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Will cavity wall/attic insulation solve mould problem?

  • 20-10-2012 10:17am
    #1
    LadFromLimerick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭


    Hi all,
    I live in a detached block house (built in 2006) and I'm having a problem with mould on most of the external walls. All of the rooms are vented and windows are regularly opened, I also use a dehumidifier occassionaly. The mould issue seems to be getting worse each year though.
    I'm considering getting the wall cavities pumped and the attic reinsulated, would this address the mould problem?
    Many Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    muffler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,550 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    Moved to C & P forum.


  • #3
    MicktheMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,880 ✭✭✭MicktheMan


    Mould is a symptom of one or more of the following: excess humidity in the air, insufficient effective ventilation, insufficient heating resulting in low structure temperature, lack of insulation effectiveness, thermal bridging. Without an onsite survey it is impossible to say if pumping the walls etc will eliminate the problem.
    But a few questions:
    What insulation is currently in the cavity, attic?
    Do you have problems with door sticking in the winter?
    Is there condensation forming on the windows in the morning?


  • #4
    LadFromLimerick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭LadFromLimerick


    Thanks Mick,
    Currently have about 6 inches of insulation in the attic (fibreglass rolls), not sure about the cavity but its a 6 year old house so presume it meets 2006 standards. Never noticed any issues with the doors sticking but do notice condensation on the bedroom window in the mornings. The mould problem extends way beyond just the bedroom though.
    As regards the onsite survey you mentioned, who would I get to do this, a BER assessor?
    THanks again.


  • #5
    MicktheMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,880 ✭✭✭MicktheMan


    The type of survey I would recommend is one where the internal temp & relative humidity is monitored over time (at least a week, longer preferable) and this is then followed up with a full physical survey (incl thermal imaging) and a diagnosis made with recommendations made to eliminate/mitigate. The surveyor would need to be experienced in building physics wrt moisture loads/diffusion, dew point analysis and ventilation/heating/insulation. A typical building energy rating survey does not cover most of this.
    Btw, I am assuming you have eliminated obvious problems such as water leaks etc.
    I'll send you a pm with a link to give you more info.


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