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Post by Bean on Jan 23, 2017 13:47:00 GMT
It does sound like a lot more than condensation and lack of ventilation to me too. If you get it in places that aren't just where furniture is against the wall, and certainly if it's on the floors, then you should definitely contact the council again as it sounds like the dampcourse has failed.
Can Paul chat to the other neighbours that are affected and you can contact them together - strength in numbers? Taking pictures is a good idea, keep a record of how quickly it grows. It's such a pain to have to fight people over it, I know. You shouldn't feel embarrassed though, it's not your fault - I feel angry that you're having to deal with it, especially when you have other health problems to contend with.
We had damp in a flat we rented many years ago, and unfortunately, a rotten landlord to go with the damp. We weren't there for long (the damp was one, but not the only problem with that flat!), but it was awful having to bleach the walls in the bedroom every few days. We were advised (by a builder who came out to inspect it for us and agreed it was the building - the landlord said it was caused by us putting towels to dry on the radiators after a shower?) that painting the walls with uva glue could help stop the mould coming through in the short term. But it's not a solution, it needs to be fixed by the owner of the property. It makes me so cross that whether it's an organisation or an individual, landlords can be so rubbish about taking care of their tenants.
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 23, 2017 22:09:04 GMT
Jo, sweetie, you need to get rid of that mould, and there's no reason to be ashamed of what you can't control. No one will hold you responsible for the mould, especially when they know all you're doing to prevent it. If nothing else, get a mop and some bleach, and wash as much of those areas as you can. Pick a day when you can open the windows and let the bleach smell out.
I like the air moving at night, too. I really want the ceiling fan to be installed, as that has a low setting that just moves the air around. I have one of those gale force wind fans pointed toward the ceiling, just to have some air movement without blowing me out of bed! The windows are too low in this house, so using a window fan doesn't accomplish much, though I will try it again, this Spring.
I woke to a strange crying sound I thought was an injured animal. Turned out it was, just not a wild one. My across the street neighbor fell on the ice, and was crying. I grabbed my bathrobe, and couldn't get the stupid zipper to zip. It's one of those zippers that can be zipped down and up at the same time, and can be hard to get the zipper set just right to be able to zip it up. By the time I got my robe zipped, her sister had come out of the house and was helping her. She walked back into the house on her own, then the ambulance came.
I don't think they transported her, though. Not sure, as hubby saw one of the EMTs taking a stretcher into the house. Their car never left the yard, so I don't think she was transported. Those women have a terrible time with arthritis, so none of them needs a fall. I hope she's okay, and just a bit bruised. She started walking around the neighborhood, and I think she was heading out to walk early, when she fell. Hubby salted everything on our side, stairs, landings, driveway and walks. Not a great way to learn how slippery it is outside.
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Post by Bean on Jan 24, 2017 8:58:29 GMT
Oh no, hope your neighbour is okay and glad that her sister helping her didn't slip too. I'm pleased you're all salted up now. Roll on spring eh?!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jan 24, 2017 9:46:18 GMT
That is true Bean hunni, and we will have to contact the council because the bathroom isn't doing too well either. Taking photos is a great idea is I did that when we first moved in. I don't know how bad it is at the moment as I cannot move the heavy furniture but I will get rid of it as soon as i can arrange something. Thank you Piggles sweetie, it needs a good clean down but I am in a bit of a difficult position as I can't do it and I don't like asking anyone else to. If I contact the council they will just tell me to open a window - right, this weather, I think not?!!
I hope our neighbour is alright too Piggles love, I am dreadfully afraid of falling since my accident.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 25, 2017 20:08:12 GMT
Neighbor was transported, examined and released. She banged her head hard, so it was a precaution. Hubby talked to her sister, when he was out clearing the slop from our Nor'easter. I'm sure she's hurting from the bruises, but nothing broken, and no concusion. Jo, I know you don't like asking people to do things, but that mould could be getting into your furniture fabric and padding, affecting Holly and a whole lot more. It could also be affecting your health, which the doctors wouldn't recognize, if you don't tell them about it. If you and/or Paul can talk to the neighbors, get them to sign a letter of complaint, and make it clear that you are not going to freeze with open windows, nor are you going to pay to heat the outdoors through open windows. You need to let the council know the problem is greater than opening the windows in all weather, and that your health doesn't allow you to do that, anyway. Definitely tell your doctor about it, and show him/her pictures, so the extent of the problem is known. This is not your fault, and you shouldn't feel ashamed because of it. You are two of many, many people in the UK no longer able to make ends meet the way you used to, with health issues that keep you from re-entering the job market. None of that is your fault. Life handed you some nasty turns. I've been there, too. I'm not ashamed of those times, because I didn't bring it on myself, and couldn't have stopped it. Neither could you. Please get the help you need
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jan 26, 2017 9:41:00 GMT
Oh Piggles darling, what a lovely post. I have asked Paul to ask some of the neighbours about this and apparently we are the only ones who have it this bad. On Monday Paul is getting together with Tracey and they are going to move things in my bedroom and clean behind but not before taking photos as you suggest. I have no idea why our place is the worse and the other neighbours have managed to eradicate theirs but either ways, it will be dealt with. Thanks again darling.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Jan 26, 2017 10:58:33 GMT
That's great that Paul is going to help Tracey to clean the mould for you. And getting onto the council is definitely a good move. The other neighbours might not have it as bad, but they have had similar problems which shows a weakness in the buildings. Perhaps yours has just deteriorated more, but you shouldn't have to put up with it either way. Opening a window won't solve that level of damp, and as you already have health issues, they should make getting to the bottom of it for you a priority.
