Damp and mould

Condensation is the most common cause of damp and mould in homes. Cooking, running taps, drying washing inside, and even breathing from people and pets produces moisture. When this moisture meets cold surfaces, it creates condensation. Condensation can cause damp and mould by soaking into surfaces like wallpaper and paint. This kind of damp is commonly found in the corners of rooms, on gable walls or near windows and external doors. It is also found in areas with poor air circulation, such as behind furniture placed against external walls.

This is uncommon and is caused by water rising from the ground. Our homes have damp-proof materials that stop this from happening.

Property defects can allow water or cold air to get into your home, which can cause damp in any area of your home. You can usually notice this kind of damp more after rainfall or in the cooler months, but it can occur all year round. It is likely to be wet to touch, smells, with mould growth. Condensation can also make the damp caused by the defect worse. Let us know if you have a leak or other defect in your home.

1. Use the home’s ventilation system, such as extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen, when showering or cooking. If these are not in good working order, let us know.

2. Make sure air bricks or vents are not blocked. They help fresh air circulate in the property and remove higher levels of moisture which can cause damp and mould. If you think that your airbrick or vent is allowing cold air to access the property constantly, please contact us to make an appointment for an inspector to attend.

3. If you can, try to keep internal doors shut when cooking, showering or running taps. This can help keep the warm in and can also help reduce energy bills.

4. Use lids on pans when cooking.

5. Wipe down any condensation on windows using a tissue and dispose of it down a toilet.

6. Dry clothes outside where possible or use a clothes horse in a well-ventilated room.

7. Air rooms regularly, especially in the morning, to let out moisture.

8. Try to keep the home warm between 19 to 21 degrees Celsius to help reduce the risk of damp and mould.

9. Check the radiators and ensure they are consistently warm from top to bottom. If they feel cold at the top, the radiator may require bleeding.

10. Share tips with your colleagues and tenants to raise awareness of damp and mould.

1. We will take as much information as possible to establish the extent of the problem and possible causes.

2. We may ask you to take photographs of the affected area to show us when we visit to inspect your home.

3. We might ask you to clean the area with a mould and mildew spray. This will help reduce the risk of mould increasing in the home and causing damage to belongings. Make sure that you read the instructions for using these products safely. Don’t worry - we will still be able to properly assess the issue from your photographs.

4. We will attend to inspect the property to understand what is causing the issue.

We’ll also look at what we can do to stop the damp and mould coming back. This might include chemical cleaning or specialist treatments, increasing ventilation or addressing any property defects. We will keep you informed about any actions we may need to take and when we hope to complete it by.