Condensation ? ?

Regarding the ol gal I look out for here - for 3 years I have been going on about her flat being damp, management said, its just condensation. Now its getting worse, the mould is spreading, her curtains are damp, her settee felt very damp as I sat there, I had to get up and stand. The smell is awful too ........
I am at my wits end about it, the family have ignored all my pleas to get someone in and assess it properly, I have today left another message telling them that I had arranged for someone to fit a new roller blind for her, which he couldn't do as the 'damp' had penetrated the plasterboard. He has got to make a baton for the blind to fix to !
If this call does not get attention, I am going to have to give up on this, the stress is too much !

Re: Condensation ? ?

That sounds bad - however, does the flat have adequate ventilation? Condensation can build up with showering/bathing, drying washing on radiators and not opening windows. My daughter found this out after she had a damp proof specialist visit who found there was nothing amiss with her flat, no rising or penetrating damp.
As for the roller blind, I just fitted a roman blind in my bathroom and have used a wooden batten to fix it to, easier that way..

Re: Condensation ? ?

perhaps Social Services could be of help Patsy? I'd put in an official complaint to the Management and let them know you will take it further if they don't address the issues raised, it doesn't mean you have to but if they think you will do so then they may sit up and take notice

Re: Condensation ? ?

It may be as they say condensation, some flats here suffer badly unless they open windows to ventilate there is little anyone can do for them. Increases cost of heating of course but does take care of the damp.

If they won't help and she won't ventilate not much you can do Patsy.

I would guess because they know you keep an eye on her they expect you to do it, perhaps stepping back while letting them know you are doing so might get someone else to step up and do it instead.

Re: Condensation ? ?

I have never heard of condensation in the summer.
She does not use a cooker, only microwave
No damp washing, we have dryers here
For a newish flat to be 'that' damp, makes no sense .........

Re: Condensation ? ?

Condensation is caused mainly by the lack of ventilation Patsy. In draughty old houses you never got it very much, but now our buildings can be so well sealed that the moisture generated by our lifestyles cannot be carried away naturally, hence things get damp and mould thrives upon it. I would suggest therefore that the easiest solution is to allow some fresh air to flow through the affected rooms as often as possible to dry the areas out naturally which would deprive the mould of the conditions it needs to thrive.... and the best part is that it doesn't actually cost anything....

Re: Condensation ? ?

I am no relative to her, all hell would break loose if I overstepped the mark.
I have left a final message and then I will have to step back, as much as it pains me ......

Re: Condensation ? ?

All year round here and when the flats were newer it was worse because the walls etc needed to dry out and all that moisture had to go somewhere. Open windows is the answer.

Re: Condensation ? ?

Patsy, the worst condensation problem I ever had was in a new house. It was so bad the builders, a pretty big company, had to come back and put more vents in the airing cupboard and the roof space. I lost several pieces of clothing due to the black mould. The floor also had a problem- I would never buy a new build again.
I made sure everywhere was well ventilated after that episode but it never went away completely.
It needs sorting out, it isn't healthy to live in a damp atmosphere, I really feel for this lady.

Re: Condensation ? ?

Yes Jennifer, its caused a lot of stress to me, the poor darling isn't really aware. Whats doing it for me, is her next door neighbour went through the same thing - its condensation - only to end up having the floor ripped out, kitchen cupboards replaced, so much work !
This is always in the back of my mind, but I can only inform the family who seem very reluctant