Glad your neighbours is okay. 3piggles. We had a similar wake up at about 1am this morning; it sounded like a young girl crying. It was obvious it wasn't coming from inside (so not our daughter) but we were thinking why on earth would a kid be walking around at that time? Looked out and it was a fox, quite happily strolling across the grass in the middle of the street.
I remember hearing the mating call, which is awful to hear - sort of like someone being tortured. It wasn't like that, much softer and more whimpery. Foxes can certainly make some interesting noises!
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Post by bazookagoof on Jan 26, 2017 23:23:30 GMT
Hope everyone is doing well, more or less. My house is a mess with the construction going on, and it's supremely difficult to find internet time. Even when I can find a few minutes, I'm usually mentally wiped out, so it's hard to browse around and catch up. The only real gripe I have about anything is that I just found out that Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus is closing down forever, after almost 150 years. I've been taking Vicki for the past 5 years, so it's been meaningful for me. Truthfully, the animal acts were not a draw for me; I just loved the clown acts and the acrobats- so much heart & talent to enjoy. Their last show in Chicago was last year.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jan 27, 2017 9:00:51 GMT
Thank you Bean love, they are starting it on Monday. The wardrobe is going to be very difficult to move which means I will have to empty it first. I am so very sorry about the circus Baz love, so many traditions are dying or dead. I looked at old sweet/choc wrappers from the 1940's onwards and the choice you had in the 1960's was wonderful and seeing them brought back very happy memories. Why do they have to stop these things?
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 27, 2017 16:05:13 GMT
Ooh, excellent news on the mould fighting front! I know emptying the wardrobe will be difficult for you, but if getting the mould under control helps combat some of your health issues, it will be totally worth it! You and Paul didn't create this mould problem, and as Bean said, if the other neighbors don't have it as badly, that means it's everywhere, just in differing amounts. That's a structural problem, and the extent of the mould in your room might also be due to something the previous tenants did in that room, that was never corrected when they moved out. None of it is your fault, so be angry, not ashamed Bean, I had never heard the neighbors talk, so didn't have any reference to that sound coming from one of them. I also had no reason to think someone was outside in the icy cold, crying, at that hour of the morning, or I wouldn't have figured it was an animal. I actually got out of bed to check if the animal was okay, or if it needed help, and saw her laying on the end of her driveway. I'm glad she's okay, but I guess she had quite a scare. Baz, I'm truly glad the animals are free. They were kept in deplorable conditions, as that's the only condition that works for shipping and displaying them. The old zoo cells on wheels All of those elephants are now in a sanctuary in Florida, able to live out their days without being changed to a stake or confined in a tiny cage. I'm sorry it's the end of some wonderful memory making for you. They said it's just become too expensive to continue. The liability insurance alone was probably killing them. It's something from an era that no longer exists. Be glad you and Vicki got to see it, as Vicki's children never will.
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Post by shades on Jan 28, 2017 1:59:52 GMT
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Post by Bean on Jan 28, 2017 9:41:52 GMT
Happy Chinese New Year to you too Shades, and to anyone else celebrating! That picture's lovely. Are you enjoying your time off work?
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jan 28, 2017 14:29:49 GMT
Thank you for those kind words Piggles love, believe me I am angry especially as they have started to take so much rent from us and we are living with mould. The bedroom and bathroom have mould resistant paint too so I don't know what is going on. I get daily emails about animals being freed and now being happy and it makes my spirits soar.
A very Happy New Year to you Shades love, I hope you have a great party (wish I could come LOL).
