Reducing damp and mould
Damp and mould is a serious issue in homes of all types, right across the country. Condensation damp is the most common type of damp and is thought to affect almost one in five homes in the UK.
This continues to be a critical issue in customers homes as there are many way damp and mould can occur. If untreated, condensation can lead to the growth of black mould on walls and ceilings which, aside from looking unsightly, can cause health problems. We have lots of different types of homes, and there is no single cause or treatment for damp and mould so through the year, we’ve been doing everything we can to help customers suffering from this issue and looking to tackle it as best as possible. A year ago we launched a campaign to provide some tips and advice to our customers with the purpose of preventing this issue. This project saw over 350 customers get help but we don’t want to relax about this very big problem.
Everyday jobs around the house like washing and drying clothes, cooking and bathing all release moisture into the air, creating condensation. If this continues for a long period of time, it will eventually cause damp and mould will begin to grow.
- Produce less moisture:
- Dry clothes outdoors where possible.
- Avoid drying your washing on a radiator.
- Always cover pans when cooking and do not leave the kettle boiling.
- Remove excess moisture:
- Wipe down windows, windowsills, walls and shower walls every morning to remove condensation. Just opening a window isn’t enough.
- Ventilate to remove moisture:
- Open your windows and throw back the sheets or duvets to air the bed and bedding.
- Clear windowsills of clutter that will restrict opening the window.
- Avoid overfilling cupboards and wardrobes as this prevents air circulation.
- Don’t block air vents in your home.
- Regulate your heating:
- In cold weather, the best way to keep rooms warm and avoid condensation is to keep low background heat on all day, rather than short bursts of high heat, and it’s cheaper!
- Avoid using portable gas heaters.
- Defective plumbing
- Leaks from water and waste pipes are common and can affect both external and internal walls and ceilings. The affected area looks and feels damp to the touch and remains damp whatever the weather conditions outside. A quick examination of the water and waste pipes could find the source of the problem.
If you think something needs looking at in your home let us know and remember to check out our Detective Damp’s guide here: www.greatplaces.org.uk/dampguide
If you’d like to receive a print copy of this Guide then please contact customerhub@greatplaces.org.uk and we can look to send it to you.