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Damp specialist

Afternoon all,

After getting @delroofer to look at my flat, he has advised me to get a damp specialist round to have a look, and recommend, me some solutions to deal with the condensation

So, anyone on here specialise in this, or know of a reputable company/person

Flat is in Bexley

Cheers

Comments

  • Colin Powell?
  • I assume it's a ground floor flat?

    If you need a DPC, one of the most reliable firms around are Gullivers. They wil only do what's needed.

    http://www.gullivertt.co.uk/

  • Sorry, should have said. It's top floor, with 1 flat beneath . Will give them a call tomorrow, thanks
  • Don't bother - you don't get rising damp in a top floor flat!

    It's either penetrating damp or condensation. Where in the flat is the damp?
  • There were a few people wetting themselves last night, if that counts.
  • There's a few people wetting themselves now!
  • It is condensation I believe, it is on the outside (colder ) walls
  • edited January 2014
    You can easily resolve the problem yourself.

    1) Hire a dehumdifier. Keep all your internal doors open and let it run - you will need to empty the collection tray regularly though. You will be surprised how much water vapour is present in your flat.

    2) Open you windows - and keep them open. Particularly when you're cooking/washing/bathing. Allow the moist air to leave and the cold dry air to replace it. Ventilate the flat as often as you can - by just getting rid of the moist air, you get rid of the problem. Always keep a window open in your bedroom when you are asleep - again, you will be amazed at how much water vapour humans produce by just breathing.

    3) Turn your heating up. Ensure you heat all rooms - even if they're empty. Keep all internal doors open. Leave your heating on all the time and control it's use with the thermostat. If you're going out turn the stat down but keep the heating on. Turn the heating up when you're home. I suggest a temp of 20 degress initially.

    4) Never dry clothes on radiators. Always ensure if you have a tumble drier it vents to the outside. Condensing T/Ds are OK, but don't do the job of getting rid of all the water vapour. Always think how much heavier a wet towell feels to a dry one. All that water has to go somewhere and it will. Just onto your cold surfaces, like external walls/windows.

    5) Keep furniture away from external walls as much as possible. The air behind them gets stagnant and you will get mold growth on the wall behind - try and let the air circulate.

    6) Bathroom - always the worst place for condensation. If you can, get an extract fan installed and run off a humidistat. And let it run to it's hearts content. It will shut down when the relative humidty in the room is as it should be.

    7) If you are going to decorate, ensure you line external walls with an insulting material before you wallpaper - it will help.

    Plenty of web sites out there who can probably help you with more tips. Condensation is generally as a result of your lifestyle within the flat. You need to change that and to help get rid of it, it will cost you more in heating bills.
  • edited January 2014
    Thanks addickted, probably should have mentioned that it rent the place to a tenant, and don't live there myself
  • Addickted is spot on.
    However as you let the flat, this will undoubtedly be a problem as tenants often refuse to vent the premises and even switch off machinery fitted to deal with the problems.
    In the circumstances I would try and get the tenant to do as Addickted advises but also make plans to fit an extractor in the bathroom and kitchen at least. Get the ones that work continuously in the background, whisper ones wont make an audible sound and boost when relative humidity rises above a set amount.
    The other option could be a positive pressure system fitted. It may not be possible without a loft but worth considering. I have had dealings with a national company could Envirovent and they seem OK in Devon. I would use them again. The positive pressure system offers potentially least disruption to the tenant.
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  • I can only assume Dave Mehmet hasn't seen this thread.
  • Or Shag.
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