mildew problem

[phillip30]

Hi all,

I would appreciate your thoughts. I have a rental property that currently has amildew problem in one of the bedrooms. This has only recently occurred andthere has been on issue in the last 2 and a1/2 years. I have checked theceiling and it appears the mildew is superficial. The tenants have got adehumidifier but the problem seems to keep coming back. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Phillip

[PC]

Show the tenants how to open the window.


That or a bucket of mild bleach, rag and 5 minutes of elbow grease works wonders.

[TheFlash]

I dont think bleach works.

It just changes the color of the mold spore at the top of the surface but dosnt penetrate below surface to kill the actual spore itself.

Ive heard rumors of white vinger and plain detergent.

The real issue is discovery of why its molding up - ie near the shower or bathroom with non extractor fan.

Perhaps leak from roof tile above - especially if its not know to mildew.

Sometimes the mildew itself can be an early indicator of another problem - do any water pipes run through the area - is the room naturally dark or sunny ?

[phillip30]

thanks Pc and theflash, the room has less light than the others. the problem seems to have started when they changed bedrooms, have discussed airing the room, which they say they are doing. Check the roof etc and seems ok, I used some mold killer which took it off and the sheeting seemd ok so I didnt think it was coming from the other side. I will do another check and take it off again.

[Viking]

thanks Pc and theflash, the room has less light than the others. the problem seems to have started when they changed bedrooms, have discussed airing the room, which they say they are doing. Check the roof etc and seems ok, I used some mold killer which took it off and the sheeting seemd ok so I didnt think it was coming from the other side. I will do another check and take it off again.

Some info here. http://curtaincleaners.co.nz/whys-an...n-the-windows/

Midew grows in warm humid conditions. Once on the plaster you will need a mould lkiller. Janola is a bitto weak but buy some stronger bleech and it works.
Done a few ceilings.

Repaint them with mildew resistant paint.

[phillip30]

thanks Viking, I will do naother check for water pipes etc, and maybe as you suggest midew resistent paint may be needed. thanks for the link

[skid]

do you have ceiling insulation ?--If not ,that will do it

[phillip30]

thanks Skid, had ceiling insuilation put in about a year ago

[Perry]

That the dehumidifier isn't
working is astonishing.

[jimO]

do they have a unflued gas heater

[phillip30]

thanks Perry does seem strange, thanks jimO don't think so but will check. Noticed the windows were stiff, would indicate they are not being opened. I will check out the other areas mentioned

[PC]

Window - Huh? Who would have thought...

[donnyboy]

thanks Skid, had ceiling insuilation put in about a year ago

sometimes the mildew will still grow on the ceiling after its been insulated. Tell tale sign is that the mildew is close to the outside wall and usually in the corner running along adjacent the outside wall. This is because the insulation hasnt been installed right to the top plate due to the roof pitch making it difficult to.

[John the builder]

This has only recently occurred andthere has been on issue in the last 2 and a1/2 years..................

had ceiling insuilation put in about a year ago............

(from Viking)Midew grows in warm humid conditions.............

so perhaps the reason it is there is the conditions that changed at the time the insulation was put in. This could be just an ongoing maintenance issue

What is the condition of the underfloor do you have T&G flooring?

[DazRaz]

Insulation doesn't remove moisture.