Understanding Damp and Mould

Damp and mould can be a common issue in homes, especially during colder months or in properties with insufficient ventilation. It's important to understand the different types and what causes them:

• Condensation: This is the most common cause of damp and mould. It happens when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces (like windows or cold walls), turning into water droplets. Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors create a lot of moisture.
• Penetrating Damp: This occurs when water leaks into the property from outside, for example, through a faulty roof, damaged guttering, cracks in walls, or leaky pipes.
• Rising Damp: This is less common and happens when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls of a building. It's usually identifiable by a tide mark on the lower parts of walls.

Mould often appears as black, green, or grey patches on walls, ceilings, around windows, or on fabrics. It can cause health issues, especially for those with respiratory problems, allergies, or weakened immune systems.

Preventing Condensation and Mould

Many steps can be taken to reduce condensation and prevent mould growth. These are generally the contract holder's responsibility as they relate to daily living habits:

1. Ventilate Your Home:

• Open windows: Open windows for 15-20 minutes daily, even in winter, to allow moist air to escape and fresh air to circulate.
• Use extractor fans: Always use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens when showering, bathing, or cooking, and leave them on for at least 15-20 minutes afterwards.
• Ventilation during sleep: Leave a small gap in your bedroom window or keep the door ajar at night to allow air circulation.
• Keep trickle vents open: If your windows have trickle vents, keep them open.

2. Control Moisture Production:

• Cooking: Use lids on saucepans and open kitchen windows or use the extractor fan.
• Showering/Bathing: Keep bathroom doors closed while showering/bathing and use the extractor fan. Wipe down wet surfaces after use.
• Drying clothes: Dry clothes outdoors whenever possible. If drying indoors, use a well-ventilated room, keep the door closed, and open a window slightly. Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators.
• Tumble dryers: Ensure tumble dryers are properly vented outside or are a condenser type with a regularly emptied water tank.

3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature:

• Heating: Try to keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. Avoid sudden drops in temperature, as this can encourage condensation. Using a timer for your heating can help.
• Furniture placement: Avoid placing large items of furniture directly against external walls, as this can restrict air circulation and create cold spots where condensation can form. Leave a small gap.

What to Do If You Find Mould (Minor Cases)

For small patches of surface mould, typically caused by condensation, you can often clean it yourself:

• Safety first: Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and a face mask to avoid inhaling spores.
• Preparation: Open windows to ventilate the area.
• Cleaning solution: Use a fungicidal spray or a solution of water and white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water). Do NOT use bleach on its own, as it can be less effective on mould and may cause discolouration.
• Application: Spray the solution onto the mouldy area and leave it for a few minutes.
• Wipe away: Carefully wipe the mould away with a cloth. Do not brush or rub dry mould, as this can release spores into the air.
• Dispose: Dispose of the cloth and gloves in a sealed bag.
• Dry the area: Ensure the area is thoroughly dried after cleaning.

When to Report to FlatHomes

It is crucial to report damp and mould issues to FlatHomes promptly, especially if:

• The mould covers a large area (e.g., more than a square metre).
• The mould returns quickly after you have cleaned it.
• You notice damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors that are not related to condensation (e.g., a visible leak, a damp patch appearing after heavy rain).
• You suspect rising damp (a damp 'tide mark' at the base of walls).
• There is a persistent musty smell that you cannot identify or resolve.
• The damp or mould is affecting your health or the health of anyone living in the property.
• You believe the issue is due to a structural problem with the property (e.g., a leaky roof, faulty plumbing, damaged pointing).

When reporting, please provide as much detail as possible, including:

• The location of the damp/mould (e.g., "top corner of living room wall," "under kitchen sink").
• How long it has been present.
• Any associated smells.
• If you've tried to clean it and if it returned.
• Any photos of the issue.

Further Information

For more advice on maintaining your home and other helpful resources, please visit our Contract Holder Resource Hub:

• FlatHomes Contract Holder Resource Hub

• Damp and Mould Leaflet