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Original poster

Need help with house problems (Condensation, insulation, humidity)

52 replies

hive1 · 09/03/2023 13:23

I want to ask whom or where to contact to figure out what is the problem of high humidity, condensation along with insulation.

I moved in Victorian house which probably built in 1930s (but gov. page says 1970-1980s, so not sure).
and the former owner told us that all the windows(ground floor and 1st floor) are pretty new as they installed about 2 years about.

However, all the windows in our house have condensation issue whether I cook or not, bath or not, last 3 months, there always had condensation every morning.
Also below and side of bay window walls get wet and skirting boards below the radiators(which is installed below bay windows) gets really moisture and having mold issue.
As the energy price is so high we only have used electric radiators in the rooms where we stay the most, however, there still having condensation issue.

Also all the rooms have high humidity, it's about 70%. When I turn radiator on it goes down to 60%. I can feel there are moisture in the air somehow. Clothes in built in closet feels moisture and walking around the house with socks on I can feel my socks and feet get moisture. Also when I touch duvet in our bed room, I can feel bit moisture. It's not like it is wet, damp or visually shown, but just humid. Even all the rooms have thick and quite new carpets floor bit is humid.

I really want to solve this issue before next winter starts, however, I have no idea whom I should discuss about. What I can guess at the moment is with radiators on in the house humidity issue will get better but....at the moment it's sooooooooo expensive. My previous house had no problem like this even without radiators on.

I can tell insulation underneath floor looks required, but would that really solve this issue or could it be something else causing the problem? Who would be able to give advice about this whole issue I have.

Thank you for the comments always.

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 09/03/2023 13:58

Do you maybe need to look at getting a damp proof course put in?

SeaToSki · 09/03/2023 14:01

Contact your local council. There is a government scheme running at the moment for people to get help with these issues. If you dont qualify for the financial help, they will still be able to signpost you towards the right companies/people/surveyors to give you some independent advice as to what you can do

CatOnTheChair · 09/03/2023 14:09

It sounds like there might be bigger things happening too, but the immediate actions you can take is to open the windows for 10 mins every day, and have some heating on.
How do you dry clothes?

WelshWondergirl · 09/03/2023 14:40

Heat the house as much as you can possibly afford.
Always open the windows when cooking, drying washing, sleeping or showering.

NomadicSpirit · 09/03/2023 14:47

You could try getting a dehumidifer. It sounds like your house is "just" cold because when it is, the moisture in the air will condense as you know, especially on and around windows.

What's your room temp and how do you dry clothes? How many of you are there and how many showers and baths do you have, as all these things add a lot of moisture into the air. DO you have extraction fans?

It could be the insulation in your walls (assuming there is some). I've heard that this can cause damp problems within houses where the house is no longer able to breath through the air gap. I didn't get cavity wall insulation for this reason as I was already getting some condensation and it would have made it worth.

Yesthatismychildsigh · 09/03/2023 15:40

Is it Victorian or built in the 1930’s or 1970’s? Your post doesn’t make sense. It could mean totally different builds which may be relevant.

eurochick · 09/03/2023 16:02

Ventilate the house daily. Heat it as much as possible. Don't dry washing indoors. Use a dehumidifier.

eurochick · 09/03/2023 16:03

If it is a 1930s build it might well be single brick construction. No cavity walls = cold walls, which exacerbated condensation and mould issues.

Verylongtime · 09/03/2023 16:08

Your house can’t be Victorian if it was built in the ‘30s, or ‘70s. Victorian houses are much older. When it was built makes a difference, depending on the sort of insulation, damp proofing, heating and windows it has.

Verylongtime · 09/03/2023 16:11

Or do you mean 1830s or 1870s/1880s? That is Victorian.

Margaritawithlime · 09/03/2023 16:14

You can get someone to come and survey your house. We had someone come and look at our new house as just couldn’t get a handle on the condensation. He was fab. Had recommendations, advice and didn’t charge a penny for his survey. If you’re based in yorkshire I can recommend him!

C4tastrophe · 09/03/2023 16:38

Could be so many things. A proper damp survey would help, however as PP said, heat and ventilation ’should’ fix it.
Can you post a couple of pictures of the bay window, and one below the window down to ground level?

Also, what is the EPC rating?

CellophaneFlower · 09/03/2023 17:00

Margaritawithlime · 09/03/2023 16:14

You can get someone to come and survey your house. We had someone come and look at our new house as just couldn’t get a handle on the condensation. He was fab. Had recommendations, advice and didn’t charge a penny for his survey. If you’re based in yorkshire I can recommend him!

