Damp and mould

This is damp that rises from the ground and into the walls of your home, drawn up by a process called capillary action. It happens in homes with no damp proof course (DPC) or where the DPC has been damaged.

Rising damp is unlikely to cause black mould, because the salts in the water inhibit its growth.

This is caused by damp getting through the walls, via missing pointing, roof leaks or other building defects. This can happen anywhere in your home but will be located close to where the defect is.

It will be more noticeable directly after rain and will leave a noticeable damp patch on your walls or ceilings.

Like rising damp, penetrating damp is unlikely to cause black mould, because the salts in the brickwork limit its growth.

Damp can also be caused by leaking or defective plumbing, commonly occurring in bathrooms and kitchens.

Black mould is less likely to occur with defective plumbing due to the chemicals found in soaps and cleaning products inhibiting its growth.

Condensation happens when the air gets colder and it cannot hold all the moisture. Tiny drops of water appear and if this happens on a regular basis it can cause condensation in your home, leaving black or green mould growth on walls and furniture. It is important to provide sufficient ventilation to allow moisture generated by daily living to escape.

Of all the causes of damp and mould, condensation is the most likely to cause black mould, due to the lack of chemicals in the water, which in other cases, inhibit its growth.

A. If you notice any signs of damp or mould in your home, contact us by calling 0300 303 8540. We will ask you key questions about what you have been experiencing in relation to damp and mould in your home.

What happens next is determined by the level of potential risk to residents living in your home.

We will offer a damp and mould survey to investigate further, and we may consider carrying out safety works (e.g. a mould wash) to clean down any affected areas.

Following the results of your damp and mould survey, we may carry out further preventative works.

Condensation happens when the air gets colder and it cannot hold all the moisture. Tiny drops of water appear and if this happens on a regular basis it can cause condensation in your home, leaving black or green mould growth on walls and furniture.

It is important to provide sufficient ventilation to allow moisture generated by daily living to escape.

Here are a few tips to stop condensation from damaging your home:

Make sure your home is heated – Keeping your home warm, so the temperature is between 18C and 21C, will help to prevent condensation. We understand with the rising cost of energy bills you might be worried about putting your heating on. If you’re struggling with this, please give us a call on 0300 303 8540, and we’ll put you in touch with our friendly Income Team who’ll be happy to help you with advice and support.

Dry your clothes outside if possible – Drying your clothes outside is one of the best ways to stop mould problems and condensation in your home. We understand that sometimes this isn’t possible so if you’re drying clothes inside make sure you open the windows and use extractor fans if you have them.

Ventilate your home – This will help reduce condensation by making the moist air escape outside.

• Open bedroom windows for 5-10 minutes when you get up.
• Keep a window open or turn your extractor fan on when you are cooking, in the bath or shower.
• Make sure ventilation grills in doors, windows or walls are not closed.

If your home has condensation, it is possible that mould can grow, often as black spots on your walls, ceilings, furnishings and even on clothes and toys.

To kill and remove the mould, regularly follow these steps:

• Carefully remove excess mould with a simple cleaning solution using either:

o Washing up liquid with warm water

o White vinegar in a spray bottle (vinegar kills many types of mould

o Specialist mould remover Don’t mix cleaning products

• Using rubber gloves, clean the affected area with a cloth and repeat if needed.
• Throw disposable cloths away or wash reusable cloths on a hot cycle. Do not brush mould as this release’s spores into the air.
• Allow the area to dry completely and keep the space well ventilated while drying.
• Once the mould has been removed, redecorate using a good quality fungicidal / anti-mould paint.

If you spot watermarks on your wall or ceiling, contact us by calling us on 0300 303 8540

Water or damp patches on walls or ceilings could be caused by:

• A leak in your roof
• Water coming in through the wall from outside
• A faulty damp proof course

One of our surveyors will need to visit your home to find out what is causing the watermarks so we can get things repaired to avoid further damage and mould growth.