Damp And Mould In The Home

Mould growth is a sign of damp conditions. This damp may be due to penetrating damp, rising damp and/or condensation. 

It is normal for a home to have some moisture, for example due to breathing, bathing and cooking. Homes should be adequately ventilated and heated in order to reduce the moisture build up and the growth of mould. 

  • Penetrating damp 

    If the property is not watertight, damp may enter from the outside.  For example though damaged roofs, windows or guttering. You can often notice these by water marks around a localised area, these can also lead to mould growth. These defects need to be repaired. 

  • Rising Damp

    When a property does not have a damp proof course or the damp proof course has been breached or has failed, moisture can rise upwards through the walls from ground level.  Often a tide mark of moisture can be seen on the walls. Repairs need to be done by specialists to ensure the damp proof course is maintained to prevent future problems. 

  • Condensation

    Excess moisture which cannot escape your home will condense onto a colder surface, often window frames, corners or low points on walls behind furniture.  

    To help reduce condensation and the associated mould growth we advise:

    Keeping your home warm 

    Ventilating your home  

    Cleaning off black mould  

     

  • Heating

    Set up a heating pattern with a use of a thermostat keeping rooms between 18°C and 21°C and avoid using short bursts of heat. If you are unsure of how to set this in a rented property, ask your landlord. If you are struggling to heat your home there may be some additional support and you can ask a local advice service for assistance with this, such as Hitting the Cold Spots.

  • Ventilation

    Open windows to allow moisture to escape. Opening the windows a small gap for short periods during high humidity can allow moisture to escape the air and avoid that moisture settling on a cold spot. 

    Leave trickle vents open 

    Don’t leave the windows wide open for long periods in cool weather otherwise the air will become too cold indoors  

    Use humidistat-controlled extraction fans – these will turn on when humidity is high and turn off when it has been reduced 

    Leave gaps behind furniture to allow air to circulate.