There is nothing more important than the safety of you and your family

If you suspect you may have damp or a leak, please let us know.

Condensation and mould

Condensation can be a problem in any property no matter how old it is.

It happens when moisture meets a cold surface it turns into droplets of water. If left, it will develop into mould.

Activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes create moisture in your home.

It can help if you:

  • cover pans when cooking
  • use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
  • close internal doors when you cook or shower
  • leave a gap between furniture and external walls
  • dry clothes outdoors or use a vented tumble dryer

Heating your home

Try to keep your home heated.

  • It helps to have a low background temperature of at least 15 degrees in all rooms.
  • You might be able to get help with your bills if you are struggling with rising energy costs.

Ventilating 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 you find mould in your home

Mould can form anywhere in a home. The most common places is in the bathroom, bedroom or kitchen.

You can remove mould by wiping down affected areas with a fungicidal wash. This is available in most shops. If you have baking soda in the cupboard, you can use this also.

When cleaning it away:

  • try not to disturb mould by brushing or vacuum cleaning as this can make it spread
  • do not use bleach or washing up liquid as this can make things worse
  • make sure mildewed clothes are washed, and any affected carpets cleaned.

Once treated, you can buy fungicidal paint to apply to walls. This help to prevent the mould from growing back.

Download our customer guide to dealing with condensation and mould.

This gives helpful advice on how to prevent and treat condensation which can lead to mould in the home.

  • Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles such as windows and sills
  • Cover boiling pans when cooking
  • Dry clothes outside where possible
  • Cover fish tanks to stop water evaporating into the air
  • Make sure tumble dryers are vented to the outside
  • Never use bottled gas or paraffin heaters – these produce a lot of moisture and can also be a health and safety risk
  • If you have to dry clothes inside, do so in a small room with the doors closed and windows open.

 

Ventilating your home will help reduce condensation by making the moist air escape outside.

  • Let air into a room by opening a window or a door.
  • Keep a window open or turn your extractor fan on when you are cooking or bathing.
  • Never block air bricks or vents in walls, doors and windows.
  • When cooking, bathing or washing, close kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam going into colder rooms. Increase ventilation by opening windows and using the extractor fan, even after you have finished.

 

  • Maintain a low constant heat when the weather is cold or wet – this is more effective than short bursts of high heat and needn’t mean increased heating costs
  • Your room thermostat should ideally be set between 18°C and 21°C.