Damp, mould and condensation

There are different types of damp that could affect your home. The most common stems from condensation or some form of building defect.

Types of damp

Find out more about the different types of damp:

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  • Condensation

    This is the most common form of damp. Damp from condensation happens when moisture generated inside the home cools and condenses on to colder parts of buildings. For example, window frames, corners and low points on walls behind sofas or wardrobes. 

    The amount of condensation within a house will depend on a number of things:

    • Amount of moisture the occupants produce
    • Temperature of the house
    • Level of ventilation/air circulation
  • Penetrating damp

    When water gets into the building from outside due to defects in the walls, roofs, windows or floors.

  • Rising damp

    When moisture from the ground rises up through parts of the buildings in contact with the ground, such as walls and floors. It is usually found in older properties and is often misdiagnosed. Defective damp proof courses and membranes are often the cause.

    Chemical testing is the most appropriate way of confirming it. Although it can be identified through visual inspection. 

  • Traumatic damp

    Caused by water leaking from waste and heating pipes, overflowing baths or sinks, burst pipes or defective water storage vessels inside the building. Traumatic damp can also originate from outside the property. For example, from another building or from environmental flooding.

Reducing condensation

There are lots of things that you can do to reduce the amount of moisture within your home.

We’ve produced a useful to guide to help you understand and manage condensation in your home:

Removing black mould growth

Mould spores are naturally present in the air all around us. You will only notice them once they start to grow and multiply on surfaces. They thrive in damp environments.

To kill or remove mould:

  • Remove as much of the mould as possible with a damp cloth. Throw this cloth away once used. Or you could use a vacuum cleaner, ensuring you empty it as soon as possible.
  • Clean down all affected areas with a fungicidal wash. Use bleach-based products on hard surfaces only, such as UPVC and glass. Ensure you take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and safety glasses.
  • After treating walls and ceilings, redecorate using a suitable anti-mould/anti-fungal paint. Ordinary paint is not recommended.
  • Dry clean any mould affected clothes and shampoo carpets.

Getting rid of condensation and mould growth is not easy. If you do not complete all these actions the mould may come back. You also need to take steps to reduce condensation.

Keeping your home warmer

During the cold months, the best way to reduce condensation in your home is to run your heating at a constant low level. This is more effective than turning your heating on and to a high level only when you’re at home.

Using timers and thermostats are a good way to both control your heating and manage costs. We also recommend fitting thermostatic valves to your radiators.

Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organisation that provides free and impartial advice. It can help you save money, as well as give advice on how to fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home. You can find more information on its website.

You can also find further guidance on our home energy efficiency page.

Reporting damp and mould in your home

Before you report an issue, we need to make sure you’re contacting the right team. Please clarify below:

Page Last Updated: Thursday, 27 June 2024 at 11:28 AM