Mould and Damp? Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

[jerseygirl29]

Help, we bought a ground floor property in November 2006 and it is basically a lean too onto another house. It was refurbished before we bought it. We have mould it all the bedrooms around the windows and in the en suite there is mould and condensation. in the hall and one of the bedrooms there are damp patches where the paint is bubbling and peeling. There was recently a garage demolished next door to us (which sides to the hall) and i dont know if that has caused that? Please help with any suggestions as i am having breathing problems when in the rooms and we also have three young children including a baby...

[burgledad]

Mould needs damp, so there will be a source of water ingress. You need to find the source and stop it before cleaning the existing mess. The three main culprits are external leaks (roof, windows etc.), domestic water leaks and rising damp from groundwater. Rising damp sounds favourite given the extent you describe.
You'll need a reputable roofer, plumber and damp-proof specialist to investigate each. Then get three independent quotes for any repairs that they identify.
It'll cost a little up-front but will be cheaper than watching your property rot.
Next, a thorough clean will be needed, possibly by a specialist firm.
Do this before health issues take hold.

Good luck.

[Perry525]

It seems, very likely to me, that you have a condensation problem.
The description and location of the mold makes this almost certain.
Condensation is caused by people, each of us breaths out around 46 grams of water per hour. Its estimated that each of us produces 2.5 litres of water vapour per 24 hours.
This water is going into your home every day.
Buy a humidistat to check on the humidity, their not expensive.
Then buy a de-humidifier to dry the place out, one that removes about 10 litres per 24 hours will do.
Last point, condensation of water vapour only takes place when the temperature drops. Don't turn down your heating, don't turn your heating off.
Warm walls and rooms help prevent condensation.
Condensation on windows, if double glazed will be reduced, provided the temperature outside doesn't drop too low.