Damp and Condensation

Condensation usually leaves a musty smell and mould growth or spores. If you think you have damp or condensation in your home, the first thing you need to do is check that you are doing everything you can to prevent condensation from happening.

A lot of moisture is produced into the air whenever you cook, run a bath/shower or dry clothes in your home. When this moisture meets a cold surface it turns into droplets of water called condensation and, if left, will develop into mould. This usually happens on cold, outside surfaces and walls, and in areas where the air does not flow well. It can damage clothes and furnishings. You can reduce the problem by:

• wiping moisture away whenever you see it. This can collect on windows overnight;

• keeping a window open if you are drying clothes indoors, and drying them outside where possible;

• only using a tumble dryer with good airflow;

• keeping all the rooms in your property warm - even by keeping your heating on a low setting you can reduce the amount of moisture in the air;

• letting air into a room by opening a window or a door. This is a good way to reduce moisture in the air; and

• making sure that ventilation grills in doors, windows or walls are not locked.