Help - dampness problems?
Question:i seem to have a problem with damp in my flat - it seems to be mould developing on the lower levels of the walls. i've been told that this is probably due to condensation and i should have the windows replaced with those which include trinkle vents. does anyone know what these are and what they do?
also there is damp that has arisen over the last few weeks on the ceiling - would window condensation cause this or is this more likely to be from upstairs?
p.s. does anyone know how much it would cost for 3 windows with these trickle vents in?
Answers:
If you rent, the owner is responsible for replacing the windows. You would first need to obtain his permission. A dehumidifier is helpful. If you have air conditioning that would also help the problem,.
The landlord is also responsible for getting rid of the mold. It is a health issue. If he will not take care of the problem, report him to the agency in your area that handles this type of problem. Where I live it is the Health Department of our city.
try using a dehumidifier
its all very well replacing the windows but first i think you should have an estimate for a dampproof course because if the bricks are riddled with dampness then window replacement wont solve the immediate problem
This could be a more serious problem than the windows, it sounds like there is somekind of issue with leaking like plumbing pipes. The mold is very dangerous and can even kill you or make you very sick. You need to call an expert for an inspection. Hope this helps. Good luck to you.
You might just want to invest in a de-humidifier first. Condensation IS NOT from windows.
In the fall and early spring homeowners may notice small beads of moisture on the glass of windows and doors. These small beads are known as condensation they are a natural occurance and symptoms of excessive humidity in homes. You will notice condensation on the windows and doors first because the surface temperature is lower than other visible surfaces in the home. That is why homeowners often mistake condensation as a result of faulty windows or doors.
I have a damp basement and I have moldy spots on the walls and I have no dehumidifier I am in the process of buying one and that will stop the mold from growing because it wont be damp in my basement anymore.
Do you have a dryer? Is there a vent hooked up to the outside? If not then that could be causing the moisture to build and then the mold grows. Do you have exhaust fans in the house. Like when you are taking a shower or cooking are you using the exhaust fans?
I feel that it is not your windows there are other reasons you have mold growing.
Try googling www.handlestore.com then search trickle vents. Have a look at this site, it explains about the vents and has prices too, might give you more of an idea. It sounds like it might be condensation, it usually appears on the coldest parts of the walls and ceiling, on an outside wall and in the corners. I have it in my bathroom and it appears in the corner and on the ceiling above, on the corner of pine end wall of the house. It might be damp, your best bet is to get someone in to put a damp meter on it they can usually tell the difference then and if it is where it's coming from. Hope you sort it and it doesn't cost too much, condensation is such a nuisance and ruins your decoration if it's not cured. All the best!
This sounds like condensation, which is caused when warm air or steam hits cold walls. Allowing air to circulate by means of a open window helps to prevent moisture building up on walls thus causing black mould. If you can afford to purchase a dehumidifyer this will really help they can be purchased from diy stores or argos from about £80, this is a much cheaper way than installing new windows.
Once the moisture has been removed you can buy a damp stop paint which will cover over the black mould, which has a tendancy to come through normal emulsion paint.
Trickle vents are small slots above the windows which allow air through, sometimes they have closures on them so you can regulate the air flow.
Hope this helps get the windows open or buy a dehumidifyer
if it is a ground floor flat there may be no damp proof course in the brick work especially in older buildings. if it is rising damp you will probably have to get the plaster removed 1 metre up from the bottom of the wall get your walls injected with damp proof chemicals then left to dry out before replastering. it can be expensive.
tinkle vents are little slots that allow air to flow out of the window.try adding your own vents.any moulds can be cleaned with a bleach solution left to dry then egg shelled over then painted or papered.
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