Damp and mould can occur in any home and while there are many reasons for it, it is possible to prevent it from occurring.
What is damp and mould?
What is damp and mould?
There are many reasons why damp and mould can grow in a home. The main causes are:
- Poor ventilation and high humidity levels in a home. This causes condensation, an ideal environment from which damp and mould develops.
- Water leaks. This could happen for a number of reasons, but leaks can lead to dampness which then creates the right environment for damp and mould to develop.
- Rising damp is rare and tends to happen when moisture rises up walls by capillary action. In other words, water from the ground is absorbed within the bricks. The moisture that is drawn up can impact surrounding timbers.
- Poor insulation in a home can mean some surface areas are cold, and this leads to the condensation that can allow damp and mould to develop.
What can be done to prevent damp and mould in your home?
What can be done to prevent damp and mould in your home?
There are lots of way to prevent damp and mould in your home. Condensation and cold are key conditions for damp and mould to develop, so preventative measures revolve around managing these:
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation in your home.
If your home has newer double glazing you should have trickle vents located on the internal pane (normally located at the top). You should have these open to allow air flow through the room. - When showering or bathing you should open a bathroom window, or ensure you have the extractor fan on.
This will ensure there isn’t excessive build up of condensation. - When cooking, try to keep lids on pans saucepans and also ensure your extractor hood or fan is running too.
- Dry wet washing outdoors whenever possible.
If not possible, use a dryer.
In addition to this you should also undertake regular maintenance checks of the outside of your building:
- Check for cracked or rusting pipes
- Ensure your guttering is clear and roof tiles are in place.
What to do if you have any concerns about damp and mould?
What to do if you have any concerns about damp and mould?
If you have any concerns about damp and mould in your home, please contact us and we will be happy to provide further assistance. You can do this by calling our property management team on 020 3744 0415, or alternatively, emailing [email protected].
