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Black mould behind big wardrobes
Hi,
We've got two huge free standing wardrobes in our bedroom (in the alcoves) which go from floor to ceiling (about 2 inches from the ceiling). I've taken the wardrobes about 10 inches away from the external walls but I'm still getting black mould patches on the wall which I have to keep cleaning every few months. We're also getting a musty smell from the wardrobes and some things at the bottom get a small amount of mildew on them.
I've asked a builder to put in air bricks behind both wardrobes (with inside vents) to improve ventilation and hopefully cure the problem. Is this the right thing to do?, will the room get cold even if I have the vents closed? Is there anything else I could do. I can't leave the window open all the time as in winter its freezing.
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Scott
3 answers
That may or may not work, although will create draughts and heat loss, but far better to reduce the humidity produced in the house. Ventilate everything at source, and try to avoid the temptation to dry clothes on radiators.Keep the bedroom door closed if you are cooking pasta in an open pan, for example, and haven't got a kitchen extract.
Because there is virtually no circualtion around the backs of the wardrobes you could apply a thin insualtion layer and repaper or paint. You can buy an insulating paint (believe it or not) which apparently works (will post trade name later) but bear in mind that you may well get condensation and hence mould forming elsewhere.
We have a similar problem with out daughters built in wardrobe. A friend experienced this and suggested we purchase a wardrobe heater. Also known as a piano heater. They are approx £30 to purchase. We have fitted one 6 weeks ago and so far so good.
The insulating paint is called Thermilate...bear in mind that it will not save energy and is therefore misleadingly called "insulating", but contributers on www.ebuild.co.uk have noticed that after application condensation no longer forms on solid brick walls.