A guide for Shared Ownership customers on how to
manage damp, mould and condensation in your home
Condensation is the biggest cause of all damp and mould problems in homes. During the colder months, homes are at even greater risk of being affected by damp, mould and condensation.
At Halton Housing, we take the problem very seriously. If your home is affected, we’re here to help. You should contact us on 0303 333 0101 if you are concerned about damp, mould or condensation in your home. This leaflet offers some advice on how to best prevent the build up of damp, mould and condensation.
What is damp?
Damp refers to the presence of excess moisture in a room. In addition to making your home feel cold and uncomfortable, it can be a serious problem as it can cause structural damage to your home if it’s not dealt with. The four most common types of damp include rising damp, penetrating damp, damp caused by defective plumbing and damp caused by condensation.
What is condensation?
There is always some moisture in the air, even if you can’t see it. Condensation happens when moisture in the air meets a cold surface like a window or wall. You may notice it when you cook, shower or dry clothes indoors – think of a mirror steaming up when you’re taking a bath – that’s condensation.
If surfaces are left wet, a build-up of condensation can occur which can lead to problems with mould. This can have a knock-on effect on not only the condition of your home, but your health too.
What is mould?
Mould is a type of fungi caused by excess moisture. It often forms in cooler points, such as windows, in the corners and edges of rooms, and behind and inside wardrobes and cupboards (especially if they are against an external wall). It can even grow in other places and on surfaces and items where the air is unable to circulate.
There are some simple steps that can be taken to help reduce the effects of these on your home, such as wiping down the windows and sills each morning.
Read on for more help and advice.
Bathing/showering
There are a number of ways that you can deal with bathroom condensation to help keep the space drier and less prone to mould growth.
Running water in baths or showers causes clouds of moisture. If you can, try turning down the temperature of your bath or shower. By lowering the temperature of the water, your bathroom won't get as hot and its air won't hold as much moisture, which will help to reduce condensation. Other ways to reduce moisture include:
Opening a window for five minutes to let in some dry air can also reduce your
heating bills as it takes more energy to heat moist air than it is does dry
Wiping down surfaces after a bath or shower.
Opening a window is one of the simplest ways to reduce condensation in the bathroom, it helps excess moisture and steam escape rather than clinging to the water vapour and landing on surfaces around the room.
Closing the door as well as opening a window will help make sure moisture doesn’t escape into other areas of your home.
An extractor fan can help remove steam and moisture from your bathroom and vent it outdoors.
Cooking
Kitchens are one of the biggest sources of condensation in the home. The combination of different activities such as boiling a kettle or cooking on a hob, contribute to the release of moisture that can build up in the air and result in water droplets forming on windows and soaking into surfaces to form damp patches.
Minimising moisture will to reduce condensation, so:
Keeping pan lids on when cooking
will reduce the moisture that is released into the cooler air.
Extractor fans are a great way to reduce moisture in a kitchen, removing steam and stopping it spreading to other parts of the home.
Closing the kitchen door and opening a window will prevent steam escaping into other rooms.
Opening a window for just five minutes after a bath or shower, or
when cooking can sometimes be enough to clear any moisture –
you don’t always need to leave a window open the full length of time.
Drying Clothes
If outdoor space is limited or the weather isn't warm enough to dry your clothes outdoors, there are some practical steps that can help reduce excess moisture when drying clothes indoors.
An extra spin cycle can help to remove any excess moisture.
Using hangers on an airer can help air circulate.
Drying clothes in the bathroom with the window open and the extractor fan on, will reduce the moisture that is released into the cooler air.
An over the bath airer in the bathroom can be a great option.
Drying a pile of washing can release as much as 10 pints of moisture into the air
Leaks
Excess moisture from leaks and condensation can cause extensive damage to your flooring, walls, furnishings, and even the building itself.
Heating water
Water heaters in small, closed-off rooms have a greater chance of showing condensation than those in large, airy rooms. Opening a window will help the air around a water heater to circulate and prevent condensation. If that's not an option, a small fan can be used to blow air around the water heater to circulate the air.
Raising an issue
We want to hear from you
If you are concerned about the levels of damp and mould in your home and are within your defect period, please contact us straight away. Our dedicated team will work with you to help identify the cause of the problem and make improvements.
Our website includes an online form you can fill in if you wish to make a complaint. Alternatively you can call us on 0303 333 0101, or visit us at our office, Waterfront Point on Warrington Road, Widnes. Our customer services team are available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
Money worries?
We understand that with the increasing cost of energy some people may find it difficult to heat their homes. If you are worried about money, our Welfare, Benefits and Money Advice team can help you. The team can help you access any benefits or support you might need. If you’re struggling, please reach out to them on 0151 510 5024 or email welfare@haltonhousing.co.uk.
Call - 0333 0044 777
Comments