Well folks, you've certainly left a gal a little confused
I have to confess I was a little worried about using wall insulation after my first post; I'd done some more reading and it seemed to be quite risky (mould developing in or on the insulation, or the issue moving elsewhere). I'm going to be doing all I can to reduce moisture and increase ventilation in the whole flat so I was erring on the side of cleaning the area well, treating with anti-mould paint and possibly including vents in the plinths.
JohnD - would that be your preferred approach if this were your flat?
I've also decided on kitchen units with an 80mm service void, rather than ones that fit snug to the wall.
I have only had the place a couple of months so haven't been through a winter yet. The wall behind the units has always felt dry, it just looks awful, the wooden units and worktop are black at the back and it all smells very musty. The worst-affected area is where the two external walls join. They're facing NNW (worst of the two) and WSW - the space outside is open and it can get very windy. I'm assuming (hoping) that the people who lived here before just weren't vigilant about ventilation. There is currently a pretty rubbish kitchen extractor but there wasn't one in the bathroom when I moved in.
I have to confess I was a little worried about using wall insulation after my first post; I'd done some more reading and it seemed to be quite risky (mould developing in or on the insulation, or the issue moving elsewhere). I'm going to be doing all I can to reduce moisture and increase ventilation in the whole flat so I was erring on the side of cleaning the area well, treating with anti-mould paint and possibly including vents in the plinths.
JohnD - would that be your preferred approach if this were your flat?
I've also decided on kitchen units with an 80mm service void, rather than ones that fit snug to the wall.
I have only had the place a couple of months so haven't been through a winter yet. The wall behind the units has always felt dry, it just looks awful, the wooden units and worktop are black at the back and it all smells very musty. The worst-affected area is where the two external walls join. They're facing NNW (worst of the two) and WSW - the space outside is open and it can get very windy. I'm assuming (hoping) that the people who lived here before just weren't vigilant about ventilation. There is currently a pretty rubbish kitchen extractor but there wasn't one in the bathroom when I moved in.