Any idea what these vents are for please?

[Gary111]

Hi, I am getting black could in a bedroom.
It has a vent either side of the window outside but they don't go through to the inner wall.

The neighbours have these vents too.

Is it possible they are venting the loft?

Can they be causing cold points hence condensation and mould?

Thanks

 

[Gary111]

 

[Gary111]

Also there's a strange looking pipe in the loft above, any ideas what they may have been for please?

 

[Gary111]

Sorry its a crap picture with the flash, but it looks like it ends and doesn't go anywhere

 

[^woody^]

Do you have loft insulation in that area? If not get some.

 

[JohnD]

they look to me like airbricks that used to be provided in small bedrooms that had no fireplace.

fireplaces used to provide a lot of ventilation

they were often blocked up by people who dislike fresh air. It is also possible to fit a control grille on the inside that will allow ventilation to be opened and shut. People tend to dislike cold draughts in winter.

if you knock on the wall with your knuckles you may be able to detect the patch, and form an opinion whether it was bricked up or covered with cardboard.

it looks to be in a position where damp could come from a gutter or roof defect, or it might be condensation, typically in a steamy bathroom or if people drape wet washing indoors.

 

[WalksWithTurkeys]

Humidity naturally increases when people are inside for many hours a day. The damp then condenses on cold walls. Wet laundry and bathrooms make it worse.

 

[Gary111]

Thanks for your help John.
Of that's the case is the answer to block up the outer vent?

 

[JohnD]

open the inner one and fit a controllable vent, if the cause is condensation.

if it is a spilling gutter, clean and repair it.

is the pipe a flue for a gas fire? or a bathroom extractor? is rain running down it and dripping off?

 

[Gary111]

Thanks John I'll check