Why is this happening?

[okgo]

nope radiator is on a wall that has no windows!

[Rags]

Why not buy another 'oil filled' radiator.

I have a very similar problem in my bedroom with massive windows.

Just like you, I only have one radiator in the room and with this second one, the problem doesnt exist.

Also, always leave the door to that room open.

[DB7 pilot]

You need an air brick. If the room has one see if you can see daylight through it and feel air moving against the mesh, it could be blocked. Insects like wasps build their nests in these cavities and can block them completely within a season.

Alternatively drill your wall with a 100mm core drill(they can be hired and it's not a difficult operation) and face off each side with off the shelf plastic vents from somewhere like B&Q. Position the hole within 250mm/10 inch of the ceiling at least 10 foot away from the window reveal.

If it were I, I'd think about moving the rad under the windows to improve the thermal flow through the room.

Other considerations are age of house, solid or cavity walls and which direction does that room face, i.e. if it's permanently in shade then the damp and cool might be something you have to live with.

[theboyfold]

How do you retro fit an air brick? Is it a case of knocking out one brick and sticking in an air brick?

Sorry if this is a stupid question

[DB7 pilot]

theboyfold said:

How do you retro fit an air brick? Is it a case of knocking out one brick and sticking in an air brick?

Sorry if this is a stupid question

Not a stupid question at all. It is the most painful option as you have to knock out, fit an airbrick, then make good the masonary and internal plaster and decoration which is why I suggested the core drill and face vents option. I've done this myself on a 2nd floor flat so it can be done working off a ladder and the facing vents are literally plugged and screwed without any making good to external or internal surfaces.

Seeing as the O/P lives on the third floor, I thought this would be the easiest option. Takes about an hour, but please make sure someone with confidence in working at height does the drilling. He has to have someone foot the ladder too as the core drill does have some torque to it.

[Halb]

flats below you got damp?

[okgo]

Also it's not my flat! So I think I will experiment with a slightly open window before spending out at homebase hehe

[okgo]

Also it's not my flat! So I think I will experiment with a slightly open window before spending out at homebase hehe

[Wings]

okgo said:

Also it's not my flat! So I think I will experiment with a slightly open window before spending out at homebase hehe

Moving then might be your best option, rather than sitting with the heating on and windows open. I have several rented flats that cause me considerable trouble with complaints from tenants for condensation, cooking, heating, washing machines, tumble dryers, showers etc. etc.

If you have problems with mould on walls now, just imagine the damage it can do to your clothing, electrical items and health, look to move.

[furtive]

Buy one of these and your problems should be solved:

http://www.dehumidifier-uk.co.uk/ebac-2650e-dehumi...

[ruggles]

do you have thermostates on each radiator? might be worth adjusting some of the rads in other areas. I recently spent some time "balancing" the rads throughout the house and had the desired affect of making a baltic room toasty. Area's like hallways don't need as much heat.

[Simpo Two]

louiebaby said:

- Leave the heating on all the time, if it doesn't get cold, it'll never condense.

Turn the heating off, if it doesn't get hot, it'll never condense.

[okgo]

Simpo Two said:

louiebaby said:

- Leave the heating on all the time, if it doesn't get cold, it'll never condense.

Turn the heating off, if it doesn't get hot, it'll never condense.

Its cold in London tonight

The radiators are VERY old, and only really have an on or off to above poster!

[SJobson]

Is your flat top floor? Plenty of heat loss through the roof.

I stayed in a friend's 1920s flat, top floor, over winter in 2005/06. It was cold, even with the heating on; I suspect the heating system was inefficient. At least bleed the radiators in yours.

[okgo]

Top floor yes.

I suspect although the walls are laughably thick, they lack modern day insulation.

[eldar]

Too much water, too little insulation.

If it isn't your house there isn't much you can do without giving the landlord a nice present.

Good thick curtains over the windows, open the windows when practical, make sure the rads are working properly (taps fully open, no cold spots)

[theboyfold]

furtive said:

Buy one of these and your problems should be solved:

http://www.dehumidifier-uk.co.uk/ebac-2650e-dehumi...

Does one of those really do an entire 4 bed house?

[furtive]

I'll let you know when mine arrives

[theboyfold]

furtive said:

I'll let you know when mine arrives

Good good! It'll be interesting to see. I'd assumed that humidity didn't move around the house so the level of humidity would be constant everywhere. However, there is a very good chance I could be wrong

[Deva Link]

theboyfold said:

furtive said:

Buy one of these and your problems should be solved:

http://www.dehumidifier-uk.co.uk/ebac-2650e-dehumi...

Does one of those really do an entire 4 bed house?

They dry the air around them and then that acts like a sponge and absorbs the damp from air elsewhere in the house.

For the OP - depending on your tolerance to noise they might be a bit noisy to use in a room you're sleeping in. Also, if they make the room too dry you'll feel awful. Maybe get one from B&Q and try it for a couple of weeks - you can take it back if you're not happy with it.

You can get Absorption Dehumidifiers which are quieter but also work down to lower temperatures so you often see them recommended for garages.

Edited by Deva Link on Wednesday 16th December 10:32