Damp and mould

Damp, mould and condensation can affect any home.

If you notice damp or mould in your home, please report this to us so we can do an inspection to confirm the cause. We can then work with you to resolve the problem. Our aim is to identify and eliminate the source of moisture.

Condensation is when moisture or water in the air collects on a cooler surface. Most people have a little bit of condensation, like the droplets you see on your windows after a shower.

While it is usually nothing to worry about, condensation can lead to damp and mould if left for too long.

Mould looks like little black dots in the corners of the windows or anywhere water collects. Mould can be bad for your health, so it is important you take action if you spot signs of mould in your home.

Damp looks like a wet patch on a wall or ceiling and appears when condensation is left for a long time. Left untreated, damp can cause structural problems over a long period of time.

If your windows are getting steamy or your window ledges are wet, then there is too much moisture in the air.

Here are some tips to help you prevent condensation and mould in your home:

1. ventilation
   • you need much more ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom when cooking, washing up, bathing and drying clothes - this means open windows or put on your extractor fan
   • keep any window vents open to allow air to circulate in and out so any moisture can escape
   • please report any faulty extractor fans or windows not opening properly to us so these can be fixed
2. cooking
   • when cooking, have a window open or extractor fan on so steam can escape
   • keep lids on saucepans while cooking
3. drying clothes
   • dry your washing outside where possible, or in room with an open window or extractor fan
   • do not put wet clothes on a radiator as this will fill the room with moisture, creating condensation, very quickly
4. air flow
   • regularly check behind furniture, including beds, that are placed against an external wall for mould
   • wherever possible leave a gap between the furniture and external wall to allow air to circulate
   • open your curtains during the day as keeping them closed for long periods can trap condensation behind them
   • never block air bricks or extractor fans; keep them open and clear from obstruction
5. wipe down
   • regularly wipe windows, windowsills and walls to prevent condensation build-up

Always wipe away signs of mould before it has time to spread. You should use a cloth with an antifungal or antibacterial spray, and you will need to thoroughly dry the area afterwards. You may need to repeat this regularly to prevent a serious outbreak of mould.

After cleaning mould away, and once you are satisfied that it has been treated, redecorate using a good quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould recurring. Ordinary paint or wallpaper will not solve the problem.

Sometimes, damp and mould are due to an issue with your property. If you have tried our tips but it is not making a difference, please let us know by calling our repairs contractor Great Yarmouth Norse (GYN) on 0808 264 4444. It could be that we need to carry out some repairs.

Working out what is causing damp or mould in your home isn't always easy. However, it is as much in our interest as it is in yours that damp is treated as soon as possible.

• We will always ask what you've done to try and manage the issue yourself. This helps us to understand and better diagnose what is going on.
• We may carry out an inspection to identify the reasons for damp or mould as it can be due to a combination of different reasons.
• The measures we can take to help you tackle the problem include washing down walls, repairing a leak, installing ventilation and providing dehumidifiers and/or temporary heaters. This may take several visits and inspections for us to diagnose and treat the issue.
• We may ask other departments to assist, for example to provide advice in relation to fuel poverty or health and wellbeing that may be contributing to the problem of damp and mould in your home.
• If the issue appears to be with the structure of the building, a specialist surveyor will inspect your home to inform any adaptations we might need to make. Sometimes damp can only be eliminated with ongoing treatment. This can take time and we will keep in regular contact.