Lots of homes in the UK can suffer from damp and mould, especially in the winter. Daily tasks such as cooking, showering and drying clothes release moisture into the air, which can lead to condensation and black mould growth.
What it looks like
Damp
There are two types of damp that can lead to the growth of black mould within a home:
- Rising damp is caused by ground water moving up through the wall or floor.
- Penetrating damp is caused by leaking water. This is usually caused by a structural problem in the building such as faulty guttering, or it can be caused by internal leaks, like pipes under the sink. This type of damp may expand across walls or a ceiling horizontally.
Black mould
Black mould is caused by a build-up of damp or condensation. Left untreated this can spread from walls on to furniture, curtains, and clothing.
Condensation
Condensation is caused by moist air coming into contact with cold surfaces such as walls, windows and mirrors. It can also build up in places where there is little air movement, in or behind wardrobes and cupboards. Condensation can cause dampness and mould within your home which can create a distinctive musty smell.
How does damp and mould effect health?
Black mould produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash.
Mould toxicity can lead to physical health impacts such as
- fatigue
- weak immune systems
- loss of cognitive function and headaches
- upper respiratory tract infections
Or mental health impacts such as
- depression
- anxiety
- insomnia
How to prevent damp and mould
Maintain proper ventilation
- Use extractor fans and trickle vents in your windows – they don’t lose much heat so keep them uncovered.
- Open windows for short periods in the morning to release moisture from your home.
- Allow soft furnishings (eg. sofas) room to breathe by pulling them away from the wall and not overfilling you wardrobe.
- Open windows if you’re drying clothes indoors – this allows moisture to escape.
Heat your home
- Condensation is less likely to form if the temperature of your home is above 15oC (however, it’s recommended that rooms are kept at between 18-21oC to keep you warm and healthy)
- Don’t turn thermostatic radiator valves off – always keep them on a minimum frost setting.
If you’re struggling to afford your heating, help is available. Visit Switched On Portsmouth or call their freephone on 0800 260 5907 for free advice on energy saving, money, and access to larger schemes.
Keep moisture level down
- Dry clothes outside or in a vented tumble dryer where possible
- Take shorter showers
- Add cold water first when running a bath – this reduces steam by up to 90%
- Keep a lid on pots and pans when cooking
- Wipe windows daily with a squeegee
Keep hotspots clean
Kitchens and bathrooms are hotspots for condensation and therefore, mould as well. Keep on top of your cleaning routine to prevent the build-up of black mould from regular moisture in these rooms.
What you should do with damp and mould
- Don’t just leave or ignore it.
- Don’t try removing them with a brush or hoover (this can spread the
mould).
Instead, you should:
- Tell your landlord
- Photograph or make a record of the affected area
- Buy a mould and mildew remover
- Clean the affected areas, following the manufacturer’s instructions
You should always report issues with damp and mould in your home to your landlord as soon as possible. The earlier you report it, the easier it is to sort.
How we can help
If your landlord fails to respond or take action within a reasonable timeframe, then you can contact us for advice and support.
Check out this table to see how much moisture daily activities produce:
