Let's talk about damp and mould
Our Customer Voice group has created this series of five short films to help you if there appears to be damp and mould in your home.
Most homes get some condensation from time-to-time
When this is persistent it can lead to damp and mould, so we're committed to keeping condensation as low as possible in our homes.
Here's information on what might be causing it, ways to prevent it, and how we can help.
Damp and mould problem?
If there is damp or mould in your home, or problems with extractor fans, please tell us as soon as possible.
You can contact us in any of the usual ways or click the damp and mould form button below. Details will be sent straight to our surveyors.
There's lots our surveyors can do to help, including checking fans in your home are working, that their settings are correct, and that there is enough air flow through them.
This page has information about ways to help prevent and tackle condensation, damp and mould, including videos from our Customer Voice group.
What causes damp and mould?
Damp and mould can be caused by condensation, when warm, moist air comes into contact with a colder surface.
Condensation can form on any surface and may not be noticed until mould growth, a musty smell, or rotting of material occurs.
Mould looks like small black, grey or green spots on the wall or other surfaces in your home. This can be removed by you or your family using antifungal spray, where possible.
Cold homes are more likely to have condensation. It’s important to keep your home warm. If you’re worried about how to afford heating, take a look at our help and advice page.
Preventing condensation
When you’re bathing or showering, it’s best to open the window to reduce the spread of water vapour. If you have an extractor fan make sure it’s on and keep the door closed to stop moisture spreading.
It’s best to avoid using radiators to dry clothes – instead use a cheap drying rack in a cooler room like the bathroom where you can close the door, open a window and use an extractor fan. A tumble dryer helps as long as it’s plumbed in properly so the moist air goes outside. If you dry clothes on radiators, keep the room well ventilated by using trickle vents or extractor fans and opening windows.
Try to leave a gap between your furniture and outside walls. It’s best not to put furniture in front of radiators, as this can prevent heat from radiating into the room. Also try to avoid putting mattresses directly on the floor. This prevents pockets of still, moist air from forming.
Keep your home warm. Warm air can hold more moisture causing less condensation to form on surfaces. If you’re worried about heating your home call us on 01209 200200.
When cooking or washing clothes, it’s best to keep the kitchen door closed and open a window. Try to keep lids on pans and, if you have an extractor fan, switch it on to send the moist air outside.
Check there are no bin bags or other items against the outer walls of your home. These prevent ventilation and sunlight from warming the walls.
Try to make sure all vents are open. Try not to block or cover air bricks or flues, and try to air your home regularly to avoid a build up of moist air.
Where fitted, keep the trickle vents open on your windows. From time to time, open your windows slightly to air your home. Ideally, curtains should finish just above the window sill and not touch the glass, which can lead to mould. Try to avoid covering radiators with long curtains, which can stop heat radiating into the room.