Damp, Mould & Condensation
A warm, dry and well-maintained home helps prevent mould and keeps us healthy.
Here’s a handy guide to damp, mould and condensation and how to prevent this becoming a problem within your home.
We know that this is a complex issue but we are confident that there are actions we can all take to reduce the risk to our homes and health.
What is damp, mould and condensation?
Lots of things lead to moisture in the air inside our homes which can cause damp, mould and condensation.
When any water vapour in the air hits a cold surface it condenses, which you can see in the form of water droplets on cool walls or windows around window seals and frames and in corners of rooms. If condensation is left, it will eventually cause black spots and/or mould to grow in these areas. If this mould is not treated, it can have a negative impact on your health.
Sometimes, it is the structure of the property that is causing the problem and allowing water into the property. This could be because of missing roof tiles, a leaking pipe or water coming through an old chimney breast. Please report any repairs within your home without delay as they could be contributing to the problem. Reporting the repair will help us respond quickly to fix the issue.
How will I know if I have damp, mould and/or condensation in my home?
Here is some key information to help you spot damp, mould and condensation within your home and advice on what action you can take to reduce the risk:
Condensation
What does it look like?
- Water droplets on walls
- Water droplets of window glass, around window seals, frames and sills.
- Water droplets in corners of rooms
Why might it be happening?
- Too much moisture in the air
- Not enough ventilation
- Cold surfaces
- More likely in the colder months of the year
What can I do?
Keep the temperature in your home consistently warm. This will warm the surfaces of your home and assist in reducing condensation.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to keep your heating on full every day. Keeping your home heated between 18-21 degrees will reduce the risk of condensation forming.
Make sure tumble dryers are managed properly. If you use a vented tumble dryer, it’s really important to make sure that the ventilation pipe feeds to the outside of your home. If you use a condenser tumble dryer, make sure that the dryer is in a well-ventilated room with enough space for the air to circulate. Also regularly empty the condensation tank.
Wiping any water off surfaces with a cloth will help stop it developing into mould.
Mould - a tiny black fungus that usually starts to grow because of a build-up of condensation
What does it look like?
Little black dots which start to form around window frames, on window seals, sills and in the corners of rooms. This will likely happen where condensation has been present.
Why might it be happening?
Too much moisture in the air condensing on walls or other surfaces. Leaving water droplets on windows, sills, frames and walls and not wiping them down.
What can I do?
You can get rid of small quantities of mould with a bleach-based spray.
If the problem reoccurs, please contact our repairs team to report it and we can complete a survey of your home to identify the cause and put it right.
Condensation damp – caused by condensation and mould building up on walls, ceilings and windows and left untreated.
What does it look like?
Often shows up as black patches of mildew. Darker patches on walls which feel wet to touch.
Deterioration of plaster. Peeling wallpaper and/or flaking paintwork on walls and ceilings. Soft furnishings and clothes may smell musty. Visible droplets of water may be seen on surfaces.
Why might it be happening?
Too much moisture in the air. Temperature too low within the home.
Build-up of condensation and mould growth on walls and around windows that has not been wiped down or treated.
What can I do?
Report it to us as soon as possible so a surveyor can attend to help identify the cause and work with you to find a suitable solution.
Damp from plumbing leaks
What does it look like?
Typically shows up as a small, isolated damp patch, without any brown staining, that gradually grows. Plaster can 'bubble' at the edges of the patches. Water can become visible if the leak is near (or above) the surface.
Why might it be happening?
Caused either by corrosion of the plumbing or joints that were not fully watertight when new.
What can I do?
If you are having a leak repaired, please speak to your inspector or tradesperson on site who will be able to assist.
Penetrative damp - Damp caused by moisture from rain or the ground against walls.
What does it look like?
Patches are often outlined with a brown stain. Plaster can 'bubble' and get a powdery surface. Can affect ceilings and walls.
Why might it be happening?
Water entering the property through the structure of the building.
Caused either by the lack of an escape route for moisture entering the structure, or an increase in moisture that overloads the escape route.
Rising Damp - Damp caused by moisture rising directly from the ground below the house
What does it look like?
Black mould spots appearing but this will only be on the ground floor level. It can also show in the form of a tidal wave marking across the wall.
Why might it be happening?
Caused by moisture from the ground flooding the floors or walls and becoming trapped. The moisture will continue to rise until it can drain away or evaporate.
Damp from drying out of walls and/or floors
What does it look like?
Typically shows up as patches, without any brown staining, that may initially grow before gradually shrinking over a period of weeks or months. Common after a period of building work, cavity extraction and EWI improvement work, flooding, or a plumbing leak.
Damp patches can appear on surfaces that were not affected by the building work or flooding but are nearby.
Why might it be happening?
Caused by moisture deep within the structure working its way out.
What can I do?
If you are currently having improvement works or building works at your property, please speak with your liaison officer or area inspector who can advise you further.
If any problems re-occur or you are not sure of the cause, please contact us as soon as possible so we can arrange a further survey.
What are we doing to reduce the risk of damp, mould and condensation?
As a community landlord, we are responsible for the structure and any ongoing maintenance of your home.
We are committed to this and take a proactive approach to ensure our properties are maintained to a high standard. We have successfully completed damp surveys across all properties – over 9000 homes! As a result, we have a detailed understanding of the structure of our properties which helps us plan our major works improvement programmes and any repair work that may be needed.
- Heating
Over the last 10 years we have upgraded the heating systems within our homes, fitting them with new boilers or energy efficient systems to make it easier for our customers to heat their homes efficiently. - EWI and Cavity Extraction Programme
We have invested a considerable amount of money into the ‘fabric’ of our properties. We have removed any failed cavity wall insulation and successfully installed external wall insulation to a number of homes. This helps ensure the structure of your property is watertight and insulated, keeping it warm, dry and more energy efficient. - Loft Insulation Programme
We will shortly be completing a loft insulation programme, making sure our properties have the right amount of insulation to remain warm and dry. - New products and systems
We are continuously working hard to find innovative, improved and efficient ways to keep your home warm and reduce energy use and are currently running trial projects for different products and systems.
Surveys and Inspections
We will continue to attend and inspect your home if you have any concerns about damp, mould and condensation. We will look at the issue, identify the possible cause and raise any repairs that are needed to put things right.
Sometimes a repair is not needed as the structure of the property and condition is sound. However, we are able to provide helpful recommendations involving small changes around the home to ensure any issues can be resolved.
To see our top tips to preventing damp, mould or condensation in your home then click here
What do I do if I am worried about damp, mould or condensation within my home?
Please contact our customer services team if:
- You have any concerns or questions about damp, mould and condensation within your home
- You would like further advice on how to keep your home free from damp, mould and condensation
- You want to report damp, mould and/or condensation at your home and arrange a survey to be carried out a member of our team. If repairs are needed to help with damp, mould or condensation, we will arrange a follow-up visit with you and work with you get the problem sorted.
Contact 0300 777 3000 or email repairs@taitarian.co.uk
