Condensation in my loft - not there before

[lizziecupcakes]

Check when you are fetching down the Christmas decorations!

Haha that’s a good idea. So next year then! we had zero decorations because it’s been a dust pit

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Thanks everyone, I think you’re all right - the recent extreme cold and the opening of the hatch so much, plus stupid hatch location in the bathroom has probably contributed to all of this. I feel a bit reassured that atleays it was fine last week and all the month before, so may be it won’t be a recurring issue, and depends in extreme cold.

 

[Lacan07]

so, I guess this will happen again during very extreme cold like we've had this past week, because the roof will be very cold, and the inside of my house will be very warm during these times. During December, I only out the heating on in the morning and evening, it was mild in the house otherwise.

Yes, this is the most likely explanation for the change so I wouldn't worry too much about it being a regular occurrence. The increase in heating due to the cold snap has meant warmer air in the loft. In the meantime maybe think about more ventilation at some point in the future. Some good points from cubist and Dave G - having a loft hatch in a bathroom isn't ideal.

 

[larry]

We had quite a bit of condensation just like this (way worse than in your pic LCC) which led to a fair bit of mould. After cleaning it off with some bleachy water we then added lap vents. Really easy to install and since then haven't noticed an issue.
You need more lap vents than you think, and the use of a fairly long flat bit of plastic to prise open the glued together felt to make sure they do actually ventilate the loft (our felt looks identical to that in your pic LCC) is recommended.
But as much as anything some reassurance that you're going to have to wait a fair bit longer before that little bit of condensation leads to anything serious.
Checking the hatch is well sealed is a good idea
As is the advice to try to keep it closed.....

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Thanks so much @Lacan07 @larry - the roof and loft have been giving me a headache this past week. Appreciate you sharing. I’m doing what Cubist has ordered lol - close the hatch! We will get some more lap vents though. I didnt know the felt was glued together, i just thought it was super tight in some places and was a bit scared i’d rip it, but i’ll try a big harder next time…. Which will be a long time from now just to stop letting warm air in there. Yes! You’re absolutely right about the seal around the hatch. I’m figuring out what to do about that. Attached is a pic of the hatch. There is a bit of a gap

 

[lizziecupcakes]

 

[Kearn]

Thanks @Cubist , I've left my latch open now (it's in the bathroom) and the bathroom window is wide open.
I think I'll definitely reduce my future loft checks, but for now, Should I just close the latch now and let it dry by itself?
I'm a bit nervous that it's just not going to dry and I'll have a mould issue

What you’re doing is actively routing warm moist bathroom air, up into your cold loft. Where It will condensate.

Loft airflow needs to come in and out from outside

 

[Cubist]

@lizziecupcakes "I’m doing what Cubist has ordered lol".

Oy you, I know my language can be a bit short at times, and Yes I've been sometimes described as 'a commanding presence'...... or as my daughter would say 'a bossy git' but I do have a sensitive side you know. So you can just Shut It - the loft hatch that is - while I go off to sulk.

 

[lizziecupcakes]

What you’re doing is actively routing warm moist bathroom air, up into your cold loft. Where It will condensate.

Loft airflow needs to come in and out from outside

Thank you. Do you have an idea for how I can seal the gaps around the loft hatch. I was looking online. I was thinking about using blue tac in the meantime

 

[Kearn]

Thank you. Do you have an idea for how I can seal the gaps around the loft hatch. I was looking online. I was thinking about using blue tac in the meantime

Could use some of that sticky foam window seal stuff - depending on how the hatch mates with the frame.