Condensation and mould

[Lee Studley]

Anybody have any good tips for condensation and mould problems I have to wipe puddles of water off my windows about 4 times a day and some of the frames are starting to turn green I live on the road side of crescent house, I did have somebody come to have a look a couple of years ago and they were going to make some recommendations but like most things with the corporation I never heard anything back.

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

Hi Lee

I am sorry to hear about the condensation and mould problems you are having. I live in Crescent House.  I also suffered from this several years ago, and it caused a lot of damage to the walls, and curtains, especially.  It was a nightmare.  One of my neighbours, who also had this problem, was granted the cost of a dehumidifier by the COL.  It solved the problem.  I also, as I was a tenant then, applied for the same.  After a bit of a 'struggle' I got it too.  I have to say, that I was offered all sorts of advice about opening windows etc, but that was pointless because the problem was too bad.  I can assure you that a dehumidifier, from my experience, will be the only thing that can help you.  They are amazing, but fairly costly to buy.  However, if you are a tenant, the COL have a 'duty of care', and should do all they can to help you.

I am in the process of trying to help my mother, who also lives in Crescent House, with the same problem, to get it sorted.  She is nearly 80 years old, and has asthma, and condensation has only made her condition worse.  A dehumidifier helps that.  

Apart from that advice, I am afraid I know of nothing else that would actually sort out the problem, apart from double glazing, or other really costly measures.  A dehumidifier is certainly the best option at the moment for anyone who suffers from this.

[Steve Daszko]

It`s a common problem unfortunately!  I ended up buying a dehumidifier from Amazon.  Think I paid around £120-00 for it, but it was money well spent.  It takes about an hour, once I switch it on, to clear/soak up all the water.    Unfortunately, the COL will not pay for one, unless you have had a flood!    What it will not prevent is the build up of condensation over night.   So unless its left running all night (NOT advisable, due to the power it consumes), you`ll need to switch it on first thing in the morning.   Will double glazing help........................who knows???

[Steve Daszko]

Well done on getting one free.   That policy seems to be history now.....shame eh!!!!
 
Maria Elizabeth Prior said:

Hi Lee

I am sorry to hear about the condensation and mould problems you are having. I live in Crescent House.  I also suffered from this several years ago, and it caused a lot of damage to the walls, and curtains, especially.  It was a nightmare.  One of my neighbours, who also had this problem, was granted the cost of a dehumidifier by the COL.  It solved the problem.  I also, as I was a tenant then, applied for the same.  After a bit of a 'struggle' I got it too.  I have to say, that I was offered all sorts of advice about opening windows etc, but that was pointless because the problem was too bad.  I can assure you that a dehumidifier, from my experience, will be the only thing that can help you.  They are amazing, but fairly costly to buy.  However, if you are a tenant, the COL have a 'duty of care', and should do all they can to help you.

I am in the process of trying to help my mother, who also lives in Crescent House, with the same problem, to get it sorted.  She is nearly 80 years old, and has asthma, and condensation has only made her condition worse.  A dehumidifier helps that.  

Apart from that advice, I am afraid I know of nothing else that would actually sort out the problem, apart from double glazing, or other really costly measures.  A dehumidifier is certainly the best option at the moment for anyone who suffers from this.

[Shane]

I've pretty much given up. I have mould growing in my bathroom and above my front door. The paint is peeling off the walls and the ceiling. The windows are forever covered in condensation. Got a window hoover to deal with that or leave the window open all day. That does the trick but it gets a little bit cold. I had a dehumidifier but it couldn't cope. 

[Steve Daszko]

It was suggested to me that I leave a window open all night....................in this freezing weather!!!

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

Hi Shane and Steve.  

Shane, there are various types of dehumidifiers, with differing efficiency, so maybe the one you had was not powerful enough. I also had similar problems to you.  The one I have is very effective, even though its years old now, and a right 'old banger'!  Its an Ebac, which is a very good make.  

Steve, I had various suggestions like that, but its ridiculous, and not effective.  Condensation is one thing, but when it gets out of hand and turns into mould, and causes damage, it needs a solid solution.  And, also, when you consider how much gaps we have in our windows anyway, well, I do in Crescent House, I think that's enough 'ventilation' anyway!

[Steve Daszko]

Will leave a window open tonight.....................assuming I don`t freeze to death in the wee hours...........I`ll report back my findings tomorrow!!!!!

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

Steve, my dear, I think we may have to 'defrost' you first before you report back!  This reminds me of some years ago, when I had my Rosy, and she decided, when she saw snow for the first time, to dive into it.  She was almost frozen solid when she got home, so I had to 'defrost' her in a warm bath, so make sure you have plenty of hot water just in case! 
Steve Daszko said:

Will leave a window open tonight.....................assuming I don`t freeze to death in the wee hours...........I`ll report back my findings tomorrow!!!!!

[Steve Daszko]

P.s.  Not recommended........keep your windows closed at night.......I suggest!!!!!

[Lee Studley]

That's the trouble with these being studio places there is nowhere to escape to at night.

[Shane]

It does work but the downside is that you need to wear gloves indoors

Steve Daszko said:

It was suggested to me that I leave a window open all night....................in this freezing weather!!!