Mould? Cold weather

[monsterink]

What is this ? Why does it happen? How do I fix it?

 

[monsterink]

 

[mikeey84]

Its mould caused by condensation.

There are a number of things you can do:
Stop drying clothes inside (if you do)
Keep bathroom doors closed and windows open when showering and bathing
Ensure your kitchen has extraction
Ensure adequate ventilation
Use anti mould paint
Consider a polystyrene wallpaper in affected areas
Insulate your walls (expensive)

 

[monsterink]

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[monsterink]

Its mould caused by condensation.

There are a number of things you can do:
Stop drying clothes inside (if you do)
Keep bathroom doors closed and windows open when showering and bathing
Ensure your kitchen has extraction
Ensure adequate ventilation
Use anti mould paint
Consider a polystyrene wallpaper in affected areas
Insulate your walls (expensive)

Thank you for the prompt reply...

I have been getting quotes for cavity wall insulation, but at the same time read horror stories it causes more problems than fixes.

I have two quotes

Mineral wool
Bead

Which should we go for.

The above photos are all for the bedrooms. No problems downstairs. So for now a hot water cloth and wipe is suffice ?

Read more: https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/mould-cold-weather.560629/#ixzz6iNmVdMs8

 

[mikeey84]

There are a number of specialist mould removers, I would recommend one of these above just warm water, as they can help stop it coming back.

I don't know much about cavity wall insulation, so hopefully someone will be along who does...

 

[mrrusty]

I have been getting quotes for cavity wall insulation

Personally I would never, ever contemplate retro-fit CWI. We build houses assuming that water will at times run down the inside face of the outer brick skin - we have drip points on wall ties, weep vents, cavity trays. No matter what, if that happens and the cavity is filled, water may cross the cavity, also if the insulation becomes wet it'll make things worse. In older houses, cavities are ventilated - if you have airbricks dotted around you have a ventilated cavity. A clear and well ventilated cavity helps to draw away any moisture that finds it's way into the internal skin of the construction. If the internal fabric becomes damp through condensation, the ventilated cavity is definitely your friend in helping to control this.

Internal insulation helps to keep internal surfaces warmer and reduce condensation, but you should also try and lower humidity through ventilation and air circulation. If they are bedrooms unused during the day, crack the windows open and let some air circulate, even in winter. The problem is we create water vapour through living and it has to go somewhere. If there are cold corners with poor air circulation (or behind wardrobes etc), the humiidty will condense out. These are often found on external walls in top corners and under the eaves where there isn't much insulation.

A dehumidifier can also help.

This my personal opinion backed up with experience from older house refurbs

 

[JohnD]

The entire world is filled with mould spores, and they will grow wherever they find damp.

Mikey has the right suggestions.

Ventilate to get the water vapour out of the house. Water vapour is lighter than air so it will rise even if the source is downstairs.

I expect you get condensation on the bedroom windows in cold weather. When the internal humidity is corrected this will reduce or stop.

Draping wet washing over radiators is the worst cause.

If the occupants dislike fresh air, open the windows every morning after throwing back the bed clothes.

In most cases CWI does not cause problems. Installers now inspect walls for defects because they can be forced to remove it at own expense if they install it in unsuitable premises. I have been very happy with blown mineral wool in my own house, the fibres are treated to repel water.

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

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[monsterink]

Thank you everyone for the help and tips. I will monitor and try open the windows more regularly.
As for CWI

yes both quotes under green scheme still have to make a contribution. sure they have jacked up prices like eat out to help out, to fleece the government grant.

But still worried about the unwanted negative effects of CWI, will garner a bit more insight from my neighbours whose a retired builder.

 

[mikeey84]

From personal experience, the single biggest thing you can do is to stop drying washing indoors (if you do).

Convinced the better half to not do it apart from in a well ventilated room, and its made a huge difference

 

[monsterink]

From personal experience, the single biggest thing you can do is to stop drying washing indoors (if you do).

Convinced the better half to not do it apart from in a well ventilated room, and its made a huge difference

We don’t dry any clothes indoors as we have a dryer in the utility room. And have the window open in there when in use.

only relevant points I see

we don’t have any vents on the double glazing windows nor any visible vent bricks.