• 30/10/2024

Preventing Damp and Mould in your home during autumn and winter

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As the colder months set in, damp and mould in homes can increase.

Although condensation is the main cause of damp and mould, other factors like water leaks or external dampness can also contribute to the problem.  If you are experiencing damp or mould in your Hightown home, please contact our specialist team for an inspection:

Damp.&mould@hightownha.org.uk or call 01442 292518

We will investigate and diagnose the problem and recommend a plan of action to make your home healthier and more comfortable.

What causes damp and mould and how can we prevent it?

Condensation is the leading cause of damp and mould inside homes, which tends to increase in colder weather.  You might notice it in the corners of rooms, near windows, or on walls behind furniture where air cannot circulate easily.  Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a colder surface, such as a window or wall.  The moisture in the air condenses into water droplets that can soak into woodwork, paint and wallpaper.  If left unchecked, these areas can become breeding grounds for mould, which thrives in moist conditions.

Everyday activities can cause moisture

Some moisture in homes is unavoidable.  Daily activities like cooking, showering and even breathing produce moisture, which contributes to condensation. 

The average family of 4 generates around 10 litres of moisture each day:

Typical moisture production for a family of four (litre/day) Nicol, F. and Rudge, J. eds., 2005. Cutting the cost of cold: Affordable warmth for healthier homes. Routledge

While it is impossible to eliminate moisture entirely, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce condensation and prevent damp and mould from developing in your home. 

Tips to reduce condensation

Heating

  • Ensure your heating system is working effectively. Turning on your heating regularly during colder months helps keep your home dry. 

Ventilation

  • Open windows to improve the airflow in your home.
  • Keep bathroom and kitchen windows open when showering or cooking to allow steam to escape.
  • Make sure extractor fans are clean and functioning correctly. Turn them on when steam is generated.
  • Keep trickle vents on windows open and leave windows slightly ajar in bathrooms and kitchen to allow for constant ventilation.
  • Check airbricks and vents are not blocked or covered.
  • Regularly open external doors and windows throughout the home.
  • If your home is crowded with people or pets, ensure there is sufficient ventilation as breathing adds moisture to the air.
  • Move furniture, such as sofas, away from walls to allow air to circulate behind them.

Reducing moist air

  • When cooking, cover pots with lids to trap steam and reduce moisture. This also reduces the cooking time.
  • Keep doors closed when cooking or showering to prevent moisture from spreading to other parts of the home and open windows to allow the moisture
  • Avoid drying laundry indoors if possible. If you must, use a spin cycle to remove excess water, then dry the clothes in a room with a window open.
  • Ensure clothes are fully dry before putting them away in the wardrobes or drawers.
  • In severe cases, using a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture levels.