Damp and condensation
We can help you to reduce condensation and mould in your home. Condensation can happen because of the way a home is built, or the way you use it, or both. It can cause damp and mould in your home, so look out for it.
What is condensation, damp and mould?
What is condensation, damp and mould?
Condensation is caused when excess warm moisture in the air (steam or water vapour) meets a cold surface and turns into water. This can cause patches of mould to form. Airborne spores may spread the mould to other areas of your home. Mould often appears on windows, at the corners and edges of rooms, on walls and behind furniture such as sofas, wardrobes and cupboards, and is worse in winter.
There are three main causes of condensation:
- Too much moisture in your home.
- Too little ventilation.
- Cool temperatures.
Everyday activities cause condensation, such as cooking, showering/bathing and drying clothes indoors. You can take some simple steps to reduce condensation, helping to prevent damp and mould.
- Dry your windows and window sills every morning, as well as surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom that have become wet. Wring out the cloth rather than drying it on the radiator.
Keep your home warm
The best way to combat condensation forming is to keep an even, low temperature throughout your property for long periods of time. Turning the heating up for a couple of hours twice a day can make condensation worse, so try to keep a balance throughout the property.
You need some ventilation to let the air circulate. But take care not to over-ventilate in cold weather, as it will make your home colder and make condensation more likely. It will also increase your heating costs.
Reduce moisture levels
Hang your washing outside to dry if possible, or hang it in the bathroom with the door closed and a window slightly open or extractor fan on.
Don’t put washing on radiators or in front of a radiant heater. If you use a tumble drier, make sure it is vented to the outside or it is the new condensing type.
Cook with pan lids on and turn the heat down once the water has boiled. Only use the minimum amount of water for cooking vegetables. When filling your bath, run the cold water first then add the hot water – this will reduce the steam, which leads to condensation, by 90%.
Don’t use your gas cooker to heat your kitchen, as it produces moisture when burning gas (and is a very expensive method of heating).
Increase ventilation
Ventilating your home replaces moist air with dry air from the outside, and doing this for just 30 minutes a day can help reduce condensation. Open a small window at one end of your house or flat, or downstairs, and a small one at the other end or upstairs. Remember to close them for security when you go out.
Ventilate your kitchen while cooking, washing up or washing by hand, and for about 20 minutes afterwards. Use your cooker extractor hood or extractor fan, or keep the window slightly open.
Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed to prevent moisture escaping around your home.
Ventilate your bathroom for about 20 minutes after use by opening a window or using the extractor fan – they are cheap to run and very effective.
Ventilate your bedroom by leaving a window slightly open overnight or use trickle vents, if fitted, in your windows. But think about security if you're leaving a window open.
To reduce the risk of mildew on clothes and other stored items, allow air to circulate round them by pulling them a little way out from the walls. If possible, place wardrobes and cupboards against internal walls where there is less risk of cold and damp from outside. Try not to overfill them, as this reduces air circulation.
Damp in walls and ceilings can be caused by condensation. But there may be other reasons, such as:
- Leaking roofs, guttering or chimney flashing.
- Leaking internal and external pipes.
- Faulty damp-proof course, rendering or brickwork
First treat the mould already in your home by wiping down or spraying walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash. Ensure you follow the instructions for using it safely. Throw away the rags or cloths you have used, as they hold the spores.
- Wash and dry any mildewed (mouldy) clothes, and shampoo carpets.
- Don't try to remove mould with a brush or vacuum cleaner, as this will make spores airborne and spread them further.
If you think your home has any of these problems, or you would like further advice, please call Raven on 01737 272400 or email damp.queries@ravenht.org.uk.
