Wednesday 14th December 2022
Condensation is among the top reasons for damp and mould appearance in the home, especially in cold weather. Mould and mildew are fungi that thrive in moist environment. Mould can damage your home and cause serious health issues: respiratory problems, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and sinus congestion.
What is Condensation?
Cooking, washing, bathing and drying clothes inside the house release moisture into the air. However, air can hold only a certain amount of evaporated water – the higher the temperature the more it can hold. If these vapours get in contact with cold surfaces such as windows, mirrors or even walls, the result is condensation – small droplets of water. The damp left from condensation can create a thriving environment for mould on walls, wood, fabric, furniture, and carpets.
How to Control the Humidity Levels in Your Home
Mould is fungus and needs certain amounts of moisture to develop. This is why reducing condensation and getting rid of dampness are a key steps to prevent mould growth and mildew appearance at your home.
Produce Less Moisture
- Hang your laundry outside, or dry it in the bathroom, keeping the window open. Investing in a small tumble dryer is also a good solution for cold months
- Use lids on pans when cooking, and don’t leave boiling kettles. Always turn the extractor hood while cooking
- Use the bathroom fan and run it after taking a shower
- Wipe up wet surfaces after every use – kitchen worktops, bathroom tiles, sinks etc
Ventilate Regularly
- Keep bathroom and kitchen doors closed when you are in the room, even if there are extractor fans
- Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms after every use
- Ventilate wardrobes and cupboards
- Place furniture at least 2 inches from walls. If possible don’t let large pieces such as beds or wardrobes touching external walls
Heating and Insulation
- Proper heating will keep your home warmer and lower the humidity levels inside
- Keeping constant temperature with low background heating in cold weather will also help reduce condensation
- Getting an air dehumidifier is a good option for lowering the moisture at home
Guidance from Pinnacle on reporting damp and mould issues:
If a family discovers damp and mould issues whilst in the home, they should report it contact our Damp and Mould direct line using our main telephone number (0800 031 8628) and selecting Option 1 then Option 4.
The information provided will be used to escalate the issue directly for a professional damp and mould survey to be completed at the home. During this survey the cause of the issue will be investigated and an action plan drawn up for how it can be resolved. Follow-up inspections will take place to determine if the actions to get rid of the damp and mould have been successful or if further action is necessary.
If the survey reports the home is not fit for habitation the family will be moved immediately to a hotel and as a priority a funded mid-tour move will be arranged by the Home Services team.
For all damp and mould issues a professional survey will always be booked. Housing Officers will not carry this out, but trained specialists who can ensure we tackle the issue appropriately and effectively.
