Condensation Damp and Mould
As a home owner you are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of your property. The most common reason for mould in properties is condensation. Please see the below information on why this happens, and what you can do to prevent this, or treat any mould you may have.
If you are still within the 12-month defect period for a new build property:
Please report any issues you are experiencing with extractor fans, heating, or windows, as problems in these areas could create issues with condensation.
If there is damp or mould in your home it is very important that you let us know so we can investigate. Mould is not something to hide or be embarrassed about – it's much better to let Coastline know if there's a problem as quickly as possible so that we can do something to help.
You can report this by calling our Customer Access Team on 01209 200200, or though the My Coastline app Home - My Coastline (microsoftcrmportals.com)
Causes
Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with either colder air or a colder surface. If the air is unable to retain the same amount of moisture the water is released in the form of condensation in the air or on the surface. Examples of condensation are:
- Misted mirrors after bathing
- Misted glass on windows on cold mornings
- Moisture on the inside of external walls
Condensation in the home mainly occurs during cold weather regardless of whether it is raining or dry. This is because it is the moisture inside the home which condenses on the internal walls and windows.
It is generally noticeable where it forms on cold non-absorbent surfaces and places where there is little or no movement of air, in the corners of rooms near windows or behind cupboards and wardrobes. It is very important that wardrobes are not placed against external walls as this is very likely to cause condensation as no air can circulate between the wardrobe and wall.
Condensation can form on any surface and it may not be noticed until mould growth, a 'musty smell' or rotting of material occurs.
Five ways to help avoid damp and mould
1 - Heat your home
- Ensure the air in your home is warm as this will ensure that all surfaces are kept at similar temperatures
- Heat evenly through the day rather than heating rooms only when you use them as this will reduce the risk of moisture moving into the colder rooms
- Heating your home effectively rather than allowing it to go cold should also reduce your heating bills
- Use thermostats to control your heating
- Avoid using bottled gas or paraffin heaters as these generate a lot of moisture which will then lead to condensation
- Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms when in use by opening windows for rapid ventilation, if safe to do so
- Use extractor fans if you have them – they usually cost less than 1p per day to run
- Keep trickle window vents open at all times
- Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes and avoid putting too much in them as this stops the air circulating
- Keep furniture away from walls and allow air to circulate
- Put lids on saucepans
- Dry clothes outside
- If using a tumble dryer make sure it is vented to the outside
- Put a small amount of cold water in the bath before you turn on the hot tap
- Do not run your shower for longer than needed
- Mop up any condensation or water everyday
- Shut kitchen and bathroom doors when bathing and cooking
- Keep the kitchen and bathroom doors closed immediately after use to allow the fans to extract the moist air and stop moisture moving from room to room
- Use cooker hoods and extractor fans and / or open a window
- Treat any mould you have in your property by washing walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash that carries a Health & Safety Executive approval number
- When using fungicidal treatments always wear Personal Protective Equipment and follow the manufacturers’ guidelines
- Where paintwork has been damaged by mould repaint once the area has been treated and dried
- If you do this and follow the other advice given above, mould should not reappear
- The only lasting way to avoid severe mould is to reduce the relative humidity and condensation by properly heating and ventilating your home