What is condensation?
It’s when the cold air cannot hold all the moisture and drops of water start to appear. Homes are often not adequately heated and ventilated, so water vapour and condensation can build up.
It usually forms on cold surfaces and places where there is little or no movement of air. Other factors include poor ventilation and insulation.
Tips to prevent damp and mould
- Keep lids on saucepans when cooking.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors. If you must dry clothes indoors, try to put them in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open or a fan on.
- Open windows or make sure the extractor fan is on, to let the air out when you have been bathing, showering, washing or cooking.
- Keep your kitchen and bathroom doors closed to stop warm, moist air travelling to other rooms in your home.
- Wipe down the inside of windows (daily if necessary) if they become wet with condensation.
- Don’t put furniture and belongings too close to cold walls but allow the air to circulate. Ideally place them against internal walls with a two to three inch gap for the air to circulate properly.
- Use cooker hoods and extractor fans wherever fitted.
- Do not place furniture or belongings in front of radiators as this will stop them heating the room efficiently.
If it’s left untreated, condensation can lead to:
- The growth of damp and mould on walls and furniture.
- Mildew on clothes and other fabrics.
- Timber rotting.
- Damp and mould can damage properties and cause health problems.
These are a few things we can do to reduce the problem:
- Service your boiler to make sure it’s running safely and efficiently. This service is automatically carried out each year.
- Arrange a call from one of our Tenancy Sustainment Officers, who can provide you with advice and assistance with reducing your energy bills.
- Clear blocked gutters and repair broken drains.
- Repair cracks and holes in walls (including damaged render) that are large enough to allow water in.
- Repair or replace rubber gaskets on draughty UPVC windows and doors.
- Ensure you have cavity wall insulation, where possible, and upgrade any vents.
Working with you
We work with our residents to deal with damp and mould, to help make the situation manageable. If you find condensation in your home, we are committed to working with you to resolve it.
What to do next?
If you follow these steps but find there is still mould and damp in your home, please call our Repairs Team on 01372 814 000. There may be many potential causes of the problem and we may have to carry out works to your home to eliminate it, which could take more than one visit.
