Damp and what the correct next steps are?

Reply to the comment left by "Renovate To let" at "13/12/2015 - 12:35":

This looks like an excellent product. I’ve never heard of lap vents before but will look into it further as we intend to install PIV systems in all future rental properties. My loft space is as dry as a bone but it does have quite a few of natural lap vents!!! Probably why it works so well and we didn't need to fit retro fit roof vents. This is really helpful and informative, thanks for sharing.

Reply to the comment left by "Robert Desbruslais" at "12/12/2015 - 12:57":

'We will have to agree to disagree Joe.
NO I DONT AGREE TO THAT. YOU ARE WRONG. READ YOUR TEXT BOOKS. I HAVE EXPLAINED WITH AN EXAMPLE AND YOU CHOSE TO IGNORE IT.

In 25 years of surveying I have learned there is no substitute for a good balance of heat and ventilation.
EXACTLY. YOUVE JUST CONTRADICTED YOURSELF. HEAT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EQUATION.

Furthermore, tenants do not all want to maintain a high temperature in the home.
THE ARGUMENT IS ABOUT THE LAW OF PHYSICS, NOT WANT TENANTS 'WANT'.
Over the years tenants have been blamed for creating condensation problems. However, they are warey of high heating bills. By installing appropriate insulation, landlords can encourage the tenant to maintain ventilation without risking wasted heat loss and higher heating bills. A humidistat with a heat exchanger will also be effective. Simply turning the heating up without maintaining ventilation is a recipe for condensation.'
SHAMEFUL TWISTING. I STATED:
'VENTILATION IS IMPORTANT BUT NOT THE SOLE WAY OF MANAGING CONDENSATION. THE OTHER FACTORS ARE:
– ADEQUATE HEATING
– REDUCTION OF MOISTURE SOURCES
– INSULATION'

INVITE YOU TO AMEND YOUR STATEMENT:
'This is incorrect.'

EXACTLY WHAT PART OF THAT STATEMENT IS 'INCORRECT'?????

Reply to the comment left by "Helen " at "14/12/2015 - 09:51":

Hi Helen, glad you found it useful. I aim for an easy life AKA being able to scale my business without it becoming a pain. Any problem I can design out or make simple for the tenant helps.

There are no winners with a mouldy house.

Reply to the comment left by "Laura Delow" at "13/12/2015 - 07:51":

i would have big reservations. this works by reducing air into the base of the wall which will reduce its thermal insulation and thus encourage condensation and mould.

Reply to the comment left by "Joe Bloggs" at "14/12/2015 - 10:34":

interesting - thank you. Sounds like a "no no" then.

Reply to the comment left by "Laura Delow" at "14/12/2015 - 11:11":

youre welcome.

sorry what i meant to say was:

i would have big reservations. this works by INTRODUCING air into the base of the wall which will reduce its thermal insulation and thus encourage condensation and mould.

Reply to the comment left by "Joe Bloggs" at "14/12/2015 - 11:37":

thanks Joe - still a no no though. Your advise is really appreciated.

Didn't read the entire thread, however I installed a Positive Input Vent into a rental that was suffering from condensation issues and it did the trick. The unit sits in the loft, wired off the lighting circuit so I know it will always be on. (Tenants will always ensure the breaker is on for their lights) The units use very little power and the air in the house feels fresh all of the time.

I didn't need to undercut any doors as wet area doors are/should be undercut anyway and there is sufficient gaps around standard or fire doors for the air flow to work. Its not a howling gale, but a gentle input pressure.

In theory extractor vents in the bathroom and kitchen should work better as they are not fighting against a lower air pressure to do their job.

After a couple of years now, I'm so impressed by the results I am in the process of putting one into my own home as I work from home most of the time so the house is never empty.

Hi

I met a chap who worked as a Consulting Engineer during the course of my travels and he was often used by housing associations to investigate issues of damp. I cannot remember his name although he lectured on the subject and also had made a number of videos on the issue.

Anyway, he said that once you had eliminated the overflowing gutter, the vine growing up the wall, the patio that bridged the damp course, that all other issues could be resolved by ventilation. These problems are caused by poor housekeeping, the drying of clothing on the radiator, the failure to open windows whilst cooking, no ventilation in the bathroom, boxes stacked up the walls hindering air circulation, and so on.

The answer is forced ventilation, fans to extract moisture etc. We have actually provided some tenants with an egg style device that collects water and can be recharged in the microwave. Saves all the arguments about who is paying for the electricity etc.

But, put it in the contract that the tenant is required to ventilate the property, if they refuse, draughts, loss of heat etc. then move them on. Remember, there are better tenants out there!