Many of us will have experienced issues with damp and mould in our homes at some point. Even in warm, well maintained properties, mould growth can occur in some parts of the home, especially in the colder months.

Most mould growth happens because of condensation. However, sometimes mould can be the result of damp.

What causes damp and mould

Damp and mould are a common household problem, and they are often caused by excess moisture.

Moisture in properties can be caused by a number of things such as:

  • leaking pipes
  • rising damp from the ground
  • a damaged roof
  • window frames
  • condensation caused by a lack of heating and ventilation

How you can prevent damp and mould

To prevent damp and mould you will need to reduce the levels of humidity and condensation throughout your home.

You should try to:

  • always cook with a lid on your pans to stop steam escaping
  • avoid drying clothes on radiators, using a clothes airer within a ventilated room instead
  • leave small windows open for 30 minutes a day or ensure your trickle vents are left open
  • provide adequate heating throughout the day if you can, avoiding temperature highs and lows
  • keep your mechanical extractor fans connected, as these are designed to remove moisture from your bathroom and kitchen
  • close doors and open windows when using your kitchen and bathroom to help the moisture to escape into the open air and not other parts of the home
  • dry your windows and window sills every morning
  • keep a small gap between large furniture and walls to allow ventilation behind

What can contribute to the cause of damp and mould

Damp is simply an excess of moisture that cannot escape. Mould needs this damp environment to grow.

The 3 main causes of damp in the home are:

  • condensation – caused by moist, warm air condensing on cold surfaces, particularly in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens
  • humidity – comes from household activities such as showering, cooking, drying your clothes indoors and poor ventilation
  • leaks – can occur from inside and outside of your property through pipes, walls or flooring

If you notice any leaks or other defects, please report a repair. We will send one of our maintenance workers to undertake the required repairs.

Preventing damp and mould

For more on how to tackle damp and condensation, please watch the video below.

If you need help

If you are struggling to heat your home or have other issues with damp, mould and condensation, you can:

Safety in the home