We want you to have a decent, safe home, and have a place that your proud to call home.
We are working hard and working with you to reduce any cases of condensation, damp and mould, to which we take very seriously. Below is what you can expect from us when your report any condensation, damp or mould concerns to us.
Condensation happens when excess moisture in the air meets a cold surface and turns into water droplets. Everyday things like cooking, cleaning, showering, bathing and breathing produce excess moisture in our homes. Condensation is more likely to occur in winter; this is because surfaces like windows and walls are colder and there is more moist, warm air inside our homes.
Small amounts condensation, like the steam from a shower condensing in a bathroom mirror, aren't usually a concern it it's kept on top of.
If you spot condensation on a surface, wipe it down with a dry, clean cloth or kitchen towel.
Condensation is a type of damp that is caused by excess moisture inside the home, but there are other types of damp too, such as rising damp, penetrating damp and damp caused by plumbing faults. It’s important to know how to spot these types of damp so that you can let us know if you have a problem and we can take action.
Moisture can also enter your home from outside sources, such as leaks or broken and blocked guttering.
If you think you have rising damp, penetrating damp, or a plumbing fault contact us straight away so that we can arrange an inspection and take action to fix the problem.
Excess condensation or structural damp issues can cause sitting water on surfaces
like ceilings, walls and floors. This can lead to damage in your home, such as flaking paintwork, peeling wallpaper or black mould. Black mould can grow on any surface, but common places include windowsills, ceilings or walls. If you notice mould forming, it’s important that it’s treated straight away as it can spread quickly and be harmful to your health.
Using a clean cloth and a white vinegar spray is an effective way to treat and remove small areas of mould.
Finding the root cause of the damp and mould can be difficult and might take a little longer that we’d like. But don’t worry we'll find what’s causing it and sort it out as quickly as we can.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, speak to your energy provider to find out about any help that’s available. Or you can reach out to our Money Advice team to see what cost of living advice is available.
1. Heat your property as best you can. By doing this you can help to dry out damp spaces.
2. Ventilate your property, particularly when cooking and bathing. Keep other doors in the house shut to prevent loss of heat and spreading of condensation around the house.
3. Remove excess moisture from cool surfaces to prevent mould spores from forming.
4. Consider occupancy levels within your home and the humidity levels generated.
5. Clean areas of minor mould growth with an approved Mould & Mildew treatment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
1. Cover or block trickle ventilation or air bricks within your home.
2. Isolate or switch off the extractor fans in the kitchen or bathroom. Keep the moisture in the air as low as possible!
3. Leave condensation on windows or frames, give your windows a wipe with a cloth especially in the mornings!
4. Dry large volumes of clothes on radiators, particularly during winter months. You can risk mould and also rusty radiators.
5. Leave kitchen and bathroom doors open when in use.