Humidity in property
Discussion
Having issues with damp in the bedroom. The bathroom off the bed has no ventilation, only a fan (and I have no idea where it goes). The bedroom always seems humid, on some days to the point of the bed feeling damp! I've just purchased a cheap humidity tester and it's reporting 69%, which is well above what seems to be recommended.
I do all I can to help when showers are had, windows/doors all open etc. Last shower was 12 hours ago too. I imagine the reading will go up once a shower is had.
I rotated (180, not flipped) the mattress recently too, and there were mould spores on the bottom of it!
I don't see how my landlord would fix it, a dehumidifier might help, but it's hardly a solution, and I've got a expensive mattress that is fit for the dump. I've also had a nasty chest infection recently, which I'm sure is down to this problem.
Help!
I do all I can to help when showers are had, windows/doors all open etc. Last shower was 12 hours ago too. I imagine the reading will go up once a shower is had.
I rotated (180, not flipped) the mattress recently too, and there were mould spores on the bottom of it!
I don't see how my landlord would fix it, a dehumidifier might help, but it's hardly a solution, and I've got a expensive mattress that is fit for the dump. I've also had a nasty chest infection recently, which I'm sure is down to this problem.
Help!
illmonkey said:
On an airer in the lounge for some, some is tumble dried (which pumps the condensation into the airing cupboard!), nothing for 4 or 5 days and still those high figures
Bingo. This is the problem.
It sounds like you have a non condensing tumble dryer and it's not vented out properly.
Added to the drying clothing on an airer all the moisture of those clothes stays in the flat making it damp.
I know it's summer now but I've had some tenants where they literally had the heating on for 20 mins a day throughout winter whilst trying to dry clothes on an airer. Not good.
Which floor are you on? Ground? It might be you also have a failed Damp proof course so raising Damp.
You might have a blocked gutter so it's over flowing all the time in the same place soaking the wall constantly leading to Damp.
You might have a slipped roof tile or slate or cracked or failed lead flashing causing water ingress which over time causes Damp.
What you describe as physical conditions/illness it's directly linked to mould spores. You should - even at your own cost - getmould killer and keep wiping down the areas where the mouldy is.
Another one is a dirty house if it's not cleaned added to other issues gives you more Damp problems.
Lots of airflow needed
Welshbeef said:
illmonkey said:
On an airer in the lounge for some, some is tumble dried (which pumps the condensation into the airing cupboard!), nothing for 4 or 5 days and still those high figures
Bingo. This is the problem.
It sounds like you have a non condensing tumble dryer and it's not vented out properly.
Added to the drying clothing on an airer all the moisture of those clothes stays in the flat making it damp.
I know it's summer now but I've had some tenants where they literally had the heating on for 20 mins a day throughout winter whilst trying to dry clothes on an airer. Not good.
Which floor are you on? Ground? It might be you also have a failed Damp proof course so raising Damp.
You might have a blocked gutter so it's over flowing all the time in the same place soaking the wall constantly leading to Damp.
You might have a slipped roof tile or slate or cracked or failed lead flashing causing water ingress which over time causes Damp.
What you describe as physical conditions/illness it's directly linked to mould spores. You should - even at your own cost - getmould killer and keep wiping down the areas where the mouldy is.
Another one is a dirty house if it's not cleaned added to other issues gives you more Damp problems.
Lots of airflow needed
So, as a tenant, where do I stand? I do my best to ensure ventilation etc but if I'm getting ill off this, it's surely not right and the landlords problem?
I'm seriously considering moving out and telling him to fix it.
There is reports of a leak in the basement too, which obviously could cause a constant issue with rising damp. The building is 100's of years old, so I doubt there is a DPM.
Speak to him /her.
Maybe the landlord is utterly unaware of any issue so once it's pointed out it can then be fixed. Unless a slum landlord you'd not want to be causing damage to the fabric of the building.
Leaks or blocked drains gutters broken tiles/slates or dampness does happen.
If he refuses to even assess it personally I'd move out as it speaks volumes of the landlord.
You could pay for a proper Damp survey so that if it is you and the drying clothes on an airer etc you can stop and use the washing line instead etc or then if it's nothing to do with you then the landlord an take the survey pay you the cost of it and carry out necessary repairs.
Maybe the landlord is utterly unaware of any issue so once it's pointed out it can then be fixed. Unless a slum landlord you'd not want to be causing damage to the fabric of the building.
Leaks or blocked drains gutters broken tiles/slates or dampness does happen.
If he refuses to even assess it personally I'd move out as it speaks volumes of the landlord.
You could pay for a proper Damp survey so that if it is you and the drying clothes on an airer etc you can stop and use the washing line instead etc or then if it's nothing to do with you then the landlord an take the survey pay you the cost of it and carry out necessary repairs.
My landlord is of ill health currently. I have direct contact with him, but it's impossible to get anywhere (even about a few small things like cleaning curtains). So I may just raise it with the agency. I'm sure they have procedure and limits for humidity.
