- Damp – This appears when condensation is left untouched and the moisture cannot escape. It is common in rooms with low air flow and higher moisture levels, such as bathrooms, but can also be caused by external factors like blocked gutters and broken roof tiles.
- Mould – A fungus that shows up on surfaces as black dots and thrives in moist, damp places with poor air flow. It can become a health risk if it isn’t managed.
- Condensation – When wet, warm air hits a cold surface; droplets appear – this is condensation. It is often caused by excess moisture, and poor air flow. Everyday activities such as cooking, washing, and even breathing can contribute to moisture in the air.
Check out our leaflet guide here.
Condensation presents itself in a variety of ways:
- Wallpaper is starting to peel
- Damp patches on the walls, particularly in corners and behind furniture
- Streaming water on windows and walls
- Black mould starts to appear on ceilings, walls, and window frames
However, not all damp starts in the same way, and condensation is not always the main cause – if patches begin to appear across your walls, this could be a sign of penetrating damp. This can be caused by cracked render, down pipes, defective guttering, or a damaged roof.
Rising damp can also occur on the ground floor, which leaves a ‘tide mark’ from moisture travelling up from the ground, and through the walls. This occurs when there is no damp proof course (DPC) at a property, or if the DPC has failed.
In the first instance, it is always best to report these issues to the Hub, who can then arrange for a Surveyor to visit your property and look both internally and externally to troubleshoot your damp issues.
There are a variety of things that can create moisture in your home, and a two-person property can create over 24 pints of moisture everyday.
- 9 pints from drying clothes indoors
- 6 pints are generated from cooking and using the kettle
- 3 pints are generated from breathing
- 3 pints from using bottled gas heaters
- 2 pints from having a shower or a hot bath
- 1 pint from washing clothes
There are three main elements to consider when trying to reduce the condensation in your home:
- How much water vapour is produced in the property
- How cold or warm the property is
- How well air flows around the property
If you eradicate the causes of condensation, you are eradicating the prospective issues with mould.
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Make sure you report any damp or mould you are experiencing to our Hub on 0300 123 2100 | Leave the mould untouched and allow it to spread further |
| Open your windows when you can to allow good air flow | Regularly dry your clothes on radiators |
| Wipe away any condensation that may gather once you have had a shower or bath | Block external air bricks or window vents – these are essential for good air flow |
| Leave some space between furniture and the wall (such as your sofa) to allow air flow and lessen the chance of condensation on your walls | Don’t clutter your attic with items as this can restrict air flow and disrupt insulation |
| Keep your extractor fans switched on constantly to ensure as much moisture as possible is being removed from your property (Average cost of running fans is £3.68 per year in a bathroom, and £9.81 in a kitchen) | Use paint that is not specific to the room you are decorating – if you use standard paint over a mould treated wall, this deactivates the anti-mould chemicals – Kitchen, bathroom, or anti-mould paint is always best. |
| Ensure your home is consistently kept to around 16-18 degrees. A ‘background’ heat when the weather is cold can keep temperatures steady | Don’t remove mould with a brush or vacuum, as this can further spread spores |