Condensation problem

[wowfudge]

Having never had an issue with it before, the two single glazed windows in the north facing wall of our dining room now have terrible condensation on them constantly and it's pooling on the sills. The radiators have been temporarily removed for plastering and decorating and the carpet was taken up. In addition, a low level vent was blocked up as we were advised by the gas engineer that the balanced flue gas fire didn't require it.

The plaster has now dried. I've run a dehumidifier in the room and I've also stuck an oil filled radiator in there, though not together due to limited plug sockets. Neither has made any difference to the condensation.

We're going to have to reinstate the vent aren't we?

[Havingahorridtime]

Yes, you need to reinstate the vent. Dehumidifiers normally sort the issue short term but the vent was there for a reason and not just for the flue.

[Kiroro]

How long has the plaster been dry for? Whilst that is drying you get terrible condensation.

[Justanothernameonthepage]

In the short term, pop a moisture trap in there, you'll be amazed at how much they absorb and may be a case of it will improve once the radiators are back in

[PigletJohn]

plaster is made of water. How long ago was it done?

Open the windows. No cost, unlike the dehumidifier.

[wowfudge]

It's over ten days since the room was skimmed. One large wall and the ceiling were plaster boarded and skimmed, the other walls just skimmed. We mist coated over the weekend as the plaster had dried to pale pink.

I can't open the windows; believe me I have tried. I don't know if they actually do open (ancient) or are painted shut like all the other windows in the house were when we moved in plus it's a ground floor room so I can't leave them open unless there's someone in.

Thanks for the moisture trap tip - might give that a go. It has been considerably warmer this last week so we have only had the heating on elsewhere in the house in the morning.

[wowfudge]

I guess if I manage to open the windows and the condensation goes then it's clear that ventilation is the answer.

[Kiroro]

I find it hard to believe that blocking up one vent would 'cause' this condensation so quickly, the plaster is a much more likely culprit. Are there adjoining rooms you can open the doors to bad get those windows open?

[wowfudge]

I'm thinking it's a combination of things but as drying plaster is now not such a big factor, the situation isn't improving. Like I said, I've tried a dehumidifier and a heater in there.

[PigletJohn]

emulsion paint is also made of water...

[wowfudge]

This is true - and mixed with more water for mist coating. Hmm. Maybe I will give it a few more days before we get the core drill out!

[wowfudge]

Well, what do you know - got back home last night to find very little condensation at all. Same this morning, so it does seem I was premature in my worrying and it just needed to dry out. So, no need to put back the vent. Thanks all and gold star to PJ who was right!

[wowfudge]

And Kiroro

[Iamastonished]

I find it worrying that you have windows that you can't open. I love to open windows to air a room.

[wowfudge]

I do too astonished. It's open plan to another room though and there are velux in the roof so it's not the end of the world.

[Kiroro]

Glad it seems to be sorted :-)