New build flat, going mouldy- advice
Turbo Mini Forums

Long story short lol

Live in a new build, first person in etc etc, 8 months in mould is growing in the bedroom around the windows, behind a chest of draws, and under the bed. I believe the plaster was not applied correctly, ie was too wet, so we had the builders out this morning. They confirm the whole flat is DAMP, then state its OUR fault.

We have the window vents open 24/7, and in the day open the windows. They say we should have the heating on 24/7 at 20 deg, but we only put it on when we're cold.

Should i get and independent inspector in to find the cause of the problem???

how long should plaster take to dry if done properly??

should we really have the heating on all the time, we were never told too, and think of our bills lol

Did you see Watchdog last night?

In the 13's at last!.. Just

no, why what did i miss lol

If you flat is guaranteed by a certain company, you might find it difficult to make a claim.

In the 13's at last!.. Just

are the walls plasterboard with plaster skim coat? this should dry out pretty quickly. Mould is usually a sign of condensation although not always. behind furniture is common due to lack of air circulation but around windows indicated to me a cold bridge or lack of insulation.

Do you have the problems in any other rooms? the reason I ask is that you spend most of your time in the bedroom with the least ventilation. Clean off the mould with a killer and open the window a little - the permavents are rarely adequate

If there are defects in construction, you should be able to pursue NHBC (i'm assuming they were the insurers) although I would recommend you instruct an independant surveyor on your side to help.

Rob

Your flat should be covered for 10 years from the build date by the NHBC. Theres no way you should have to have the heating on 24/7, your energy rating would be appaling!

Do you know where the moisture is coming from? The person above/next to you doesnt have a plant growing factory going on do they?? heheh. No seriously you need to work out where its from, is the damp wall an external wall? does it get battered by wind and rain? Is there a vapour barrier fitted? Do you have a mechanical extract in the bathroom? Are the rainwater pipes working correctly or are the wrongly sized or damaged and allow water to run down the building fabric during moderate to heavy rainfall? May be worth getting in touch with a surveyor or damp specialist and then contact the NHBC for advice if required.

good advice, there is a vent above the window, that is always open, the mold behind the cupboard is in between an exteral wall and a internal (partition lol)

the place also gets really dusty lol.

Just spoke to and independend expert and he is 99.9% sure the problem is condensation. The only way to cure it is to have a de-humidifier running in the room.

I rent this place, so should i be telling our letting agents to sort this out or do it myself.

I and my missus have both also be ill alot since we moved in, i put this down to the shit weather, but could the damp living conditions played a part?

As I say, try opening the window a little at night. Might get a bit colder but should help.

PS, the mould won't help your health

UPDATE:

well the only way to fix the problem is too buy a de-humidifier (sp??) and run it 24/7. We had someone out to look last night and he said its not our fault its the way it was designed. We dont have enough ventilation in the flat, and the bathroom and kitchen dont have windows.

so to solve the issue im moving out lol, ahhhh the beauty of renting lol

Hi,
That's the problem then, in the 2 places in the house that create the most moisture there's no ventilation.
Some right muppet designed that!
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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