We take the condition of our homes very seriously and we are committed to making sure you have a healthy home, free from damp, mould and condensation.
If you have concerns about damp and mould in your home and the affect it could be having on the health and wellbeing of you and your family, then please let us know.
How do I know if my home has damp and mould?
Damp
Damp is caused by excess moisture in your home. The most common types of damp are rising damp, penetrating damp, damp caused by a leak and damp caused by condensation.
It can make your home feel cold and uncomfortable and it can cause structural damage if it’s not dealt with.
Mould
Mould is a type of fungi caused by excess moisture in your home. It looks like a collection of little black spots and can often be found on windows or in the corners and edges of rooms.
Mould can grow in any home, so it’s important to let us know if you spot mould in your home so we can help you.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when moisture in the air meets a cold surface like a window or wall. You may notice it when you are cooking or having a shower.
If surfaces are left wet, a build-up of condensation can occur which can lead to mould forming.
Why is there damp and mould in my home?
Mould is usually caused by damp conditions like condensation that has been left on a surface for too long. Most homes have some condensation, like the droplets you see on windows in the morning or after a shower. Some mould can be caused by damp from a leak, bad insulation or other factors, so look out for any wet or damp patches on your walls or floors.
While it’s quite common to find mould in your home, it can be harmful to your health if it isn’t removed, which is why it’s really important you report it to us.
Preventing mould
There are three things that together can help prevent mould from occurring:
- reducing the moisture in the air
- improving the air-flow
- keeping the room warm
Condensation is the main cause of mould. This occurs when we do simple every-day activities, such as:
- boiling the kettle
- having a shower or bath
Even when we’re asleep, people release a pint of moisture into the air through their breath.
If you find that your windows and walls have condensation on them, wipe them down with a cloth and wring it out. Do not put it on the radiator to dry as it will release the water back into the air.
Reduce condensation in your home
Here are some ways to help reduce the amount of condensation in your home:
- keep a window ajar when possible
- open windows on opposite sides of your home to let the air flow through
- use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom if you have them
- keep window vents open
- dry washing outside if possible or on a clothes airer in a well-ventilated room with the door closed and window open
- tumble dryers should be vented to the outside unless the tumble dryer is a condensing dryer
- cook with the lids on the saucepans, as this can help reduce the moisture from the steam going into the room
- open a window and/or turn on your extractor fan when cooking
- if you’re having a bath, put the cold water in first
- don’t cover radiators as this stops them from radiating heat into your home
Improving airflow
Good ventilation means that the air can flow freely through a room. It stops wet air condensing on the walls and windows.
Air circulation and ventilation can be key in reducing condensation and moisture.
In some instances it is possible to reduce condensation in your home by taking the following steps:
- opening the window or turning on your extractor fan when you are having a bath or a shower will help to reduce moisture building up
- leaving bathroom and kitchen extractor fans on for 30 minutes after cooking and/or showering
- always turning on your cooker hood extractor fan before cooking, if you have one
- closing kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use, to help stop moisture spreading into other rooms
- not covering air-bricks or window vents can help maintain a good ventilation source.
- windows with a trickle vent function should be left in an open position throughout the day
Keeping rooms warm
We know it’s not always possible to keep windows open all the time, especially in the winter.
If ventilation does not work on its own, you can use your home’s heating to keep condensation at bay.
It’s better to keep the heating on all day at a low level than putting it on in short bursts, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Use the thermostat to keep rooms at between 18 and 20 degrees.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests 18 degrees is the ideal temperature for the majority of people and is the best temperature for sleeping.
Do not warm a cold room by leaving the door open. Warm damp air will enter the room and condense on cold surfaces.
