Condensation and damp advice from Mears

Condensation is not the only cause of damp or mould patches but it is one of the most common causes.  It is also the one cause of damp that you can control yourself and by following the steps outlined below, you can make your home a better place to live.

Condensation tends to occur in most homes, especially when a lot of moisture or steam is produced from your kitchen when you cook, in the bathroom after a bath or shower or in the bedroom while you sleep.

Condensation happens when air carrying water vapour comes into contact with a

cool surface. This is why the bathroom mirror steams up after a shower, or a window steams up when you breathe on it.

Extreme problems with excess moist air can lead to staining and mould on walls,

window frames, furniture and clothing.

What you can do to prevent condensation in your home

• Keep the house warm – this reduces the cold spots where condensation

  forms.  The best way is to put your heating on a low setting on to keep an even temperature.

• Take steps to prevent heat loss from your home - this could include hanging thick curtains, draft excluders on doors and windows and if possible by having good roof or wall insulation.

• If you dry washing on radiators, try to have an open window to

  let out the excess moisture caused from drying clothes - if you can, try to dry your washing outside.

• When cooking keep lids on saucepans and put on your extractor fan if

  possible.

• If you have a tumble drier, make sure the vent goes outside and keep filters clean.

If condensation does occur - the quickest way to get rid of it is to get some air into your home:

• After you have a shower or bath, close the bathroom door and open up a window slightly to get some air into the room.  It won't take long to clear.  If you leave condensation to build up - this is when it can develop into mould.
• When cooking, open up a window even just slightly and allow the steam to clear
• Move furniture away from walls to allow air to circulate around your home

Other causes of damp can also include:

• Leaking pipes, wastepipes or overflows

• Rain coming through the roof where a tile or slate may be missing

• Rain spilling from a blocked gutter

• Water leaking in through or around window frames or through

  a cracked pipe

If condensation isn't tackled it can lead to mould

You can take simple steps to stop this from happening:

• Wipe surfaces where moisture settles to prevent mould forming

• If mould forms, wipe off immediately with water – do not use washing up liquid

• If the problem persists apply a recommended product available at

  a hardware store and follow the instructions carefully

Once mould has formed it encourages more mould to grow, so

you should remove it as soon as possible but don't:

• Vacuum or brush mould, as its spores can spread if disturbed

Do thoroughly clean any clothes or furniture affected by mildew.

Contact our repairs service

If you have problems with damp that are not caused by condensation

please call:

• Canterbury Repairs on 0800 313 4740 (free phone) or 01227 714 500
• Shepway Repairs on 01303 858 600
• Thanet Repairs on 0800 0234 320 (free phone) or 01843 282104
  
• Dover Repairs on 01304 872299 (9am-5pm) or 01304 821199 (out of hours)

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