DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hello, First post so please bear with me. I have read through the forums and projects but cant find the same circumstances, so thanks in advance for all input.

For over a year now a condensation problem has existed behind fitted wardrobes. They are full length to en external wall, with 2 foot gap to ceiling. We got mould growth on clothes, and on removing the backs of the wardrobes, the cold external wall showed high damp meter readings where water was condensing.

Having taken on board advice re: drying clothes indoors / ventilation when showering etc we are getting the problem coming back slowly (we moved out for a period due to building work), but by no means as serious as before. Since the initial problem, we also have a new bedroom window fitted which allows us to ventilate the room during the day (the old window would not lock in the open position).

One company rep we spoke to suggested that we core drill a vent from the accessable wall behind the wardrobe to the outside, and so improve the ventilation. As the backs can be put back on the wardrobes, is this a good way to ventilate this area and reduce the problem? If so, is it better to vent at floor level, or higher?

Ideally we dont want to pull the wardrobes out so any solution avoiding that is our ideal.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

know of a local plumber who had this problem which is very common.
Had a new modern cavity wall house with cavity wall insulation.
Tried everything from lining the wall with plastic and boarding.
Final solution he installed a radiator or hot pipes in back of units which serve to keep the area warm and dry irradiacating any moisture.

NOTE* HAS TO be Standard WATER based central heating. NO ELECTRICAL heaters or other Obviously due to high FIRE risk.

A lot of people who build new houses here always plan for small radiators installed in areas which are going to be built in cupboards, whether large or small regardless of whether outside wall or not.
keeps clothes perfectly aired.

The best solution I know of and could possibly be done from ceiling down if you have two story house, or pipe directly through wall from nearest radiator into back of wardrobes or along skirting from existing radiator in room. Nice little clip on covers available to hide pipes.