Condensation, damp & mould
Your home should be a place that you’re proud of and where you enjoy living. We want to help you stop condensation in your home, and help you deal with the problems that condensation can cause.
If you have a problem with condensation, damp or mould in your home, it’s important that you let us know so that we can help.
You can report damp in your home:
 By telephone - 0330 175 9540 |
 By email – dampresponseteam@incommunities.co.uk |
What happens when you report condensation, damp and mould?
We want to be clear about what happens once you’ve reported these issues to us. So we have put together some steps that explain what you can expect from us and the different stages involved – what happens next
Tips to avoid condensation, damp and mould in your home
What is condensation?
Condensation happens when there isn’t enough ventilation. It’s the most common cause of damp in homes. If it’s not dealt with, it can lead to black mould, which is bad for your health. Everyday activities, such as showering, drying clothes, boiling kettles, cooking and even breathing, add extra moisture to the air and can cause condensation. It can be difficult to manage condensation, particularly during the colder months when heating costs are higher.
Most homes get condensation, but if it is managed, it can be improved and shouldn’t cause too many problems.
We want to help you prevent condensation from building up in your home by following three simple steps.
Step 1: Reduce moisture
- Try to dry clothes outdoors, or in the bathroom with the window open or fan on and internal door closed. Avoid drying clothes on a radiator.
- If you have a tumble dryer, put the vent through an open window.
- Use a saucepan lid when cooking to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Also keep the internal kitchen door closed and the window slightly open or the fan on.
- Hot showers create a lot of steam. After your shower, dry the shower area with an old towel to reduce moisture in the air.
- When showering, close your bathroom door so that the damp air doesn’t spread to the rest of your house and open the window to get rid of the moisture in the air.
Step 2: Let air flow through your home
- Condensation can be reduced by opening windows and letting air bricks/ fans to do their job helping to ventilate your home.
- If your home has additional insulation, including cavity wall or external wall insulation, it’s even more important to allow fresh air in.
- Open trickle vents on windows or open windows for up to half an hour in the morning. Also, don’t block airbricks or window vents.
- Try to leave a space between furniture and the wall to allow air to circulate.
Step 3: Keep heating on low
It’s better not to turn your radiators off completely during winter. Instead, you should turn your radiator valves down to low or frost setting in unused rooms.
If you don’t use your heating enough the walls of your home will cool, which can lead to condensation.
Closing the door to an unused, cooler room will also help keep your home warmer.
Opening your curtains and blinds during daylight can help warm your home. It will also allow moisture to be vented through trickle vents or open windows.
Remember, propane gas and paraffin heaters produce excessive moisture, which can lead to big problems with condensation and mould.
What if I have mould in my home?
Mould can be removed with a fungicidal mould remover which can be applied to the affected area. You can get fungicidal mould remover from most supermarkets. Remember to wipe down surfaces that attract condensation and mould regularly.
Redecorating
If you are thinking about redecorating, it is best to use paint rather than wallpaper in rooms particularly prone to condensation, for example kitchens and bathrooms, as it is easier to clean and repair. Anti-mould paint can also be used which should help prevent mould growth.
Checking the moisture in your home
A hygrometer is a handy tool for measuring humidity and temperature levels in your home. It will help you to reduce the risk of condensation and mould in your home.
When we do a damp survey, our surveyor will give you a hygrometer so you can keep an eye on the moisture in your home.
If you would like to request a hygrometer, please call 0330 175 9540, or email our damp response team on dampresponseteam@incommunities.co.uk.
Please note, we won’t be responsible for replacing batteries in hygrometers.
To report damp in your home, call 0330 175 9540, or email dampresponseteam@incommunities.co.uk
