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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
Any advice on how to sort this? I have a built in wardrobe on an
external wall - the clothes in which naturally hang only a few inches from said external wall. Despite having two large external air vents in the wall on one side of the wardrobe, I'm suffering from damp problems (mould on the wall, and damp wet feeling transferring from the wall to the clothes). Obvious answer is to rebuild the wardrobe on an internal wall which is possible but requires significant work. The house is kept at a relative 14°C minimum when we're out and nearer 18°C when in. And windows are opened daily to reduce any moisture in the atmosphere. Help please....! I've tried lightening the load in the wardrobe but this has made some, although little difference. The problem still exists. |
#2
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:04:05 -0800 (PST), Bear
wrote: Help please....! I've tried lightening the load in the wardrobe but this has made some, although little difference. The problem still exists. Line the wardrobe with polystyrene ceiling tiles. Put ventilation in the doors so the wardrobes are at room temperature. If the external vents you mention vent into the wardrobe that will be a major factor in causing the damp and they should be blocked. If needed for other reasons (such as open gas fires) reinstate them somewhere else. |
#3
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
In article , Peter Parry
writes On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:04:05 -0800 (PST), Bear wrote: Help please....! I've tried lightening the load in the wardrobe but this has made some, although little difference. The problem still exists. Line the wardrobe with polystyrene ceiling tiles. Put ventilation in the doors so the wardrobes are at room temperature. If the external vents you mention vent into the wardrobe that will be a major factor in causing the damp and they should be blocked. If needed for other reasons (such as open gas fires) reinstate them somewhere else. I used the foil lined polystyrene sheets designed to go behind radiators - that seems to have worked well. -- John Alexander, Remove NOSPAM if replying by e-mail |
#4
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
Bear laid this down on his screen :
Despite having two large external air vents in the wall on one side of the wardrobe, Which is the cause of your problem. I'm suffering from damp problems (mould on the wall, and damp wet feeling transferring from the wall to the clothes). Warm air in the house is getting into the cold wardrobe and condensing. The wardrobe needs the vents diverted to either vent directly into the room, or blocked off, but either way the wardrobe need more ventilation from the warmth of the room to bring it to the same temperature. Another way would be to add some form of heating in there - maybe a loop of pipe from the heating system passing through it would be enough. -- Regards, Harry (M1BYT) (L) http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk |
#5
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
Many thanks for the responses. Yes the vents do conduct cold air
directly from outside into the wardrobe space. I've been told that I need these left open for air flow - although am I right in thinking that the air flow must be warm, not cold? Why would someone have been so stupid as to vent cold air directly into the wardrobe? The wardrobe is a built-in type with sliding doors. Would I be best to fit polystyrene ceiling tiles to the insides of the doors or the wall? Thanks |
#6
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:13:51 -0800 (PST), Bear
wrote: Many thanks for the responses. Yes the vents do conduct cold air directly from outside into the wardrobe space. I've been told that I need these left open for air flow - although am I right in thinking that the air flow must be warm, not cold? You need airflow at room temperature, otherwise warm air (which can hold more moisture than cold air) enters through gaps in the doors or when you open the doors and the moisture in the warm air condenses onto the cold clothes and wall. Why would someone have been so stupid as to vent cold air directly into the wardrobe? They were probably already there when the wardrobe was built and whoever was building it didn't close them off. Did the room originally have a fireplace or gas fire in it? The wardrobe is a built-in type with sliding doors. Would I be best to fit polystyrene ceiling tiles to the insides of the doors or the wall? The wall. The wall will be the coldest part even after blocking the air vents so to minimise condensation you need to insulate it so the surface temperature of the wardrobe side of the insulation layer is at room temperature. You don't want any insulation on the doors as you want heat from the room to get in. |
#7
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
Bear wrote on 23/02/2010 :
I've been told that I need these left open for air flow - although am I right in thinking that the air flow must be warm, not cold? It the days when houses lacked central heating and had open fires, yes they were needed. Now with central heating and proper controlled ventilation, cooker hoods etc. they are not needed so much. We had four in one wall (four rooms) and a fifth in another wall. All were blocked up about 25 years ago during a major refurb. Why would someone have been so stupid as to vent cold air directly into the wardrobe? Who would be so stupid as to build a wardrobe over the vents? -- Regards, Harry (M1BYT) (L) http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk |
#8
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
On Feb 23, 1:13*pm, Bear wrote:
Many thanks for the responses. Yes the vents do conduct cold air directly from outside into the wardrobe space. I've been told that I need these left open for air flow - although am I right in thinking that the air flow must be warm, not cold? Why would someone have been so stupid as to vent cold air directly into the wardrobe? The wardrobe is a built-in type with sliding doors. Would I be best to fit polystyrene ceiling tiles to the insides of the doors or the wall? Thanks just insulate the external wall. No point insualting anything else NT |
#9
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Damp problems with fitted wardrobe
NT wrote:
On Feb 23, 1:13*pm, Bear wrote: Many thanks for the responses. Yes the vents do conduct cold air directly from outside into the wardrobe space. I've been told that I need these left open for air flow - although am I right in thinking that the air flow must be warm, not cold? Why would someone have been so stupid as to vent cold air directly into the wardrobe? The wardrobe is a built-in type with sliding doors. Would I be best to fit polystyrene ceiling tiles to the insides of the doors or the wall? just insulate the external wall. No point insualting anything else Might it be a good idea, if practical, to provide some ventilation between the wardrobe and the room? Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK Have dancing shoes, will ceilidh. |
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