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Navigate the complexities of damp, condensation, and mould with our comprehensive FAQs. From identifying condensation to effective preventative measures, our expertise at P&P Damp and Timber can provide you with the knowledge you need to maintain a healthy, damp-free home.
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It is not always easy to tell but here are some key differences between condensation and other forms of damp. Condensation is usually found on north facing walls and in corners, in cupboards and under work surfaces – in fact wherever there is little air movement. Other kinds of dampness, such as rain or plumbing leaks, usually leave a ‘tidemark’. Condensation can often be characterised by mould growth – mould generally grows on cleaner water so is unlikely to grow on moisture from penetrating or rising damp.
Every home gets condensation at some time – usually when lots of moisture and steam are being produced, for instance at bath-times, when a main meal is being cooked or when clothes are being washed. It is quite normal to find your bedroom windows misted up in the morning after a cold night. Air can only hold a certain amount of water vapour – the warmer it is the more it can hold. If air is cooled by contact with a cold surface such as a mirror, a window or even a wall, the water vapour will turn into droplets of water-condensation. So the warmer you keep your home the less likely you are to get condensation.
For mould growth to occur there needs to be a sufficient amount of water available, this is why mould growth often occurs with condensation or dampness. This type of mould looks like “black spots” and is typically found along skirting boards or ceiling edges.
If your home is damp or has lots of condensation, the chances are the house will be a cold house. Living in a cold house will lead to negative health effects. Therefore it is important to keep your house warm. Mould and fungi can be allergenic. However house dust mites are the most common triggers of asthma rather than mould growth. House dust mites thrive where the amount of ventilation is reduced, warmer indoor temperatures and high humidity. These conditions can also lead to condensation.
To kill and remove mould, wipe down or spray walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash that carries a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ‘approval number’, and ensure that you follow the instructions for its safe use. These fungicidal washes are often available at local supermarkets. Dry-clean mildewed clothes, and shampoo carpets. Do not try to remove mould by using a brush or vacuum cleaner. After treatment, redecorate using good-quality fungicidal paint and a fungicidal resistant wall paper paste to help prevent mould recurring. The effect of fungicidal or anti-condensation paint is destroyed if covered with ordinary paint or wallpaper. The only permanent cure is to reduce the amount of condensation in your home. Remember, the way you use your home affects the amount of condensation you get.
It is important that your heating system is checked regularly so that it works efficiently. A gas boiler which is not in good working order can produce more moisture. Ensure you have a current satisfactory gas safety certificate by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.
To add extra heat to rooms without any form of heating, it is better to use electric heaters, for example oil-filled radiators or panel heaters, on a low setting. Try not to use portable bottled gas heaters in homes suffering with condensation as they give out a lot of moisture whilst in use. Contrary to popular belief, it is actually cheaper to heat a room with on-peak electricity than by bottled gas heaters. If you use bottle gas and paraffin heaters you will need to allow extra ventilation. Flueless heaters of this sort produce more than a pint of water for every pint of fuel they burn. So, using a bottled gas heater for 8 hours would produce around 4 pints of moisture. Don’t use your gas cooker to heat your kitchen as it produces moisture when burning gas. (You might notice your windows misting over).
Condensation forms more easily on cold surfaces in the home, insulation and draught proofing can help keep your home warmer. Loft and wall insulation are the most effective forms of insulation. If you use draught proofing remember that you should not block permanent ventilators or airbricks and do not draught proof kitchen or bathroom windows. You may be eligible for financial assistance for insulation and heating.
Drying clothes indoors, particularly on radiators, can increase condensation unless you open a window to allow air to circulate. Up to 9 pints of excess water can be produced by drying your clothes inside. Hang your washing outside to dry if at all possible, or hang it in the bathroom with the door closed and a window slightly open or extractor fan on. Don’t be tempted to put it on radiators or in front of a radiant heater.
Never block these up completely. If you are blocking up a fireplace, fit an air vent to allow ventilation.
If you are having problems with damp or excessive condensation or any mould issues in your home then you can contact P&P Damp and Timber Ltd on 01702 845135 for any advice or to book a survey at your property.
