DAMP AND MOULD
Condensation Advice
This is the most common cause of dampness.
Condensation is caused by water moisture from inside the home coming into contact with a colder surface, such as a window or wall. The water drops (or condensation) may then soak into the wallpaper or paintwork or even plasterwork and attract black mould to grow on its surface. Condensation mainly occurs during the colder months and is usually found in corners and north facing walls, on or near windows, areas with little air circulation such as behind wardrobes and beds - especially when they are pushed up against external walls - black mould is frequently seen on this type of dampness. It is very important to strike a balance between warmth and ventilation.
It may appear that by opening windows that you are losing heat, but this actually allows warm moisture-laden air to escape and permits cool dry air to enter your home. Dry cool air is actually cheaper to heat than warm moist air! So this actually saves you money, as well as resulting in a healthier living environment.
Take preventative action - If you feel the dampness and/or mould growth is caused by condensation:
1. PRODUCE LESS MOISTURE • Cover pans when cooking. • Dry clothes outdoors in warm weather. • Ventilate tumble driers to the outside. • Do not use paraffin or liquid petroleum (‘bottled’) gas heaters. They produce masses of water vapour and are very expensive to run.
2. VENTILATE TO REMOVE MOISTURE • Always ventilate, or open a window when the kitchen and/or bathroom are in use and close other internal doors so as to prevent moistureladen air from spreading to other parts of your home. • Continue to ventilate for a time after a shower, a bath or cooking. • Ventilate cupboards, wardrobes and (with blocked up fireplaces) chimney flues. • Always open bedroom windows (for up to one hour) as soon as you rise, and throw back the sheets or duvets to air the bed and bedding. • Clear window sills of clutter that will impede window opening.
3. WIPE AWAY EXCESS MOISTURE • Always wipe the windows (and window sills if required) of your home, every morning, to remove condensation. This is especially important in the bedroom; just opening the window is not enough.
4. KEEP YOUR HOME ADEQUATELY HEATED IF POSSIBLE • Keep low background heat on all day, even in the bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom.
5. ABOVE ALL REMEMBER DEALING WITH CONDENSATION IS NOT EASY! • Carrying out as many of the above steps as often as possible will help to reduce condensation in your home.
Please do not hesitate to contact us about condensation issues in your home. We are here to help.
if you feel that your dampness is due to rising damp, penetrating damp or from a repair issue then please contact us.