Condensation, Damp, and Mould
This information explains how condensation forms and how you can keep it to a minimum. This will in turn reduce the risk of dampness and mould growth in your home.
What is condensation?
Condensation occurs when moist air hits a cold surface. This moist air condenses on cool surfaces such as walls, mirrors, tiles, windows, and clothes. Look for it in corners, near windows, behind wardrobes, inside cupboards, on the ceiling or places where there is little movement of air. Condensation occurs mainly during winter months and does not leave a ‘tide mark’.
You will see condensation as water droplets on walls, window glass, around windows and in corners of rooms.
What causes condensation?
- Cooking without covering pots and pans and lack of ventilation
- Bathing without ventilation
- Drying clothes indoors without ventilation
- Even people breathing causes condensation
Condensation usually occurs at night when temperatures drop.
How to prevent condensation
Produce less moisture in your home:
- Cover pots and pans when cooking
- Dry washing outdoors if possible
- If drying wet washing indoors put it in the bathroom with the door closed, windows left open and fans switched on
- Do not dry wet clothes on the radiators
- Vent tumble driers outside
- Wipe down showers/baths after using
- Do not use bottled gas heaters in your home
Remove moisture from your home:
- Keep trickle vents in your windows open when someone is in the room
- Ventilate your kitchen and bathroom when in use by opening the windows
- Close kitchen and bathroom doors when in use. This will help prevent moisture reaching other rooms, especially bedrooms which are often colder and more likely to get condensation
- Avoid putting too many things in your cupboards and wardrobes as this stops air circulating
- Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom if you have them
- Do not block off any air vents in your home
- Wipe excess condensation off windows and surfaces with a towel each morning
- Open windows daily for around 30 minutes, to allow a change of air
Raise the temperature of your home:
- Take extra steps to prevent heat loss by using draught excluders on doors
- Close your curtains in the evening to retain heat
- Where possible maintain a consistently warm level of heating throughout your home
How to remove mould
A build- up of condensation in your home leads to damp which then turns into mould. To remove mould:
- Wipe mould off immediately with water using a sponge or cloth
- Do not use washing up liquid
- Apply diluted bleach solution to the wall or use recommended products/mould removal available from DIY stores. (Read all instructions carefully before use and also wear rubber gloves)
- Dry clean clothes and shampoo carpets affected by mould
- DO NOT simply paint over mould. Properly clean/remove it first then use a special fungicidal paint to help prevent it recurring
Is it condensation?
Condensation isn’t the only cause of damp. It can also come from rising damp or penetrating damp due to :
- Leaking pipes and waste overflows
- Rain seeping through the roof where tiles or slates are missing
- Overflow from blocked gutters penetrating around window frames or leaking through cracked pipes
- A defective damp-course or because there is no damp-course
If you have tried all of the above and are still experiencing problems, or if you think you may have rising or penetrating damp contact us to arrange a home visit. We will inspect your property and based on what we find will agree with you an action plan along with timescales to manage the problem.
Please don’t ignore this problem, contact us on 01782 968566 or email info@stokeontrenthousingsociety.org.uk