Condensation

[DreamThrum]

We're in the process of buying a house which is a bit of a doer upper. The survey report has highlighted some issues with condensation (black mould visible in the bathroom and around some windows, moderate damp readings in the loft).

I guess I just want to be fairly confident that we will be able to resolve the problem, if we take the necessary steps. The bathroom currently doesn't have an extractor fan so that's the first thing to address, and I'm aware of some other things that should help (adding wall insulation, replacing the windows, potentially installing a heat recovery system). Should the problem be fairly easily resolvable with appropriate action, or can it be one of those issues that just seems intractable in certain houses?

How old is the house op?

What are the windows in the house now?

The house is 1950s and current windows are UPVC and old-ish.

We had a similar issue. In our case it turned out to be a lack of insulation in the eaves of the loft, leading to cold spots and then condensation along the top of the outside walls upstairs. Was really quickly and easily sorted.

Ok so new windows etc won't really help. You need to figure out the cause of all the excess moisture. Condensation forms on the coldest surface, new windows might mean it forms on the next coldest surface.

Bathroom extractor fan is a must. Do the current owners have a tumble drier or dry washing inside?

What's the plumbing like? Any possibility of leaks?

@TheOpportuneMoment

We had a similar issue. In our case it turned out to be a lack of insulation in the eaves of the loft, leading to cold spots and then condensation along the top of the outside walls upstairs. Was really quickly and easily sorted.

Hi, how did you discover this? Did someone diagnose the problem or did you realise yourselves?

@whatswithtodaytoday We originally thought it might be an issue with damp coming through from the gutters, the man from the gutter company said he'd seen similar in the past and thought it was an insulation issue so we got someone out to check.

@NeilBuchananisBanksy

Ok so new windows etc won't really help. You need to figure out the cause of all the excess moisture. Condensation forms on the coldest surface, new windows might mean it forms on the next coldest surface.

Bathroom extractor fan is a must. Do the current owners have a tumble drier or dry washing inside?

What's the plumbing like? Any possibility of leaks?

Yes they have a washing machine and tumble dryer in a utility room (which doesn't have a door between it and the rest of the house). As for plumbing, I only know that the survey didn't identify any issues.

A bathroom with no extractor is pretty sure to have condensation and damp.

If you have access in the loft above, you can fit a ducted inline fan, which can be very powerful and quiet. Especially important if you like steamy showers.

Normal modern practice is to have them wired to come on with the light switch, and have a timed overrrun.

Cost of electricity is negligible.

Noise can be negligible.

spend the extra on decent extractor fan...Vent axia etc not those silly 6 inch ones...hopeless.

Inadequate insulation and ventilation tend to be the causes of condensation mould.

Purchase a condesor dryer.
Have all windows checked
Dry line walls with insulation boards. Not too expensive keep out cold and retain heat

We fitted a positive input ventilation unit. Cost about £300 and DIY install. Cured condensation issues virtually overnight