Damp, Mould and Condensation

Do you have damp, mould or condensation in your home?

We know it can be worrying, so we’ve put this information together.

Ways mould can grow in your home:

Condensation

Condensation is caused by moisture in the air (water vapour) inside your home meeting a colder surface, such as a window or wall. You might see condensation on your windows in the morning or after cooking or showering. If that moisture can’t get out it settles on a colder surface, very much like dew on the grass after a cold night. This can cause mould if not wiped away. Drying clothes indoors also increases the levels of moisture.

Water leaks

Water leaks can affect both internal and external walls. If the leaks are not repaired, they can lead to mould growth. The affected area looks and feels damp to the touch and stays damp regardless of the weather conditions. Please report any leaks to us straight way, so we can repair them.

Rising damp

Rising damp is caused by water rising from the ground into the home because the damp proof course (DPC) is defective. Rising damp will only affect basements and ground floor rooms and it will be present all year round but can be more noticeable in winter. Rising damp is extremely uncommon but is generally the result of a problem or fault with the home, which MHA will repair.

Penetrating damp

It appears because of a defect in the structure of the home, such as damaged brickwork, missing roof tiles, loose flashing, or leaking rainwater goods. These defects allow water to pass from the outside to the floors, walls, or ceilings. Penetrating damp is far more noticeable following a period of rainfall and will normally appear as a well-defined ‘damp patch’ which looks and feels damp to the touch. It is the result of a problem or fault with the home, which MHA will repair.

How can you help?

• Reduce the moisture: Keep your house warm (see more below)

• Ventilation: Allow good air circulation. Use extractor fans, trickle vents (located at the top of windows) and open windows. This is important when it comes to using the bathroom & when cooking.

• Be mindful when drying clothes inside: To reduce moisture, open up a window when you can and use extractor fans. Even better, dry your clothes outside if possible.

• When cooking: Turn on the extractor fan, open a window, keep the lid on, and keep the kitchen door closed, so moisture does not spread to other rooms.

You could also:

• Check windows- if any seals are damaged.
• Check the home’s exterior- broken drainpipes and gutters often cause leaks.
• Use a moisture meter– humidity levels should always be between 30-60%. A moisture meter can be bought from any DIY store for about £2.
• Dry areas immediately– dry walls and floors after you take a shower and always wipe away any spillages.
• Dehumidifiers – There are many options available, from sachets to devices. They all aim to reduce humidity in the air.

Keeping your house warm

Keeping your house warm is essential in reducing mould growth. However, we understand that this can be difficult with high energy bills. Below are a few things that might help.

1. Set your thermostat between 18C and 21C. Just by lowering your thermostat by 1 degree, you can save £60.00 in a year.
2. Use the radiator valves to set each of your rooms to the correct temperature, instead of leaving them on the maximum option.
3. Close doors and windows when the heating is on. To prevent mould & condensation, you can open the trickle vents and use extract fans. Also, close doors when cooking/showering to stop the spread of moisture.
4. Closing blinds and any curtains This will keep the heat in, as well as save you some money.

If you need help or are worried about heating your home, please contact our Customer Services Team so that a member of staff can assist. Call us on 01274 771144

Statistics and facts

-13.5 litres of moisture is produced by an average home

-Moisture is held by warm air. When the air cools at night, the moisture settles on a cool surface such as a window or wall unless it can escape through an open window or fan. Levels of moisture can be affected by: having a bath, cooking food, drying clothes inside, etc.

-During colder weather, condensation is much more apparent. There is a good chance that you will see it on surfaces such as your toilet cistern & pipes. When it’s cold at night, you might also notice that your bedroom windows get misted. Wipe the moisture to avoid mould growth.

How to treat mould

Step 1: Wipe it down with clean, soapy water. When wiping the

mould, be mindful not to brush it. This is because brushing mould can release mould spores.

Step 2: Once you have finished wiping the mould, use a dry cloth to get rid of the moisture from the wall.

Step 3: Dispose of any cloth you use in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away.

Step 4: Let us know if the mould keeps coming back. Further investigation might be needed.

There are several products available on the market for mould treatment, including sprays and solutions.