Mould!

[GrumpyCowBag]

Hi all, just after suggestions!

We have a big bay window in our bedroom and have a set of drawers that sits in front of it pulled as far as possible away from the bay window wall.

We’ve always had a recurring mould issue in the area. Mostly on the skirting board. It’s only really an issue during the winter and we regularly treat it and remove it but it quite quickly comes back. We’ve had a mould specialist out who said it’s because we have our en-suite door near the window so when we shower in the morning, the steam comes through. It’s also contributed by water droplets overnight.

We’ve just paid almost £1,000 for new curtains as the old ones (20 years old!) had mould on them at the back. From the mould position the curtains It’s either come from the window sill or the skirting which isn’t surprising as it’s very wet round there in the morning.

I want to protect these new curtains.

Have added a couple of those water absorber boxes to the window sill but skirting and windows are still wet in morning.

Any other ideas??

Does your window have trickle vents?

I have my trickle vents permanently open and also open my bedroom window from morning until the afternoon to let out the moisture that comes from sleeping in the room overnight. I never have any condensation.

No vents, it’s a 1930s house so assuming that’s why? I miss a modern house in the winter!

@GrumpyCowBag yes trickle vents are a more recent invention. Could you get a new window or would it cost too much if it’s a big bay one? Trickle vents come with all new windows now.

Ah, that's not what I call a DPC.

Does "failed" include "removed?"

1930's houses had fireplaces, loose windows, and draughts, so not much need for trickle vents.

When they get sealed up, you need to provide other ventilation,

Ooh interesting. I will look into new windows! I’ve never heard of trickle vents!

You can get trickle vents fitted very cheaply.

I wouldn't get new windows until you've tried the basics! Stop using your shower, move the chest of drawers, get a dehumidifier.

Why is the chest of drawers still there?

This is what I did and it's working so far:

1. check any downpipes / gutters for leaks near the bay
2. spray with anti mold spray to get rid of current mold
3. leave windows open after you shower
4. buy a window vacuum and vacuum the windows / shower doors / mirrors
5. buy a big dehumidifier (MEACO are good)
6. when you re decorate use anti mould paint

We did notice it got worse when we had the heating on less to save money/

I live in a 1930s stone built house and live with a constant battle with damp. I have a dehumidifier going all day, I open windows to vent and still need to remove black and orange mould from walls and window frames. I have given up buying expensive curtains as they end up being ruined. I cannot have a ventilation system put in as there is asbestos in the ceilings. We have a new roof and new central heating.

I decorated my dining room in September and the mould stayed away for 2 weeks and now I back to weekly removal.

I do love my house - it has lovely sized rooms and a beautiful garden. I have come to accept that I cannot have furniture near any walls and that a window vac, white vinegar and bleach are my friends during September to April.

When we downsize, I hope our next home will be modern, insulated, warm and damp free. I just need to find someone to buy my house - between May and August.

The chest of drawers is pulled very forward now and we’re going to put a dehumidifier behind it. The problem I have is all my clothes are in the drawers and I literally have nowhere else to put it!! But I would say there’s a 2ft gap behind it now and the dehumidifier will sit in the bay!

A trickle vent is a hole. Holes are readily available and your local plastic window repairperson (there is sure to be one) can supply them. They can also supply a neat plastic trim to keep rain out, and an adjuster to close them in high winds.

You do not need to buy a new window if all you need is a hole.

@BeeCucumber

You seem to have damp walls despite ventilating.

If you have powerful extractors in your bathroom and kitchen, and open the bedroom windows daily, there may be a source of water that needs to be addressed.

Do you drape wet washing inside the house? Do your gutters or downpipes spill water down the walls? You might have a plumbing or drain leak. Close the doors and windows during a cold night. The next morning, before the sun is shining, go into each room and see which has the most condensation on the window. That will give clues to the source.

Thanks @PigletJohn

@Dolphinnoises , can I please ask approx how much the PI system cost? We also have massive mould probs...

This is really common with bay windows, especially in winter, and it doesn’t sound like you’re doing anything wrong.

Bay windows are naturally colder than the rest of the room, so they’re often the first place condensation shows up overnight. Skirting-level mould there is usually down to cold surfaces rather than anything you’re doing day to day. Steam from the en-suite will add to the moisture in the air, but on its own it wouldn’t normally cause soaking wet skirting every morning.

Those moisture absorber boxes can help a little, but they won’t stop condensation forming on a cold window or wall. To protect the new curtains, try to keep them lifted off the sill and skirting overnight if you can, and wipe the window sill and skirting dry in the morning before the damp sits there all day. It’s also worth checking the en-suite extractor is working properly and letting it run for a good while after showers.

Treating the area with something non-toxic can help stop spores from re-settling on the fabric while you’re managing it. Longer term, the real fix is better insulation or airflow around the bay, but sadly bay windows are notorious for this kind of problem.

Sorry, just seen this. The survey suggested installation would be around £1500, but the unit he recommended was around £350 so that seems a bit steep. I’m going to have a quote done later in the spring…