Damp and mould

The cause of damp

Damp is caused by water finding its way into a property. Different types of damp affect homes, they are: 

• Condensation damp happens when moisture generated inside the home cools and condenses onto colder parts of the building (for example, window frames, corners, and low points on walls behind sofas or wardrobes). This is the most common form of damp.
• Rising damp is moisture from the ground that rises through parts of the building in contact with the ground (walls and floors); it is usually found in older properties and is often misdiagnosed. Often ,it is due to defective damp proof courses and membranes. This is the rarest form of damp.
• Penetrating damp is water that gets into the building from outside due to defects in the walls, roofs, windows, or floors.
• Traumatic damp can be caused by leaking water from waste and heating pipes, overflowing baths or sinks, burst pipes or defective water storage vessels inside the building. Traumatic damp can also originate from outside the property, for example, from another building or from environmental flooding.

What causes mould

Mould is a type of fungi. Moisture in the home is often caused by damp, leaks or condensation that can cause mould to grow. Mould can grow quickly on damp surfaces. It can look like black stains, or specks of black, orange, green or brown.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when moist air meets a colder surface, like a wall or window. This then forms water droplets.

Resolving damp and mould can be complex, and sometimes multiple fixes are needed. Generally, we wash and clean any affected surfaces with a fungicidal wash, but to solve the root of the problem, further investigations may be required, as there can be many possible causes of damp and mould. Each case will be different, so we will ensure that what we do is individual to you and your home.

Our Damp and Mould Policy has recently been updated to meet the new requirements of Awaab’s Law, and it sets out our approach to managing damp and mould in more detail and includes timescales for us to respond to damp and mould issues in tenants’ homes. Below is a summary of the timeframes we must follow to investigate and undertake works:

If a report of damp and mould is assessed as not being either an emergency or significant hazard, it is outside the scope of Awaab’s Law requirements, including the above timescales. However, it is our policy to aim to complete routine repair works relating to damp and mould that are outside the scope of Awaab’s Law within 28 calendar days of the issue being reported. Read more about the requirements of Awaab’s Law.

How to prevent damp and mould in your home

Damp and mould can be caused by lots of different things. Condensation damp is the most common type of damp. Unlike other types of damp that are the result of issues with the building itself, condensation damp can be caused by day-to-day living. However, condensation is not the only cause of damp and mould, as there can be other possible sources. Below are some practical steps you can take to help reduce condensation in your home. 

Reduce moisture  

• Close kitchen and bathroom doors when the rooms are in use. This will help prevent moisture from spreading to other parts of your home.
• Where possible dry clothes outside. Try and avoid putting clothes on radiators. Instead, dry clothes on a clothes horse in a well-ventilated room.
• If you use a tumble dryer, it should have a proper vent to the outside – otherwise it's just pumping damp air into your home.
• Wipe down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth.

Improve ventilation    

• Use your extractor fans when bathing or cooking, to help the moist air escape quicker you can also open a window.  
• Air your home regularly by keeping a small window ajar wherever it’s safe to do so or put it on the window lock where possible
• Avoid pushing furniture right up against walls or overfilling wardrobes as this can cause damp and mould to grow. Allow air to circulate around your things.  
• Keep air vents clear 

Heat your home efficiently  

• We understand you may be struggling with the rising energy costs but, if possible, do try to keep your home warm enough to reduce the risk of condensation.
• Use your thermostat to keep your heating at a steady temperature – between 18-21ºC for healthy adults when you are moving about.