We are committed to providing good quality homes and we have improved our processes for dealing with damp and mould issues.
Our video ‘Preventing Damp and Condensation’ (please see below) explains how you can help stop condensation forming in your home and causing more serious issues, with some simple tips for reducing the moisture in your home.
We also have a damp and mould leaflet you may want to download and keep.
Our technical hub advisors are your first point of contact when you need to report any repair, including damp and mould. Our advisors are trained to try and get as clear a picture as possible of the issue so they can make sure the contractor is equipped to get any problems sorted quickly and efficiently.
For damp and mould issues specifically, we have recruited two specialist surveyors, and our building services managers monitor damp and mould cases carefully.
We survey our homes regularly in line with current regulations and guidance.
If you ever see any signs of damp and mould, however small, please let us know and we will get someone out to investigate.
Condensation
There are four things that mainly cause condensation:
- Moisture from everyday living - such as cooking and washing.
- Not enough ventilation.
- Cool temperatures in cold weather.
- Heating not being on at all or turned off in unused rooms.
Simple everyday living adds to the moisture in the air and can lead to mould forming on surfaces such as walls, ceilings and windows, and even furniture.
There are things you can do to help stop condensation:
- Cover boiling pans and turning your kettle off after use.
- Wiping down surfaces on which moisture gathers.
- Drying your clothes outside if you can. (If you can’t, use a clothes drier in a room which you can ventilate well and keep the door to that room closed. If you have a tumble drier, and it isn't a condensing one, make sure you vent it outside).
- Never use bottled gas or paraffin heating. These not only create a lot of moisture, they are a breach of your tenancy as they can be a serious health and safety risk.
Ventilating Your Home
- When cooking, washing or bathing, open your windows or use your extractor fans. (When using fans, make sure they are clean and free from dust or grime so they can do their job properly).
- Keep trickle vents open.
- Open your windows and curtains every day.
- Never block air vents.
- Leave gaps between your furniture and outside walls. Don’t push your furniture too close together.
- Don’t overfill wardrobes or cupboards.
Keep Your Home Warm
- Draught proofing your windows and doors will keep warm air inside your home. (Don’t draught proof your bathrooms or kitchen windows though as the extra moisture in those rooms needs to escape).
- Keep your home on a constant low heat when it is cold or wet outside. (This is better than short bursts of heat).
- Use your heating as efficiently as possible. (Please refer to your heating system instructions on how best to do this).
Mould
If mould is already present, there are things you can do to treat it and stop it from coming back.
Mould is a living thing. It needs removing with a safety approved special wash for removing fungus, which you can buy at any supermarket or DIY store. Wipe down the affected area then decorate it with a safety approved fungus paint to help stop it coming back.
Don’t brush or clean it with a vacuum as this can disturb the dry spores which could lead to you inhaling them.
Once the mould has gone, keep following our advice to make sure your home stays free of condensation, mould and damp.
Damp
There are three main types of damp:
- Rising damp – this is rare as our buildings are usually treated with damp proof courses. You can tell rising damp from tide marks or ripples above your skirting boards.
- Penetrating damp – this is usually caused by damage to the structure of your home. It is more obvious when it rains.
- Plumbing or broken pipes – such problems can show similar signs to penetrating damp and may need an investigation to find the exact cause.
Following these simple tips will help to keep your home free from condensation and mould. However, if you think you have more serious issues, please get in touch so we can investigate and treat the problem as necessary.
