Damp in Upstairs walls

dixie_dean_2

We have really bad mold on all the outside, upstairs walls. I'm pretty sure it's condensation (why is this only a problem upstairs by the way?) although we follow the advice about ventilation and have a dehumidifier on all the time and it hasn't really helped too much. Its quite a cold house though and we both work so leaving the windows open for long isn't really viable. We've had this problem for a while and ages ago I remember hearing about the above product (the link doesn't seem to work though). Has anyone else got any experience of this device, whatever it is?!

Sue-UU

Hi dixie dean, Try this link and have a click around to see what you think is helpful. http://www.nuaire.co.uk/index.php If it's a very cold house and you don't allow a good amount of ventilation then you'll always have this problem. Why you might have the problems upstairs more than down could be due to the fact that you're sleeping with the windows shut? Also, do you have double glazing? If not then you definately need much more ventilation and especially sleeping with the window open, even if it's only a little. As soon as you get up in the mornings, open the windows wide and leave them like it until you go to work. At weekends open them all right through (unless it's cold) for as long as possible ie. for upstairs until 4.30pm at this time of year, then close them. Then when you go to bed, open one small one in the room you sleep, even if it's only a little. If you're rent your house then you really need to have a chat with your Landlord and ask him/her what he/she's going to do about it. Sue

dixie_dean_2

Cheers. It's our house and it is double glazed. We do sleep with the windows and doors shut (as dehumidifier is in spare room at night due to noise). Does opening the windows really make that much difference? Will deffo give it a try but i think the missus will have to wear some extra layers for bed (and in my opinion 1 layer is one too many!). What are these trickle vents or whatever they are called and can I just buy and fit myself? (sure I could google that actually, lazy !!!!!!)

Sue-UU

Hi dd, Sleeping with windows shut is both bad for the house and for your health in general, far better to put another blanket/cover on (or in your case - wear an extra skin!) If you can ever find one, then Lidl sell beautiful soft, cuddly blankets which are perfect for the job (not the fleece ones!). As spring/summer approaches we'll get warmer nights and you can open the windows easily without getting chilly, but really, it is so important.

Also, do get those windows open for as long as possible in the daytime and certainly the weekends, it's vital. If the dehumidifier is that noisy then try putting it somewhere on the landing or as near to your bedroom as possible. A sudden thought - do you have heating in the bedroom??? If so, then that too will add to your problems!

I'll ask hubby about the trickle vents in the morning, I know I asked him for another member, but can't remember what he said - well I am woman :A and can only do 6 things at once!!! Back tomorrow - if you haven't already googled the answer!:rotfl:

Open those windows as tomorrow's (today:rolleyes:) set to be fine.

Sue

fatboyonadiet

Just getting a normal manual ventilation fan costs about £100 inc labour... Slightly more for an electric one

Sue-UU

dixie_dean wrote: »

What are these trickle vents or whatever they are called and can I just buy and fit myself? (sure I could google that actually, lazy !!!!!!)

Hi again dixie dean, There's a thread all about trickle vents here http://www.newbuilder.co.uk/forum/index.php?DATEIN=tpc_mktrcthxs_1133357722 and if that isn't enough then just put 'trickle vents' into google, there's plenty there to learn from.

BTW. You asked if it opening the windows made that much difference, but at night just think of all the condensation the 2 of you create whilst you're sleeping, it all goes up in the air and reaches for cold areas such as windows. When we all get up in the mornings it's normal to pull the bed clothes back for about an hour to allow all the perspiration from our bodies that goes into the bed. We each sweat approx 1/2 pint into the bed during the night so now you can see why it's vital those windows are opened through the night and in the day time and all times that you're home.

Sue

dixie_dean_2

Cheers, has a decent look online and i think we will deffo get some trickle vents. Is there any reason why it might not be posible to install them, ie design of window, wall type?

Also, bit of a separate question but we are going to redecorate. It is currently wallpaper, which we will take off. If the mould is very bad would it be necessary to totally remove the plaster underneath and have it completley replastered?

Cheers again

fatboyonadiet

No, if it's just mould from bad ventalation then bleach and water can get rid of it off wallpaper but if you're decorating then I wouldn't bother, the plaster should be fine, but someone might know more...

dstill

fatboyonadiet wrote: »

Hi, a friend seems to be getting damp in their upstairs outward facing walls.

I've had a look and can't seem to see any obvious leaks or holes in the roof, or any drainpipes dripping against it so think it might be related to the cavity wall ties???

They had a damp report about a year ago and it recommended a damp course and new cavity wall ties - could these be the reason for the cause of this?

They also seem to be getting some mould around their loft hatch too which does make me think that it might also be a leak in the roof (even though I can't spot anything obvious from the outside - not done a detailed inspection of course)

Hi,

I come across these problems everyday in my job as a Surveyor, particularly in the colder months.

Rising damp only travels up a wall to around 1300mm then gravity takes over and prevents it going higher. The only time you would get rising dampness any higher is if it piggy backed previous remedial works but thats more complicated.

It sounds defintley as though there is a condensation problem. The area with the mould around the loft hatch, have you checked that the loft insulation (if there is any) is spread out right up to the edges of the loft hatch and to the eaves. These are generally the areas where they dont fit the insulation correctley. If this is the case your friend will be getting what is called cold bridging. These are the areas damp air will rest on and condense creating the dampness.

I could go on and on about dampness in buildings but dont want to bore you.

If you need any more advice or questions answering just PM me and i will be happy to help.

David

Sue-UU

dixie_dean wrote: »

Cheers, has a decent look online and i think we will deffo get some trickle vents. Is there any reason why it might not be posible to install them, ie design of window, wall type?

Also, bit of a separate question but we are going to redecorate. It is currently wallpaper, which we will take off. If the mould is very bad would it be necessary to totally remove the plaster underneath and have it completley replastered?

Cheers again

Hi David,

It's great to see you on this thread. Is it possible for you to fully answer dixie_dean's questions above please? I have my own ideas re the wallpaper and plaster, but would be far happier for a professional to give him advice if you will please.

Many thanks indeed, Sue