How to Keep Your Home Free From Damp

DEALING WITH DAMP AND CONDENSATION

It is really important to look after your property to help prevent damage caused by damp and condensation. During the colder months condensation becomes a major problem in many British homes. It is caused when warm moist air hits a cold surface such as a window or external wall and condenses, running down the cold surface as water droplets.

If left this can turn into black mould which looks and smells bad. It can cause £1000’s worth of damage to clothes, furniture, books, shoes and decorations as well as causing health problems.

Condensation can be a problem in any property no matter how old it is. It is often worse in homes that have been modernised as ventilation and the circulation of air is reduced.

Controlling good ventilation and air circulation around the home is very important in the prevention of condensation; this allows the air to release its moisture outside preventing future problems inside your home.

Rising or penetrating damp can cause problems in your home although it is less common than condensation. If you think damp is causing a problem in your property you need to report this to us so we can see how it can be fixed.

RISING DAMP

Rising damp is caused by a failed or ‘bridged’ damp-proof course.

This allows moisture in the ground to rise up through the ground floor walls of your home, sometimes to a height of one meter.

You can usually identify rising damp because it is often associated with a tide mark at the edge of the area of damp caused by salt deposits.

PENETRATING DAMP

Penetrating damp is classed as any water that finds its way inside from the outside.

It can occur at all levels of the building but is usually higher up.

Overflowing gutters, missing roof tiles, leaking pipes and downspouts, badly fitting windows/doors and damaged pointing, cladding, flashing or render as well as covered air bricks can all be sources of penetrating damp.

Typical signs of penetrating damp are:

• growing areas of damp on walls or ceilings
• blotchy patches on walls
• wet and crumbly plaster
• signs of spores or mildew
• drips and puddles

 

CONDENSATION

Condensation can cause mould to form in your home, lead to staining/damaging wallpaper, wall surfaces, window frames, furniture and clothing.

The mould and its spores carry the musty smell that is often associated with a damp house.

Black mould can’t grow where salt deposits are present (as with rising damp) so is a sign of condensation.

Water vapour is generated in your home in many ways but

the main causes are:

• steam from cooking and boiling the kettle
• baths and showers
• drying clothes inside
• unsuitable venting of tumble dryers

The best way to deal with mould is to remove it from walls using a special fungicidal wash which you should use following the manufacturer’s instructions.

We can also use special paints that will delay the return of the mould, but unless you take steps to reduce condensation it will eventually grow back.

The major difference between condensation and other forms of dampness is that you have the ability to reduce or solve the problem just through changing behaviour.

AREAS PRONE TO CONDENSATION

REDUCING CONDENSATION

There are four things to consider when dealing with a condensation problem – Heating – Insulation – Ventilation – Excess moisture (HIVE).

HEATING

Condensation is most likely to be a problem in your home if it is under heated:

try to keep temperatures in all rooms above 15°C as this will reduce condensation forming on external walls.

INSULATION

We have insulated your home, this will help in tackling the problem:

• warming the surface temperature of walls, ceilings and windows
• generally increasing the temperature of the home
• reducing heating costs and allowing the home to be heated to a higher standard more  affordably.

VENTILATION

Condensation will occur less if you allow air to circulate freely. Make sure vents and airbricks are not covered or obstructed.

REDUCE THE MOISTURE 

Condensation in the home occurs when there is too much moisture in the air. Take steps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air by following our checklists.

CONDENSATION PREVENTION CHECKLIST

• In colder weather try and keep temperatures between 18-21^oC in main living areas whilst indoors.
• Don’t block airbricks or air vents.
• To kill and remove mould wipe down walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash which carries a Health and Safety Executive approval number.
• Dry washing outside where possible.
• Don’t dry clothes on radiators. This will make your boiler work harder to heat your home  and cost almost as much as using a tumble dryer, whilst creating a lot of condensation.
• If you have to dry clothing indoors, and don’t have a tumble dryer, place clothes on a drying rack in a sunny room where a window can be opened slightly and keep the door closed.
• No drying rack? Put your clothes on hangers and hang from a curtain pole above a slightly opened window; this can also reduce the need for ironing.

LIVING ROOM CHECKLIST

• Open window trickle vents during the day or when going out, or open windows for at least 10 minutes every day.

KITCHEN CHECKLIST

• Close internal doors whilst cooking and open window(s).
• Use an extractor fan if you have one.
• Put lids on pans (this also reduces boiling times and helps save money).
• Only boil as much water as you need in a kettle to reduce steam and save money.

BATHROOM CHECKLIST

• Open windows whilst bathing/washing and leave them open for about 20 minutes after, if it’s safe to do so.
• Use an extractor fan if you have one.
• Take shorter and cooler showers!
• When running a bath put the cold water in first; this results in significantly less condensation.
• Wipe down windows/mirrors/tiles/shower doors with a window squeegee and mop up the moisture with a super absorbent cloth which can be rung out in the sink.
• Don’t leave wet towels lying around.
• Try drying yourself with a smaller towel and wringing it out, wrapping yourself in a bigger towel or dressing gown for warmth. Microfiber towels are great for this as they absorb more water and dry quickly.

BEDROOM CHECKLIST

• Wipe down your windows with a window squeegee.
• Open window trickle vents if you have them during the day or when going out, or open windows for at least 10 minutes every day.
• Don’t put your furniture, including beds, against any outside walls and try and leave a gap between the wall and furniture to allow airflow.

DECORATING

• If you have received permission to decorate and if you chose to wallpaper, use a paste containing a fungicide to prevent further mould growth.
• Use thermal lining paper under wallpaper when decorating.
• Use mould resistant paint on areas prone to mould such as ceiling above windows.