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by bazookagoof on Jan 28, 2017 16:14:38 GMT
Baz, I'm truly glad the animals are free. They were kept in deplorable conditions, as that's the only condition that works for shipping and displaying them. The old zoo cells on wheels All of those elephants are now in a sanctuary in Florida, able to live out their days without being changed to a stake or confined in a tiny cage. I'm sorry it's the end of some wonderful memory making for you. They said it's just become too expensive to continue. The liability insurance alone was probably killing them. It's something from an era that no longer exists. Be glad you and Vicki got to see it, as Vicki's children never will. They could get rid of all the animal acts, and I would still go for everything else. Making animals do tricks simply doesn't interest me, especially if the animals are mistreated. The stuff that lights my fire are the breathtaking stunts, like these motorcyclists here: They've done this twice in the past three years, and it made my jaw drop both times. Absolutely incredible. On a side note, I think the performers are all family, six brothers and one sister, all roughly my age.
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 29, 2017 0:41:28 GMT
Baz, I agree completely, but I don't think they could compete with Cirque du Soliel, and other international entities. The US has some of the most expensive liability insurance, too, which means the circuses have to earn an awful lot to be able to play in the US and not go bankrupt. I read an article about them closing, and that's basically what it said. They just couldn't keep up with the ever-increasing financial demands of running a traveling circus. I had also heard Ringling Bros. was being fined for violating animal rights laws, which was probably draining the resources they had. They needed to get rid of the animal acts a decade or more ago, and have gone with the other acts. I think that would have headed off a lot of the bad publicity from animal rights groups, and the hefty fines they paid for the way they kept their animals. Being a traveling entity, they really didn't have the option of not transporting the animals, and of not keeping them in transport cages most of the time. Too bad they didn't see this coming, and now you and Vicki won't get to go any more Jo, I understand painting any rooms where moisture is going to be created, with anti-mould paint. I primed our bathrooms with it, then painted over with the color, as the primer was white. It was a precaution, not because we had a mould problem. There just isn't any excuse for having a mould problem in a bedroom, though, as nothing in the bedroom generates moisture. That has to be coming from the structure. While I doubt you will get much relief from them, I would tell them you will withhold the rent until a licensed company has checked out the mould problem, made it's recommendations, and the work has been done. Just check the laws, because sometimes you have to put the rent money in an escrow account to prove your good faith intention to pay it, once the problem has been remedied.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jan 29, 2017 14:29:41 GMT
That is amazing and obviously very dangerous. Thanks for sharing Baz love. That is such a great idea Piggles love but I just don't think I have the mental and moral strength anymore to make a stand like this. We would be evicted, there is no doubt about that and the council wouldn't move. I would hate to make threats and then not be able to go through with them because the Council say pay up or else. At one time I would have fought tooth and nail but I just can't do it anymore. The whole of the room is being cleaned over several days and once I have taken photos, I will send these to the council. I am considering a dehumidifier but am a little concerned about my little ones becoming too dry. Thanks for your ongoing concern and advice my darling, I really appreciate it.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 30, 2017 0:24:01 GMT
I know what you mean about not being able to put up a fight. I think councils and bad landlords count on that I'm glad the room is being cleaned. Before investing in a dehumidifier, perhaps something that measures the amount of humidity in the room would be good. It may not be as humid as you think. Mould doesn't need humidity as much as it like damp, which is probably in the walls. The generally accepted comfort level for humidity is 30-50%, so if your room is within those levels, you wouldn't want to remove any humidity. A fan might be a better tool, just to move the air around and keep it circulating, so the damp doesn't get too much chance to build up. Even a table fan on low would circulate the air, and you wouldn't have to run a hose from the dehumidifier to the bath, which you might fall over. Happy Chinese New Year, Shades
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jan 31, 2017 9:11:24 GMT
Thanks Piggles love for another lovely and helpful post. I do actually have a fan in my bedroom, I cannot sleep unless it is on and blowing on my face so maybe it is doing some good. I think the damp is in the walls despite having air vents and double glazing but I would like to know why other neighbours do not have it as badly as we do. Either that or their men have just done something about it, Paul is no use at anything like that.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by shades on Jan 31, 2017 9:58:51 GMT
Dampness is an awful thing. I understand your predicament and the effect it's having on your well-being. No matter what you do, it never goes away though, that's the downside.
Many moons ago, I had a similar problem ina very old house andit was caused by water coming up inside the wall. The solution was to hack off the plaster to the brick, then inject a damp-proof solution into the wall to prevent the water coming up.
It's quite a simple job; just a little messy because they need to take the plaster off, then replaster later once the wall has dried out. Might be a good thing to get done just after winter ends. But get your council to agree to fix it now.
Of course, it might be that there are just defects on the outside wall pointing that needs to be redone. That would be much less hassle for you.
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Post by 3piggles on Feb 1, 2017 13:10:26 GMT
I really hope the council will at least investigate the cause of the mould, instead of just fobbing you off again, and telling you to open windows. Wondering if councilors are really totally useless, or if my UK friends only mention the councils failings? I do hear an awful lot of bad about them, all around the UK. We got an inch or so of snow overnight. It really doesn't take much to make everything look totally white and clean
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