Damp/condensation/mold/ you name it!

[tray99]

Hi, first post, have no idea what to do!!!
My semi detached house, built circa 1940's. Cannot have cavity wall as single skin (is that right, thats what bloke said) anyway...

The bloke before was obv an odd job bobbit, its a mess

Had a leaky flat roof (another post will be made) and leaked throu the window frame (again will be another post!) so I checked the house out.
In every room, the silicon seal on DG windows is mouldy, with black spots, so i plan to remove and replace silicon both inside and out, will that sort it? think the silicon not done proper.

the cubby hole under stairs is mouldy, but not damp? Have ripped all the wallpaper off, and found the air vent, have used 3-1 mould remover and then put damp proof paint over it, will that sort it as long as I leave the vent uncovered?

The bathroom has no air vent, and had noticed mould, but cleaned and painted same as cubby hole, thats gone now, was only up one corner, and the window, but how do I stop it returning?

The windows are quite condenstaed of morn now with having the heating on, (just had a new boiler fitted, with thermostat controls on rads), would a humidifer be of use to dry rooms out, or just leave the windows on the nite lock?

I am so peeved at the mo, it seems like everything going wrong



thanks in advance!

[wine~o]

apart from the roof leak, everything else sounds like the problem is condensation. You might find the silicon round the window frames will clean up with a bit of diluted bleach (50/50) and an old toothbrush.
May be an idea to get an extractor fitted in the bathroom, as this is likely to be the worst affected.
Finally either improving the ventilation or a de-humidifiershould prevent too many probs. in future.

[tray99]

thank you for a quick reply, phew that sounds easier. I have this mould remover stuff, so if i use that should be ok? i shall look at de-humidifiers, would i need them in every room tho, money a bit tight, not long lost my job, so trying to be cheap and do it all myself lol

[wine~o]

Don't know about the mould remover, does it say on the tin it can be used on upvc or silicon? if not stick to bleach. As to de-humidifier, depends on the size of the house! , have a google.
The extractor for the bathroom is not a diy job, however, as electrical work in the Bathroom is notifiable to building control. a suitably qualified electrician will be able to advise.
Having seen your other posts re roof/gaps round windows, looks like your going to busy for a few weeks...

sorry to hear you've just lost your job btw. The company I work for have just gone into administration....maybe i'll have time to get all those little diy jobs done soon

[tray99]

its sucks dont it, was on maternity leave, been waiting 4 years for them to make us redundant, and they decide to do it in the middle of a recession!
yea looks like i will be busy

[big-all]

ventilation is the key
under the stars should be fine now
in the bathroom warm up the room then before running any water open the window about an inch or so for ventilation' after you leave the bathroom open the window 2 or 3 inches for say 20 mins and close the door on the way out

other things to note during cooking have extraction on and close the kitchen door when using water during cooking when ever possible

do NOT dry clothes indoors on radiators or clothes airers

keep doors closed between hot and cooler/ cold rooms because when the hot moist air reaches the cold room it cools down and drops the moisture on the coldest surface

keep the bathroom door closed when in use and for 20 mins after

[leebwk]

You might be able to get a bargain dehumidifier on E-bay, i brought one for about £25 a couple of months ago, and like everyone has said ventilation is the key