Did he suggest damp proof injections by any chance?

Original poster
hive1 · 09/03/2023 18:10

@SeaToSki Thank you for letting me know. I had no idea about it. I will try to check the local council. :)

OP posts:
Original poster
hive1 · 09/03/2023 18:15

CatOnTheChair · 09/03/2023 14:09

It sounds like there might be bigger things happening too, but the immediate actions you can take is to open the windows for 10 mins every day, and have some heating on.
How do you dry clothes?

Yea I try to open windows in the morning but 10mins is not enough to get rid of the condensation I have.... I leave my bathroom window all day long.
and I don't dry clothes indoor. I know it causes more issues..so I take it to launderette for drying.

OP posts:
Original poster
hive1 · 09/03/2023 18:23

Verylongtime · 09/03/2023 16:08

Your house can’t be Victorian if it was built in the ‘30s, or ‘70s. Victorian houses are much older. When it was built makes a difference, depending on the sort of insulation, damp proofing, heating and windows it has.

I have no idea it's 1930's or 1970's cause what I heard from previous owner was that it was 1930's but at gov website it is registered as 1970's. and we first introduced by agency, he said it's Victorian. So I am totally confused and hard to tell what it is...and if it has cavity wall or not.

OP posts:
Verylongtime · 09/03/2023 18:27

Are you sure it’s not 1830s or 1870s? These would be Victorian. Not 1930s or 1970s?

CellophaneFlower · 09/03/2023 18:37

hive1 · 09/03/2023 18:15

Yea I try to open windows in the morning but 10mins is not enough to get rid of the condensation I have.... I leave my bathroom window all day long.
and I don't dry clothes indoor. I know it causes more issues..so I take it to launderette for drying.

Show quote history

What got rid of the mould under the bay window in my bedroom for me is keeping the window open a little permanently, especially overnight. It's got rid of the condensation on the window too. My issue was just that 1 room though and was obviously breath whilst sleeping causing it I think. It might be different for you if it's throughout the house, but perhaps worth a try?

C4tastrophe · 09/03/2023 19:21

Easy to tell if you have a cavity. The wall will be built with a different bond, usually cavity walls are mostly stretcher bond. The wall will be thinner by over 30mm which mostly shows around the windows.
If you post a picture of the brickwork we will know.
How are your airbricks?

CorsicaDreaming · 09/03/2023 20:22

I'd recommend getting a desiccant (not condensing) dehumidifier. The desiccant type also heat up the space a bit. I got one and move it round to where it's needed and it makes a huge difference to warmth and feeling of the air in the space because it dries it out.

CorsicaDreaming · 09/03/2023 20:25

I have got this one - it's good and I really rate it, but it's a fairly old model now. You can probably get newer and cheaper versions- but to some extent you get what you pay for I guess. Loads of reviews on Amazon, online, etc. just do go for desiccant dehumidifier- as the condenser ones tend to make a room feel colder.

Meaco Portable Dehumidifier DD8L - Compact Desiccant Dehumidifier - Best For Small Homes & Spaces - Prevent Condensation, Mould & Damp - 18 x 35 x 50 cm amzn.eu/d/hdQBTjG

Caviarandgelatine · 09/03/2023 20:28

hive1 · 09/03/2023 18:23

I have no idea it's 1930's or 1970's cause what I heard from previous owner was that it was 1930's but at gov website it is registered as 1970's. and we first introduced by agency, he said it's Victorian. So I am totally confused and hard to tell what it is...and if it has cavity wall or not.

Show quote history

How can you not know whether a house is Victorian, 30s or 70s?! They're pretty distinct

Bridgingthefeckingmassivegap · 09/03/2023 20:29

You really need to find out what sort of house you have first, as in the era built. The range you've given is huge. The recommendations will need to suit the house build....try googling images of victorian houses vs 1930s or 1970s.

A dehumidifier will help in the short term and don't cost a lot to run, but please don't get a damp proof course. They are a total con!

validnumber · 09/03/2023 20:30

Margaritawithlime · 09/03/2023 16:14

You can get someone to come and survey your house. We had someone come and look at our new house as just couldn’t get a handle on the condensation. He was fab. Had recommendations, advice and didn’t charge a penny for his survey. If you’re based in yorkshire I can recommend him!

May i ask what the recommendations were?

bellac11 · 09/03/2023 20:32

OP doesnt sound as if English is her first language and therefore its likely wont know terms like 'Victorian'

OP do you own this house?

Is it a flat or a house

If its a flat is it a conversion flat, ie its a flat made out of a Victorian house which was converted either in the 30s or 70s/80s?

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