Damp/mold/condensation

Prima123 · 2023-02-14T10:38:14+00:00

Hello, Looking for some advice really! Moved into a rented ground floor flat 6 weeks ago. From the offset noticed all windows are constantly steamed up and dripping with water. Have been wiping daily but with no improvement. Have noticed small mildew spots all above the top of window panels, and damp patches on lots of the walls. With further inspection I've now noticed mold coming from the carpets (attached photo) The heating has been on plenty, bathroom window and bedroom window often open. Have tried a humidifier without much luck. Is there anything else obvious I'm missing or should I contact the landlord? Concerned as I've only been here a short period. Any advice is appreciated!

LoveMAFS · 14/02/2023 10:42

More heating and more ventilation. Wet windows on the inside is a condensation/lifestyle problem.

Yesthatismychildsigh · 14/02/2023 11:19

Do you not open any other windows? You need to ventilate the place properly.

Original poster

Prima123 · 14/02/2023 11:23

Yes we do in the mornings and few hours in the evening, bathroom and bedroom are open overnight, can't leave them open all day as no one is home and we're on the ground floor.
That combined with having the heating on frequently and a dehumidifier not sure what else I can do?

OP posts:

Original poster

Prima123 · 14/02/2023 11:24

Next door neighbour said the flat windows were always steamed up before we moved in and when it was vacant I presume.

OP posts:

megacat · 14/02/2023 11:27

What do you do when you're cooking? Do you have an extractor fan on? Drying washing indoors? It does sound like a ventilation problem.

Original poster

Prima123 · 14/02/2023 11:29

Yes extractor on and window open. First week or so I was hanging washing on the clothes horse as we don't have a tumble dryer but I'm now taking it to my parents to dry (not ideal!)

OP posts:

3WildOnes · 14/02/2023 11:36

Do you mean a dehumidifier? If so which one?
A good dehumidifier should sort a mould problem caused by condensation quite easily. You need to have it running constantly at first. How long did you try the dehumidifier for?

AuroraForever · 14/02/2023 11:37

It’ll be caused by excessive moisture in the air and not enough ventilation. During the day have windows open as often as possible, make sure any wall vents aren’t covered or blocked, don’t put furniture right up against the walls leave some space all around for air to circulate, don’t dry wet washing inside, windows open when showering/cooking, during the night run the dehumidifier as often and as long as you can but with the windows shut - it won’t do it’s job properly with them open, clean the mould off with white vinegar.

Ginmonkeyagain · 14/02/2023 11:38

Have your windows got trickle vents - you need to open them if so.

It does seem a bit odd the skirting board has mould - can you pull back a bit of the carpet to check for any leaks or damp underneath?

ChevreChase · 14/02/2023 11:40

The mould from the carpet makes me wonder if it's something other than condensation. I've lived in some really soggy places (Karcher window vac every morning is amazing!), but that floor suggests some moisture on that level.

MrsMoastyToasty · 14/02/2023 11:44

It could be one of several things.

A leak below the floor

Blocked gutters and drains.
Ground level outside bridging the damp course.
Cracked render allowing rain water to get in.

LoveMAFS · 14/02/2023 18:16

Put the dehumidifier on and leave it running all day every day for a week.

LoveMAFS · 14/02/2023 18:16

Do not dry washing indoors.

spiderplantparty · 14/02/2023 22:20

Does your dehumidifier give a humidity reading? I have two and one gives a humidity reading which can be quite handy.

TashieWoo · 14/02/2023 22:28

I live in a ground floor flat and had a similar problem and it was worse when it rained, turned out water was getting in from outside so we had something sprayed on the outside wall and that helped. I would ask your landlord about that, and echo PP’s advice about running a dehumidifier, opening windows etc.

I still have a bit of condensation in the mornings and use a Karcher window vac which is amazing, to be honest I don’t think a dehumidifier etc can do its job properly if there is water sitting on the windows, and it is so quick to run the vac round first thing.

Dettol mould and mildew remover is also amazing ☺️

saffron77 · 02/10/2023 09:55

Advice on damp/condensation
Would really appreciate advice on how to address damp issues in ground floor Victorian flat. It seems to have become worse in recent years - we have had a few rising damp surveys & an independent survey (which was much more thorough & helpful) . We had the flat rented for 8 or so years & prior to this carpets, walls & kitchen were all updated. We have a large patch of damp above skirting in hallway on party wall - up to about a metre high. It fits the description of rising damp & all rising damp specialists have picked up on it. Independent guy has not ruled it out but said also check leaks (water mains, neighbors etc). Under floor seems all joists were replaced many years ago & all look fine. Obv there was a reason for that work. Could the original dpc have been affected by the joist work? Would the dpc injections be the only solution? I know neighbor on other side had decorated but has possibly used a water resistant plaster & paint - looked glossy. One suggestion has been this has pushed damp through more on our side. We have air bricks but unf the patio to the rear is too high so we have advice to deal with that.
we are just getting v confused with various advice & warnings about dpc not being the answer. We are quite near a river & foundations are deep - a little damp looking in parts but no pools of water. Any advice grateful received . I can dig out photos if helpful - thanks & sorry for long post!

Lysianthus · 02/10/2023 10:28

saffron77 · 02/10/2023 09:55

Advice on damp/condensation
Would really appreciate advice on how to address damp issues in ground floor Victorian flat. It seems to have become worse in recent years - we have had a few rising damp surveys & an independent survey (which was much more thorough & helpful) . We had the flat rented for 8 or so years & prior to this carpets, walls & kitchen were all updated. We have a large patch of damp above skirting in hallway on party wall - up to about a metre high. It fits the description of rising damp & all rising damp specialists have picked up on it. Independent guy has not ruled it out but said also check leaks (water mains, neighbors etc). Under floor seems all joists were replaced many years ago & all look fine. Obv there was a reason for that work. Could the original dpc have been affected by the joist work? Would the dpc injections be the only solution? I know neighbor on other side had decorated but has possibly used a water resistant plaster & paint - looked glossy. One suggestion has been this has pushed damp through more on our side. We have air bricks but unf the patio to the rear is too high so we have advice to deal with that.
we are just getting v confused with various advice & warnings about dpc not being the answer. We are quite near a river & foundations are deep - a little damp looking in parts but no pools of water. Any advice grateful received . I can dig out photos if helpful - thanks & sorry for long post!

Probably best to start your own thread.