How can I stop damp and condensation?

Did you know that whether you rent or own your home, damp and condensation can cause big problems to the building and for your health in the form of mould.

Fixing damp and condensation which can cause mould can play a big part in:

• making your home healthy
• improving your comfort
• saving you money 

In simple terms, damp and condensation are caused by water finding its way into your home. Mould can grow when moisture in a home builds up.

Damp can be caused by many different things, including:

• Rainwater getting in through holes in your roof, blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes, and badly fitted or rotting doors and windows.
• Leaks from poor and faulty plumbing.
• Leaks from damaged or faulty household appliances, such as your washing machine.
• Baths and showers that need resealing.
• Rising damp from the ground finding its way into walls and floors due to a missing or damaged damp proof course.

To stop damp, you need to fix the leak that is letting water in:

• Repair holes in the roof, unblock gutters and downpipes, and either fix or replace rotten doors or windows.
• Call out an approved plumber to repair your plumbing.
• Repair or replace water damaged household appliances.
• Reseal your bath or shower with a silicone sealant.

If you have bigger problems like a failed damp proof course, it’s best to ask for help from a trusted professional.

If you’re renting your home, make sure you talk to your landlord about damp. Also raise your concerns with your local council as they can help get landlords to make the changes you need.

Condensation occurs when moist air inside your home hits cold surfaces and creates droplets of water. Things most of us do all the time at home can cause condensation, including cooking, drying clothes and bathing.

There are several ways to reduce condensation in your home. The more of these you do, the less condensation you will have:

• Ventilation – fit and use extractor fans in areas that are more likely to get condensation, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Or open a window for a few minutes to let excess moisture out. 
• Heating – keep your home heated to a consistent temperature as this stops surfaces getting cold in the first place and attracting condensation.
• Dehumidifier – use a dehumidifier to suck excess moisture out of the air. This is especially effective if you’re drying your washing indoors or using radiators to dry clothes, which isn’t recommended.
• Cooking – put pan lids on when you cook. This will reduce condensation, cook the food in the pan faster and reduce how much energy is used.

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, humid conditions. It feeds on organic materials like wood and wallpaper. If it is not removed or treated, mould can cause serious health problems, particularly in the young, old and those with respiratory conditions and weakened immune systems. Health problems include:

• allergic reactions with symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash
• respiratory issues including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
• asthma attacks, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

If you have mould in your home, you need to get rid of it as soon as you possibly can. If you feel confident you can tackle it yourself, use the following method. Alternatively, call a mould specialist, or if you rent, contact your landlord immediately.

• Use an antifungal cleaning product or a product that’s specially formulated to kill mould.
• Use a disposable cloth and to avoid spreading the mould, throw it away immediately after use.
• Wear gloves to avoid touching the mould directly and also any other protective clothing the cleaning product manufacturer recommends.
• Wear a mask to avoid inhaling any mould spores and cleaning product fumes.
• Never wipe mould when it is dry, wiping when wet helps stop mould spores spreading in the air.
• Ventilate the area you are cleaning well using extractor fans or by opening windows.
• Keep doors to other rooms closed to help avoid spreading mould spores in the air to other parts of the house.