New Fitted Wardrobes - External Wall - Mould

[Georgie73]

Hi

We had a carpenter make us some wardrobes across an external wall which has a chimney breast on it. Carpenter completely sealed the opening of the fireplace before fitting the doors. There are no air bricks in the walls. Today I have noticed some fury mould type stuff on some suede shoes which are on the base of the wardrobes. All the hanging clothes are fine.

Has this happened because the fireplace has been sealed off? The suede shoes were leaning against the side of the chimney breast.

What should we do to prevent this happening again?

Many thanks.
George

 

[foxhole]

Chimney breast requires ventilation to prevent damp, also good idea to have venting to wardrobe.

 

[Diyisfun]

Its very little to do with the chimney being sealed off, its the moisture trapped in the wardrobe.
Its a cold wall with warm air, you could insulate the wall, using polystyrene, something like this.
http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/v...VY7_0N-ab7e1LQ1u5oJNUpmpeKf8ha86H8aAkJF8P8HAQ

I did similar years & years ago

 

[Georgie73]

Its very little to do with the chimney being sealed off, its the moisture trapped in the wardrobe.
Its a cold wall with warm air, you could insulate the wall, using polystyrene, something like this.
http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/v...VY7_0N-ab7e1LQ1u5oJNUpmpeKf8ha86H8aAkJF8P8HAQ

I did similar years & years ago

Thank you. Yes, it's definitely a cold wall. I will do as you suggest.

Many thanks

 

[foxhole]

Its very little to do with the chimney being sealed off, its the moisture trapped in the wardrobe.
Its a cold wall with warm air, you could insulate the wall, using polystyrene, something like this.
http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/v...VY7_0N-ab7e1LQ1u5oJNUpmpeKf8ha86H8aAkJF8P8HAQ

I did similar years & years ago

Will have no effect.

 

[Georgie73]

I have to try something - any other ideas?

 

[Diyisfun]

I bet it improves it.
I think I used wallpaper paste to stick it, was a very quick clean job.

 

[Burnerman]

I did the same...it was a pink slab stuff from Wickes. Dramatically effective, and easily stuck with a blob or two of silicone.
John

 

[Georgie73]

I'm going to give it a try. Thanks guys.

 

[ree]

OP, you have nothing to lose by trying the polystyrene route. But if the wardrobe is built-in how do you intend to cover all the rear wall, and any return walls with continuous sheets of poly?

Ventilation behind the unit(s) is a must - high and low.
Does the room have an air brick vent?

What type of walls do you have - solid or (insulated?) cavity, do you have render?

You would help yourself by opening up the chimney flue for sweeping, and then ventilating top and bottom. Why? Because the c/breast might be the next surface to give you trouble - due to an unswept & unventilated flue.

In my limited experience, bedroom built-ins are often a source of trouble.