Dealing with damp

Damp happens when water comes in from the outside or there’s a lot of condensation. Damp can damage your home and cause mould, a musty smell, and wet patches on the walls and ceilings.

Causes of damp

Damp is most common in homes that are cold, poorly ventilated, or have structural damage. A property can have damp because of:

  • not having enough heat in your home
  • water coming in from the roof
  • issues with brickwork
  • plumbing issues
  • moisture from condensation

Condensation is the most common cause of damp.

Ways you can reduce condensation

Condensation happens when moist air inside a home touches a cold surface. Moisture can get in the air when you:

  • cook
  • take a bath or shower
  • boil the kettle
  • dry clothes in the tumble dryer or on the radiators

Keep your home warm

Keeping your home warm will help reduce the risk of condensation. A heated home makes it harder for condensation to form because surfaces are warm.

The best way to heat your home is to have a consistent warm temperature.

To keep heat inside your home, you can also:

  • tuck long curtains behind radiators
  • keep doors closed to stop any draughts
  • open your blinds and curtains when the sun is shining to allow the natural sunlight can help warm up a room

Ventilate your home

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

Keep a window open or turn your extractor fan on when you are cooking or bathing.

If you are drying clothes in a tumble dryer or on the radiator, keep a window open or turn your extractor fan on.

Never block air bricks or vents in walls, doors and windows.

Arranging your furniture

Place furniture against an internal wall instead of against or near a radiator. Furniture placed against a radiator can trap the air, which can lead to condensation and mould growth.

Leaving cupboard and wardrobe doors open for a short time will help circulate air.

Loft spaces

Water vapour in a loft space can cause of damp. Keeping your loft hatch closed when you do not need access to the loft will help prevent this.

If you have damp in your home

You can:

We will arrange a damp inspection in your home. During the inspection, we will:

  • complete a full damp survey
  • assess the structure of the property to see if this has caused the damp
  • check the level of humidity to help you reduce condensation
  • check your extractor fans are working properly

We may also take photographs and samples of any issues we find.

If you have mould in your home

Damp can sometimes cause mould that needs to be removed to keep your home safe.

Wiping windows and windowsills regularly will reduce mould.

Mould growth can be removed by wiping down the area with a ‘fungicidal wash’. This is available from supermarkets and DIY shops.

Never use bleach to clean walls or ceilings with mould. This can be hazardous and may encourage mould to grow in the future.

Using fungicidal paint to redecorate can help prevent mould from growing back. Once mould has been removed, keep your home ventilated.