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Damp Proofing

How to prevent and stop mould and dampness.

Anonymous user 9 October 2011 - 4.55 PM

My windows in my flat are not the best they are the old double glazing style with wooden frames and from time to time they get all mould and its making my blinds mouldy. I also had a problem with mould growing at the corners of my bedroom and anything that was sitting close by got affected. There is a built in cubboard in the room and a lot of clothes and shoes which were in it went al l mouldy. In the other bedroom there is a big wooden cubboard and bookshelf and I noticed everything inside the cubboard and the books were getting mouldy so i took them out and saw the wood was covered at the bottom. The bookshelf was black and the cubboard all green mould. I have also recently noticed the wooden frame of my couch is getting quite mouldy. Can anyone advise the best thing here? Also I have quite a lot of animals. Do you think this will be the cause of any problems?

6 answers from MyBuilder tradespeople

Anonymous user

Hi. sounds like a ventilation problem you need to fit vents/grills to any cupboards that are closed in, also some ventilation to outside air would be beneficial although a bit cold in winter . Think about upvc windows long term with built in trickle vents or even timber but higher maintenance. Hope this helps. Emmpire construction ltd

Answered

10 October 2011

Like

61

Anonymous user

There are specific ventilating units on the market in your case I would recommend the insertion of a positive input ventilation system (Flat master)or similar I have come across this problem many times and fitted these systems they do work Hope that helps

Answered

17 October 2011

Like

59
Enventive Ltd (Trading as Envirovent S London and East Kent)
Rating: 4.9 out of 54.9517 reviews
West Malling

Mould on fabrics and books is caused by excessively high humidity. If these items are in an area of restricted air movement then they will suffer more than if open to the room. As temperatures drop at night, the relative humidity necessarily rises providing the levels required to sustain mould growth. The subsequent lack of air movement and slower return to room temperature of the trapped air extends the period supporting mould growth, allowing it to take hold. These phenomena typically also explain the problem of mould being more evident in room corners. Insulating walls can have its place in certain scenarios and is a good thing in general. However, like improving the u-values (thermal conductivity) of the windows, it is not addressing the core issue that there is simply too much moisture in the room. Indeed, I have seen wall insulation simply move the problem to another part of the property. Providing ventilation for cupboards can be good advice, though this again misses the root cause. Effective control of the humidity levels should overcome all the above without recourse to cutting holes in cupboards, changing windows or additional wall insulation. This is not to dissuade you from upgrading windows or wall insulation, though do be aware, mould should not be your primary reason for doing them. Positive Input Ventilation is usually the best ventilation type for the problems described, but placement of any unit is critical as is choosing the best unit for the job. Even if correctly installed, I have still replaced many lower end PIV units for more long-lived and occupier-friendly equivalents. Given that a fair chunk of the cost of an installation is often the installation, skimping on the unit is generally a false economy. Animals are an important source of moisture, just as we are, simply through breathing. If they are larger animals, and if they spend most of their time indoors, then this additional effect could be significant.

Answered

31 October 2011

Like

57

Anonymous user

Mould is coming from dampness that is hitting cold surfaces ie: cold Walls and window areas. Bedrooms are the worst for this as you breath out a lot of water vapours while asleep, even more if 2 people in the room. The outside Walls will need insulating, either with an insulating plasterboard or battens fixed with insulation between. This will keep the surface of the Walls and the room itself warmer in winter and cooler in summer. A new energy efficient window would also help a lot. It is basically cold bridging through from outside. Hope this helps, shaun

Answered

10 October 2011

Like

40
Home Ventilation Ltd
Rating: 5 out of 55515 reviews
Harrogate

Ventilation is the answer. The mould will be growing on moisture which is trapped inside the property. The moisture will be created from things such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, washing, drying, breathing etc. As homes are made more energy efficient with insulation and double glazing, the moisture inside the property is unable to escape, and will form as condensation on walls and windows. Ask a ventilation consultant to come around to your property to recommend the correct solution to your problem. Kind Regards

Answered

10 October 2011

Like

28
Envirovent
Rating: 5 out of 5552 reviews
Worthing

Mould on fabrics and books is caused by excessively high humidity. If these items are in an area of restricted air movement then they will suffer more than if open to the room. As temperatures drop at night, the relative humidity necessarily rises providing the levels required to sustain mould growth. The subsequent lack of air movement and slower return to room temperature of the trapped air extends the period supporting mould growth, allowing it to take hold. These phenomena typically also explain the problem of mould being more evident in room corners. Insulating walls can have its place in certain scenarios and is a good thing in general. However, like improving the u-values (thermal conductivity) of the windows, it is not addressing the core issue that there is simply too much moisture in the room. Indeed, I have seen wall insulation simply move the problem to another part of the property. Providing ventilation for cupboards can be good advice, though this again misses the root cause. Effective control of the humidity levels should overcome all the above without recourse to cutting holes in cupboards, changing windows or additional wall insulation. This is not to dissuade you from upgrading windows or wall insulation, though do be aware, mould should not be your primary reason for doing them. Positive Input Ventilation is usually the best ventilation type for the problems described, but placement of any unit is critical as is choosing the best unit for the job. Even if correctly installed, I have still replaced many lower end PIV units for more long-lived and occupier-friendly equivalents. Given that a fair chunk of the cost of an installation is often the installation, skimping on the unit is generally a false economy. Animals are an important source of moisture, just as we are, simply through breathing. If they are larger animals, and if they spend most of their time indoors, then this additional effect could be significant.

Answered

22 July 2017

Like

14