Damp and Condensation

Controlling condensation is important to prevent mould from developing. Condensation is caused by moisture in the air. It is not usually caused by a building fault.

Why have I got condensation in my home?

It is quite usual for there to be a problem with condensation in well-insulated homes as there is no way for moisture or condensation to escape. Problems can be exacerbated by factors such as:

• Overcrowding.
• Drying clothing in the property.
• Not heating the property sufficiently.
• Insufficient ventilation

How can I reduce condensation?

You can reduce condensation by following these tips:

1. Keep your home well ventilated. Open one or two small windows slightly for 30 minutes each day. Leave trickle vents open, even in the winter when your heating is on.
2. Keep your home well heated. Heating your home efficiently helps reduce condensation and could save money on your heating bills. It’s important to keep your home above 18°C (63°F). Use room thermostats and radiator controls to maintain an even temperature in your home. Heat rooms at a low temperature, even if they are unused.
3. Reduce moisture in your home. Wipe excess condensation off windows and surfaces with a towel each morning. Dry washing outdoors on a line, cover pans when cooking and do not leave kettles boiling. Use extractor fans when cooking or bathing.

What if I already have mould?

Mould, although unpleasant, can be treated very easily. You should remove mould as soon as it appears to prevent it from spreading.

To kill and remove mould:

• Wipe down walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash, available from most supermarkets and hardware stores.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove mould as this can release spores, which may make the problem worse.
• Use fungicidal resistant paint and wallpaper paste for any redecoration after treatment

What if it isn’t condensation?

Condensation isn’t the only cause of damp, it can also come from:

• Leaking pipes and waste overflows
• Rain seeping through the roof where tiles or slates are missing
• Overflow from blocked gutters penetrating around window frames or leaking through cracked pipes
• Rising damp due to a defective damp-course or because there is no damp-course

If you suspect one of these issues please report this via our repairs service.