Mould/Midew Issue

[squiduk]

Hi Guys!

Got a issue with some mould/mildew in 2 of our bedrooms. There are lots of brownish, small, powdery spots on nearly all the walls (internal and external). Also there is even some in the built in wardrobe.

We have only been in the house for 7 months so are still learning about it. The construction of the house is late 70's timber frame with outer block skin. We currently only use one of the bedrooms, the windows in both rooms are left open all day and night unless its very windy. We did notice in the early months of the year there was a lot of condensation on the main bedroom window first thing in the morning, enough that the net curtiain would stick to it if it made contact.

Any suggestions what could be causing it and how we could prevent/cure it?

 

[Crystalclear]

http://www.dampconsultant.co.uk/pages/damp-types.php

 

[Crystalclear]

http://www.fixmyroof.co.uk/videos-and-guides/condensation-cure/

 

[squiduk]

Thanks crystalclear (nice profile pic btw), both links are very informative, however it doesnt seem to describe the problem we have.

Attached are some photos of the issue we are experiencing. Surprisingly there doesnt appear to be any marks behind areas such as freestanding wardrobes, curtains etc.

I have also noticed the issue in the 3rd bedroom which is also not used, but the issue is not as bad as the others.

 

[endecotp]

the windows in both rooms are left open all day and night

Why?

Do you have bathroom and kitchen extractor fans? How do you dry clothes?

 

[squiduk]

Left the bedroom windows open to attempt to reduce the amount of condensation in the room.

Dont have bath fans however windows are opened when bath/shower are in use and have a kitchen fan.

 

[endecotp]

If the air in the room is not particularly moist, as it shouldn't be in an unused bedroom with the door closed, then opening the window will just cause the room to be colder and will result in more condensation.

To avoid condensation, firstly avoid emitting too much moisture: extract from bathrooms and kitchen, and don't dry clothes inside.

Then keep the place warm enough, and consider a dehumidifier.

See the links posted by Crystalclear above. (Why do you think they don't apply to your situation?)

 

[squiduk]

Thanks endecotp,

I do have bathroom extractors on my list of many things to do. I think our biggest problem is drying washing inside, this due to the fact of the high cost of electricity where I live (38p per unit) so running a dryer or dehumidifier is very expensive.

I looked at the links that crystalclear sent and I did find them very useful, however I found that it mostly described 'black' mould which I have seen in my parents house. I have read online about the type of mould I have been cause by spores from trees. Could this be possible?

 

[foxhole]

Your problem is entirely due to drying clothes indoors, there is not enough ventilation to allow this without causing condensation and mold issues.