Damp, Mould and Condensation

Damp and mould are often mistaken for leaks but in most cases, they are caused by condensation.

Damp and mould growth are often mistaken for leaks or building defects. In most cases, they are caused by condensation, which occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cold surface like a wall or window.

Things like cooking, washing, drying clothes indoors and boiling kettles can all cause condensation because they produce warm moist air. The problem is worse in rooms where heating is not used because the surfaces in those rooms will be colder.

All homes can suffer from mould growth. It is important to remove it with a suitable cleaning fluid as soon as you notice it, to avoid it spreading. Most reports of mould are caused by condensation, which is caused by three factors:

  • the amount of water vapour created by those in the home
  • the temperature of the home and its rooms
  • the level of fresh air circulating throughout the home

If these three factors are not balanced, this can provide the ideal conditions for mould.

How to prevent condensation in your home

Reduce the amount of moisture that is released into the air:

  • cover pans and only boil as much water as you need - if you have an extractor fan always turn it on when cooking
  • dry washing outdoors if possible, or in the bathroom with the window open and the door closed
  • vent your dryer outside if it’s not self-condensing
  • remove excess moisture - wipe down the windows and windowsills every morning, especially in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen
  • have shorter showers and turn off the shower as soon as you're out
  • if you have fish, make sure the tank is covered with a suitable hood or lid
  • when running a bath put the cold water in first to reduce the steam 

Make sure the rooms in your home are properly ventilated:

  • keep your extractor fan switched on - they cost only around £5 per year in electricity and will help to take away moisture from the air in your home
  • keep small windows ajar or leave the openers in the “night lock” position on the ground floor whist you are at home or if security is your concern
  • leave trickle vents in the open position
  • open kitchen and bathroom windows for at least 20 minutes after showering, cooking or cleaning to allow steam to escape, and always use the extractor fans
  • close internal kitchen and bathroom doors when cooking, cleaning or washing to prevent steam escaping into other rooms
  • leave at least 50mm (2 inches) between your walls and large furniture like wardrobes, beds and sofas to allow fresh air to circulate

Keep your home suitably warm:

  • use your thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to gently heat up unused rooms
  • heat all of your home continuously to prevent any room getting too cold. Preferably between 18 and 21 degrees
  • if you are finding it hard to afford to heat your home, contact The Housing Office on 01902 552780 to see if they can help

What not to do:

  • DO NOT use paraffin and portable bottled gas heaters - for your safety, they are not allowed in any Dovecotes TMO property.
  • DO NOT use an unvented tumble dryer
  • DO NOT dry washing on radiators in a room with no ventilation
  • DO NOT let your home get too cold or let unused rooms get cold
  • DO NOT heat your home intermittently in cold weather
  • DO NOT place furniture, bags, and household items directly up against external walls
  • DO NOT overload cupboards or wardrobes to prevent air circulation

Dealing with black mould

  • remove excess mould with a damp cloth and throw it away
  • wipe down affected areas using a fungicidal spray or mould killer which carries a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) “approval number” available from supermarkets and hardware stores or online. Always read the instructions on the container. This method works well to remove mould from areas such as white grout, tiles and windows sills
  • distilled white vinegar is best to use for the areas that fungicidal spray may affect, such as coloured areas. White Vinegar is a more environmentally friendly and often cheaper way of removing mould:
  • Ideally, use a spray bottle to saturate the area with white vinegar
  • Allow the vinegar to work its magic and let it sit for 30 minutes
  • Scrub with a soft bristled brush/non-abrasive brush
  • Spray affected area again and let it sit for another 30 minutes
  • Rinse with warm water and a clean cloth
  • Repeat the above steps, if necessary.
  • after the area has been treated, redecorate using fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste
  • dry-clean affected clothes and shampoo carpets

We want to work with you to remove any mould and avoid any future problem. If you have followed the advice above and still have mould in your property, please let us know by calling 01902 552780 or email photos to generalenquiries@dovecotestmo.com

It's important that if we need to visit your home, that you allow us access so that we can remove mould and work to remedy any of the causes of damp. Identifying the cause of damp and mould can be complex and is often a process of elimination. The more information you can provide, the better we can diagnose the cause.