Ventilation

[Clarky cat]

Yes, the other thing I'm having done is a couple of fans shoved into the kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom has one (it's old and crap) but the kitchen doesn't. Might just see how I get on with those first.

This will help but won’t make as much of a drastic difference as the loft extractor as it sounds as though your house doesn’t have sufficient air bricks or vents to allow fresh air into the property which is your major hurdle. Make sure the fans are timers so they overrun when you turn your lights out. They are also obviously far more efficient directly above where the steam/moisture created will be (above shower head, hob etc)

 

[Clarky cat]

Water under the floor?

Next check, down spouts and roof tiles- roof lining/felt. Are you getting any water ingress anywhere?

Yes, could also have a leak somewhere if it’s only just become a problem. If it’s been like it ever since you got there it’s likely just the way the house has been built

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

Yes, could also have a leak somewhere if it’s only just become a problem. If it’s been like it ever since you got there it’s likely just the way the house has been built

This will help but won’t make as much of a drastic difference as the loft extractor as it sounds as though your house doesn’t have sufficient air bricks or vents to allow fresh air into the property which is your major hurdle. Make sure the fans are timers so they overrun when you turn your lights out. They are also obviously far more efficient directly above where the steam/moisture created will be (above shower head, hob etc)

Had the roof replaced a few years ago, no sign of leaks. It's been like it since I brought the house. It's ex council 1930s solid brick pre-any sort of decent building standards.

The biggest problem is actually in an alcove in the main bedroom (first floor) where we took out an old wardrobe. Arguably the coldest point in the house (its a semi, alcove is on the side elevation), so when the air cools it all just flies to it.

 

[Rita_Poon]

Had the roof replaced a few years ago, no sign of leaks. It's been like it since I brought the house. It's ex council 1930s solid brick pre-any sort of decent building standards.

The biggest problem is actually in an alcove in the main bedroom (first floor) where we took out an old wardrobe. Arguably the coldest point in the house (its a semi, alcove is on the side elevation), so when the air cools it all just flies to it.

What is keeping that area so cold? Is it a shared wall?

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

What is keeping that area so cold? Is it a shared wall?

External wall

 

[Woolly Blue]

Had the roof replaced a few years ago, no sign of leaks. It's been like it since I brought the house. It's ex council 1930s solid brick pre-any sort of decent building standards.

The biggest problem is actually in an alcove in the main bedroom (first floor) where we took out an old wardrobe. Arguably the coldest point in the house (its a semi, alcove is on the side elevation), so when the air cools it all just flies to it.

Added ventilation might help and is the first thing to try, but you might have to consider thermal boarding the coldest alcove wall, because you'll still be short of air flow in that area. A lot depends on how much the added ventilation brings down the internal relative humidity.

 

[Rita_Poon]

External wall

Is it the wall that takes the brunt of the elements more often than not? And can you cavity insulate it?

 

[Bedfordblue]

Had the roof replaced a few years ago, no sign of leaks. It's been like it since I brought the house. It's ex council 1930s solid brick pre-any sort of decent building standards.

The biggest problem is actually in an alcove in the main bedroom (first floor) where we took out an old wardrobe. Arguably the coldest point in the house (its a semi, alcove is on the side elevation), so when the air cools it all just flies to it.

Suggest you get an exorcist or paranormal investigator round, sounds very much like you have a gateway to hell in that alcove, the wardrobe was most likely the portal.
No need for the mechanical ventilation system imho.

 

[Clarky cat]

Had the roof replaced a few years ago, no sign of leaks. It's been like it since I brought the house. It's ex council 1930s solid brick pre-any sort of decent building standards.

The biggest problem is actually in an alcove in the main bedroom (first floor) where we took out an old wardrobe. Arguably the coldest point in the house (it’s a semi, alcove is on the side elevation), so when the air cools it all just flies to it.

What about hot and cold water pipework? If it’s a 30s house I bet there is lots of copper buried in your walls/concrete floor (if you have them)

 

[Clarky cat]

Is it the wall that takes the brunt of the elements more often than not? And can you cavity insulate it?

Sounds like it doesn’t get the sun either

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

External wall

Added ventilation might help and is the first thing to try, but you might have to consider thermal boarding the coldest alcove wall, because you'll still be short of air flow in that area. A lot depends on how much the added ventilation brings down the internal relative humidity.

Should probably add that we're getting external wall insulation soon. Our neighbours have all said they have or had a similar issue. Ewi helped, presumably by stabilising thermal transfer.

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

Suggest you get an exorcist or paranormal investigator round, sounds very much like you have a gateway to hell in that alcove, the wardrobe was most likely the portal.
No need for the mechanical ventilation system imho.

Best answer so far.

I'm on it!

 

[the golden visionary]

An alternative is a MEV 'spider' system as you have humidity you might need extraction rather than a warm air PIV.

There a new fad one of our clients is doing on voids, they're shaving 10mm off the bottom of the internal doors to promote airflow.

Try envirovent, they will send a rep round who will let you know exactly what you need for free, then if the quote is to much do what they recommend yourself

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

What about hot and cold water pipework? If it’s a 30s house I bet there is lots of copper buried in your walls/concrete floor (if you have them)

That's a good point, but when I brought it I had a new central heating system installed. Had an old back boiler installed, so it all got ripped out. So I'm not sure there is. Couldn't be sure though.

 

[Clarky cat]

That's a good point, but when I brought it I had a new central heating system installed. Had an old back boiler installed, so it all got ripped out. So I'm not sure there is. Couldn't be sure though.

what central heating system have you got? Pressurised? If so your heating system will lose pressure if it has a leak, if it’s a gravity fed system if it had a leak you would never know as it would keep topping itself up. Did they connect on to old pipework or run new everywhere?