plagued with black mould

[sallyrowe]

I have lived in my 200 year old sandstone cottage for ten years, and every year from October to April condensation builds up on the inside walls which eventually turns black and unsightly. This also occurs around the windows on the stone lintels. This happens whether or not the lintels are painted. Mould remover has little effect. I seem to be constantly decorating the house,and use an anti bacterial solution before applying the paint. I use a dehumidifier when cooking, and try to open the windows as much as possible during the day. The colder the weather the worse the problem becomes, and this winter has been no exception. Does anyone have any tips for this problem.

[tamborine]

what heating do you have ?

[Answerprancer]

Install a few extractor fans maybe.

[The Builder]

As I often say to people, Sally, this is the condensation season. Uninsulated sandstone and stone lintels will attract and condense even the slightest bit of water vapour around.
High levels of heating would probably avoid it, but is obviously impractical and uneconomic.
Instead, remove the source of the moisture as much as possible. Rather than a de-humidifier in the kitchen ......... have an extractor fitted ......... the more powerful the better.
Also, in bathrooms, a powerful extractor fitted directly over the shower or bath. Make sure everything is extracted to outside.
Oh, and stop breathing .......... you might want to pass on that one :o)

[NazNomad]

Dangerous advice there ... just use a length of hose and breathe through that until July and you'll be fine. :-))

But ... welcome to the world of old stone houses, unfortunately.

[The Builder]

................. Naz, you could always go back to the days when we were more hardy ............... and throw the front door away.......... that would do it ;o)

[NazNomad]

True, and who needs glass really? If it's the same temperature inside as it is outside, problem solved. lol