Questions / Damp / else?

[Jeremy2014]

Hello,

See couple of picture.

Pretty clueless about DIY and if that should be a concern or not hence posting it there to gather your thoughts and expertise.

As you can see on the picture, it seems that we have some kind of power by the side of the windows.

Background on the property: converted flat ground floor flat (with basement flat below)– Windows are double glazed aluminium so quite old but still doing the job.

What do you think? And is that a concern? It was there a while ago and I just whipped it out.

Many thanks in advance,

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Looks like there's a hole between the architrave and wall? Anyway looks like condensation to me and I would hazard that 10 mins with some proper bleach and an old dishcloth would clean the vast majority off.

 

[Burnerman]

Is there a draught coming through that hole? Fill it up with Polyfilla or whatever - it may be causing a cold spot there.
John

 

[Doggit]

It looks as though you've got similar mold on the aluminium windows, how well ventilated do you keep the room. You've got a cold outside wall, and the moisture in the air, is condensing on it, causing the mold to appear. Bleach to kill the mold, fill the hole for good measure, then either keep the window open more often, or turn the heating up.

 

[foxhole]

Your cause is in the photo, clothes airer,you can't dry clothes indoors without causing damp/condensation and mould.

 

[Doggit]

And you can't dry them outside with snow on the ground. It's a cold outside wall, moist air inside, and a lack of ventilation, and the result is mold.

 

[foxhole]

Snow

 

[Doggit]

Look past the dryer into the garden.

I have no heating in my house, and I dry my clothes on an dryer, but there's always open windows, so I know it can be done.

 

[JBR]

It is difficult at this time of year, isn't it.

How about a dehumidifier? We have a good desiccant one (the best type in my opinion) that can work efficiently at quite low temperatures.

 

[Jeremy2014]

Thanks so much for all your reply.

I was worry it could be damp. So very please that no one mentioned it.
I guess, it must be condensation. Yes I do dry cloth inside and as working not home, there is only heating on for couple of hours in the evening.

Will make sure to open the windows more often at least once a week - when in the winter. Hope that will be sufficient?

and give it a good clean with some bleach.

Will check if there is a hole too and get it sorted.

Thanks so much all for your advice.

Cheers

 

[foxhole]

Windows would need to be open any time there is clothing drying, even then mould is likely to return.

 

[Doggit]

What do you mean, try to pen the windows at least once a week. You need them open daily, and if possible, permanently on a trickle vent. If you only open them once a week, you'll soon have the mold back.

What most people don't realise, is that you breath out half a pint of water every day. Imagine going into a room, and throwing half a pint of water around; That's 3 pints of water you've poured on the floor before the windows get opened. Add in the cooking, the kettle boiling, and all of the other day to day activities that pout moisture into the air, and then you'll know why you get mold on the walls.

 

[Jeremy2014]

Thanks so much everybody for the advice! Greatly appreciated.