DAMP & MOULD
CONDENSATION
Mould grows on damp surfaces. It most cases it is caused by condensation. This is moist air in the home from everyday things – such as cooking and showering – which settles on cold surfaces. Ocasionally dampness may be caused by water getting into your home from leaking pipes, blocked guttering or an outside wall which needs re-pointing. Or it could be a combination of both of these things.
Condensation is natural in everyone’s homes, especially as we all try to eliminate draughts and save money on heating bills. But there are lots of things you can do to keep condensation to a minimum and stop it becoming a problem. This will reduce the risk of dampness and mould growth in your home.
SPOTTING DAMP AND MOULD?
WHAT IS CONDENSATION?
Check your home for: • Leaking pipes and waste overflows • Rain seeping in where tiles or slates are missing • Overflow from blocked gutters penetrating around window frames or leaking through cracked pipes • Rising damp due to a defective damp-course or because there is no damp-course. Leaks and rising damp often leave ‘tide marks’ and only travel to about a meter up the wall without black mould growth. However, this only relates to rising damp & not leaks in general.
Condensation occurs when moist air hits a cold surface. This moist air condenses on cool surfaces such as walls, mirrors, tiles, windows and clothes leaving small drops of moisture. Look for it in corners, near windows, behind wardrobes, inside cupboards, on the ceiling or places where there is little movement of air.
If it seems like the cause of the mould may be dampness getting into your home from outside, we will send someone to investigate and then put right any problems that we find or help you tackle any mould growth from condensation. When you call us we will spend time with you on the phone discussing the problem and what might be causing it.
Condensation occurs mainly during winter months and does not leave a ‘tide mark’. Condensation usually occurs at night when temperatures drop and doors and windows are closed. Even people breathing can cause condensation and this can cause damp where mould can grow.
CAUSES OF CONDENSATION Kettles boiling and irons producing steam
Cooking without covering pots Bathing and showering without ventilation
DID YOU KNOW... The ‘average’ family produces approximately 15 litres or 27 pints of moisture per day. Here is an idea of how much moisture you create • • • • • •
4 people sleeping for 8 hours - 1-2 litres of moisture Cooking - 2-4 litres Washing clothes - 0.5-1 litres Drying clothes - 3-7.5 litres Dishwashing - 0.4 Litres per day Bathing - 0.2 Litres per day
HAVE YOU GOT A HYGROMETER? A hydrometer measures the amount of moisture content in the room. You should ideally have readings between 40 and 60. If it gets to over 60 for two days or more this is were condensation and mould start to appear. To order your free hygrometer call 01892 501480 option 3
damp & mould let’s tackle it together
Top Tips aWipe off mould using anti fungal products as soon as you see it
HOW TO PREVENT CONDENSATION
DO
HOW TO REMOVE MOULD
a
1. Wipe it off immediately with water using a sponge or cloth
aWipe condensation off windows and window sills as soon as you see it
aClose kitchen or bathroom doors when in use aLeave trickle vents open to ventilate rooms aPut lids on pans when cooking aDry clothes outside where possible aPut cold water in first when running a bath aMove large items of furniture away from external walls aSwitch extractor fans on (even if they are noisy!)
Dry washing outdoors if possible. If you dry washing indoors, put it in the bathroom with the door closed and windows left open or Cover pots and pans the vents on when cooking Make sure tumble dryer vents go outside
Use extractor fans, they are important for removing moisture from the air
Keep doors closed to rooms like bathrooms and kitchens where steam is being produced
aDeclutter cupboards and wardrobes as over filled spaces stop air circulating
aKeep air vents unblocked in your home. Watch our damp & mould video at www.tchg.org.uk/damp-and-mould
Keep the heating on a low heat – this is better than short bursts of high heat
Windows left open decrease the risk of condensation forming
2. Apply anti-fungicidal spray to the wall. Mould removers are available from DIY stores. Make sure that you read the instructions carefully before use and wear rubber gloves and a mask. 3. Properly clean and remove the mould first then use a special fungicidal paint to help prevent it recurring. 4. Dry clean clothes and shampoo carpets affected by mould.
I wish I had... prevented condensation checked for damp
keep on top of the mould
asked for help
Dampness in your home can lead to the growth of black mould, which if left could be harmful. It’s important to deal with mould and the causes as quickly as possible or it will soon return. For information or to ask for a hydrometer contact
The only lasting way of avoiding mould is to eliminate dampness!
info@tchg.org.uk www.tchg.org.uk