Damp, mould and condensation

• Dry washing outside or in a bathroom with the door closed and the window slightly open
• Make sure non-condensing tumble driers are venting to the outside
• Cook with pans lids on, turn heat down to simmer and use as little water as possible
• Run the cold water into your bath first, it reduces the steam by 90%!
• Wipe down windows and sills daily to remove moisture.

• Use your extractor fan or open a window when cooking or washing up
• Open windows on all levels on opposite sides of your home for 30 minutes each morning, keeping internal doors open so dry air can circulate. Don't forget to close the windows if you go out!
• Close kitchen and bathroom doors when in use to stop moisture escaping
• Keep a small gap between large items of furniture and the walls. If possible keep external walls clear
• Don't overfill wardrobes and cupboards, and remove 'false' wardrobe backs or drill air holes though them. 
• Raise furniture on blocks so air can circulate.

Warm air keeps hold of the moisture better than cold air.

• Keep your heating on low throughout in cold weather. Don't heat one room high while others are cold.
• Keep the doors of unheated rooms open to allow some warmth in.
• Don't over-ventilate when it's cold - that just makes the temperature drop, making condensation more likely - and increases your heating bills!

Condensation forms more easily on cold walls and ceilings. You can make these surfaces warmer by improving insulation and draught-proofing - which will also cut your bills! However...

• Don't draught-proof rooms that are affected by condensation or where there is a heater or cooker that burns gas or solid fuel
• Don't block permanent ventilation or air-bricks installed for heating or heating appliances
• Don't draught-proof kitchen or bathroom windows.

Deal with your mould before tackling the condensation that caused it.

• Wipe down walls and window frames with fungicidal wash approved by the Health & Safety executive (widely available).
• Don't use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove mould.
• Redecorate using fungicidal paint and fungicidal resistant wallpaper paste.

Penetrating damp can be caused by water entering your home from the outside, for example from a leaking pipe.

If you see a white, salt-like substance on the surface of your walls up to a metre above ground level you may have a rising damp problem.

These damp problems are likely to be due to a structural issue within your home, so if it is becoming a problem for you, please contact us.