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Topic
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Subject – Ventilation & mould/mildew problems in bathroom
I am the owner of a flat involving a double brick exterior wall construction (early 1970s). In relation to the bathroom, there are two terracotta wall vents on the outside and two vents on the inside. Four (4) vents in total located on either side of the bathroom window. The window is a sliding type, with a small mesh section inserted in the sliding pane. Each wall vent has a section of “flyscreen” attached/glued on to the back (from within the wall cavity). The flyscreen is blocked with dust for the inside vents, assume the same for the outside vents. The flat is located on the third level of the block. Some questions:
Q1 How do you remove the dust without dislodging the flyscreen?
Q2 Accept the flyscreen inserts are useless but realise there removal will restore proper ventilation to the bathroom. Therefore just push the flyscreen inserts off the vents, and if necessary reattach flyscreen (on the face of the vent). Note – I cannot access the external vents from outside the building, and cannot see them from the inside.
Q3 If these vents are not functional for air circulation, am I or the OC liable for the cost to install an exhaust fan if the wall vents are blocked and/or not adequate/functional for removing moist air (and the vents are recognised as common property)
Q4 Just keep the window open all seasons – even in cold/freezing winter
Q5 If mould/mildew appears keep treating it with the right product/s eg vinegar, bleach, boraxHope Flat Chat can help
Thanks Max
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Replies
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Based on my understanding of pre-1974 strata law, the line between lot property and common property is down the middle of the external wall so the external vents would be owners corp responsibility and the internal ones lot owner responsibility. In the first instance, ask the OC to repair or replace the external vents and hope they do the internal ones too.
The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
In relation to ventilation and damp/mould generally, bear in mind that the bathroom would have been built to the building standards that applied at the time. Presuming that the air vents and window met those requirements then it is arguable whether the OC has any further responsibility.
Air vents by themselves will not usually deal with condensation in a bathroom from a shower. The advice we have usually had is that you should open the window at least after the shower to let the condensation out. You don’t have to keep the window open at all times.
You could apply to the OC to install an exhaust fan – as noted above query whether they have to pay, as the condensation is coming from inside.
In terms of treating mould generally, don’t use bleach or borax etc., this will not kill the mould. The best treatment is oil of cloves diluted in hot water.
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