Living conditions
Managing moisture in your home
The living conditions of our customers continues to be a top priority for us. As we move into the cooler months, moisture and condensation in homes can often start to become a problem.
Why is moisture a problem?
Too much moisture in your home can lead to condensation, as well as damp and mould further down the line.
Moisture is created in our homes every day, by activities such as drying clothes, cooking, washing the dishes and even just by breathing! Managing moisture in your home can reduce the risk of damp and mould appearing in your property.
Below are a few handy tips on how to manage moisture in your home. Don’t forget to take a look at the full list of tips on our website. Visit www.greatplaces.org.uk/dmctips
- Dry clothes outdoors where possible. If you are drying clothes indoors, use a clothes airer in the bathroom with the door closed and either a window open or extractor fan on.
- Make sure your tumble drier is vented to the outside (never into the home).
- Cover pans when cooking and don’t leave the kettle boiling.
- When you’re running a bath, put cold water in first then add hot – it reduces steam by 90%.
- Ventilate your home by opening windows or using trickle vents if you have UPVC windows.
- Wipe down windows, windowsills, walls and shower walls to remove condensation.
- If you can, put furniture against internal rather than external walls, and leave a gap of about two inches between the furniture and wall, so air can circulate around the room.
- Heat your home evenly - if you are unable to heat your home for long periods of time, it is important that you manage moisture by increasing the ventilation of air within your home through extractor fans and opening windows.
What happens if moisture in a home isn’t managed?
If moisture in a home isn’t managed, or there are issues with the property, this can lead to more serious issues such as damp and mould.
Damp and mould can be a serious problem for your home and health. It affects almost one in five homes in the UK, no matter the age of the property. Damp and mould should be treated as quickly as possible, as it can make asthma and other health conditions worse.
What can cause mould and what are the signs to look for?
Damp and mould can be caused by a variety of reasons and the main ones are building defects and condensation.
Condensation is the most common cause of dampness experienced in all homes, especially during colder months. Condensation is caused by moisture in the air settling on a colder surface, such as a window or wall, or in areas of the home with little air circulation, such as behind furniture.
If your home has condensation, it is possible that mould can grow, often as black spots on your walls, ceilings, furnishings and even on clothes and toys.
Remember we are here to help. If you are struggling with condensation, damp or mould in your home, or you notice any defects that may cause it, please contact us as soon as possible – we are here to help. We aim to investigate these reports within 10 working days.
The quickest and easiest way for you to contact us is to use the Live Chat facility on our website. It is four times quicker than phone and available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email us at repairs@greatplaces.org.uk. You can also report issues through our online form on our website, visit: www.greatplaces.org.uk/reportdampormould