Why does the moisture hang about after so long, what is a reasonable time to have it dissipate? I;d have thought 4 days of doors & windows being open with the heat we've had would get rid of it.
Moving is all good and well, but it's still 2 months notice, or paying rent for 2 places. I was planning on staying here until I purchased something (which may happen tomorrow, who knows!)
Why does the moisture hang about after so long, what is a reasonable time to have it dissipate? I;d have thought 4 days of doors & windows being open with the heat we've had would get rid of it.
Moving is all good and well, but it's still 2 months notice, or paying rent for 2 places. I was planning on staying here until I purchased something (which may happen tomorrow, who knows!)
illmonkey said:
I understand, he has a responsibility, but if I can't get a hold of him, why would they be able to. I don't want to get into me paying then having to chase for money.
It sat in my office for 4 days and never went above about 52%, usually lower.
Possibly because he has instructed them to act on his behalf and all correspondence through them. As such a call from you he may simply ignore -especially if sick moreso that you know to contact the agency. It sat in my office for 4 days and never went above about 52%, usually lower.
Do you see mould on the walls?
Do you see condensation on the windows all the time?
I'm assuming from Apr to Oct (excluding when it rains) your windows are open all the time you are at home and all night long.
Mould on your bed - possibly you perspire heavily / left damp clothes/towels on it?
Unless the bed is tight to the wall and you have mould on the side touching the wall you shouldn't get any on the mattress.
illmonkey said:
I understand, he has a responsibility, but if I can't get a hold of him, why would they be able to. I don't want to get into me paying then having to chase for money.
It sat in my office for 4 days and never went above about 52%, usually lower.
I am guessing your office is air conditioned? That is likely to significantly reduce the natural humidity level.It sat in my office for 4 days and never went above about 52%, usually lower.
The outside humidity where I am (Hampshire) is 75% at the moment, last week it was over 80% where I was in Wales, so your reading does not sound out of the ordinary....
Agreed WB. I'll make it official.
A bit of mould on 1 of the walls
Hardly, after a shower for a bit, but as I say, windows/doors get opened.
No, I have the front door open and a window most of the time, to create a draft, but all shut when I go to bed.
Mattress mould is all over the base, in between the slats from the frame.
Yes, air con office, it was just a comparison.
A bit of mould on 1 of the walls
Hardly, after a shower for a bit, but as I say, windows/doors get opened.
No, I have the front door open and a window most of the time, to create a draft, but all shut when I go to bed.
Mattress mould is all over the base, in between the slats from the frame.
Yes, air con office, it was just a comparison.
I used to have a humidity/damp issue in an overly insulated 1970s property.
Mould in the corners of rooms, excessive moisture build up on windows, unpleasant smell, etc.
You say it's not a solution but having purchased a domestic dehumidifier myself and solved the problem almost instantly, I highly recommend you do so too.
With many of them, you can set humidity targets and leave them on all day/night in problem areas. With the compressor on low, my own one is using something like 230W; hardly breaks the bank in terms on energy consumption.
Also fantastic for drying washing in the winter time.
Mould in the corners of rooms, excessive moisture build up on windows, unpleasant smell, etc.
You say it's not a solution but having purchased a domestic dehumidifier myself and solved the problem almost instantly, I highly recommend you do so too.
With many of them, you can set humidity targets and leave them on all day/night in problem areas. With the compressor on low, my own one is using something like 230W; hardly breaks the bank in terms on energy consumption.
Also fantastic for drying washing in the winter time.
Damp in buildings is very complex and can be the result of all sorts of different factors so hard to give a definitive answer. Old properties usually suffer from less condensation-related damp (generally evidenced by black-spot mould) because they have much better air exchange due to poorly sealed windows, draughty joisted floors etc. It may not be an easy problem for the landlord to solve even if you could get him to engage - there could be rising damp although many older buildings will have a damp proof course of sorts, or it could be that the plaster on the walls is holding moisture because it's got wet in the past which can change the way it preforms.
Minimise internal moisture creation, maximise ventilation and air exchange, keep the place warm, and as others have said try a dehumidifier. If it's still a problem you might not be able to solve it in the circumstances.
Minimise internal moisture creation, maximise ventilation and air exchange, keep the place warm, and as others have said try a dehumidifier. If it's still a problem you might not be able to solve it in the circumstances.
I'm on the hunt for a quiet (it's the bedroom) compact dehumidifier. Honestly, it's unlikely that it'll get sorted before I'm out (max 6 months), so I may as well spend £100 and be comfortable from now.
Anyone run one, recommendations? I can't really have a drain out one. The whole flat is just a 1 bed and it's only for the bed & bath, so it need not be big.
Anyone run one, recommendations? I can't really have a drain out one. The whole flat is just a 1 bed and it's only for the bed & bath, so it need not be big.
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