Hi,
I have a one bedroom flat built in the early 1970s that is rented to the tenant. I think the construction is a concrete =93frame=94 with =93coal dust=94 brieze block internal walls and outer brick facing.
The flat is double glazed (uPVC), gas centrally heated (balanced flue (?) combi boiler) and carpeted.
On an outer wall in a bedroom mould has appeared twice in the past couple of years. The mould appears in the area behind and adjacent to some lined curtains both on an externally facing wall and the adjacent internal wall. I have in the past cleared the mould using bleach, washed the walls and reemulsioned. I guessed the mould would reappear and it has.
I am going to buy a De Longhi dehumidifier today. This device gets decent reviews for its quiet operation and effective drying ability. All that I have read on this topic tells me
Humidity/moisture in the air > Meets cold surface > condensation >
mould
Now, I don't have control over the tenant's life-style and leaving windows open all day isn't practical in a downstairs flat. The trickle vents are open =96 so I suppose some would argue that dehumidifying is absolutely pointless as the air will just get replaced. However, my thinking goes like this. If I can create a local =93dry spot=94 where the mould forms then I will be tackling the problem where it occurs. Basically I'm taking a =A3100 gamble on the dehumidifier to improve the situation for the tenant and I can't make the situation worse.
Longer term I'm thinking about cavity wall insulation. The idea being to try to stop the external wall being (so) cold therefore stop the condensation. A useful by-product would be lower heating bills - although the finances probably wouldn't pay back during the life-time of the building. The aim would be to improve the conditions in the building and lower the risk of mould on the inside of external walls.
So =96 after all that =96 does anyone know for the building type I have described if cavity wall insulation can be installed and whether there would be any benefit from doing so? I know I would have to get the freeholder on board too. I'm just trying to understand if the insulation is a possible (allbeit slightly expensive) solution to the mould problem.
Regards
Clive