designed double glazed that open very wide)
Special paint to prevent mould does help - but will not stop mould settling elsewhere - for example the mould now gathers on the fabric at the bottom of our bed. So ventilation is very important. We are considering a dehumidifier - if anyone can recommend one I would be very grateful.
cheers!
cat