Tackling damp and mould this winter
Do you know what to do if you find mould or damp in your home?
Mould in your home can cause health issues, so it’s important that if it appears, it’s removed. It loves warm and dark conditions and moisture, so it’s very common in areas of our homes that tick those boxes, like bathrooms, kitchens and behind large pieces of furniture.
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Here are a few questions and answers about mould and damp. There’s lots more information on our website about this – and if you’re worried, you can get in touch and we’ll help you to sort it.
Q. What should you do if you spot mould in your home?
A.
You can try the practical advice in our short video to reduce moisture and remove small areas of mould safely, but please contact us straight away if the mould is widespread, keeps coming back, is linked to damp or leaks, affects rooms you need to use, or you are worried about anyone’s health.
Q. What’s a good way to reduce moisture in your home?
A.
Mould is caused by too much moisture in the home. There are some simple steps we can take to reduce the amount of moisture in our homes.
- Dry clothes outside where possible
- Wipe away moisture from windows and surfaces
- Use lids on pans when cooking
- Use extractor fans when bathing or cooking.
If these don’t make a difference, then we need to investigate for you, including checking if it’s getting into your home from outside, or from a leak in a pipe.
Everyday activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes can create moisture in your home. Small changes can make a big difference and help reduce the chances of condensation and mould developing. There’s more about this in our short video.
Q. What could be an early sign of damp?
A.
- Tide marks on walls
- Peeling wallpaper
- Musty smells.
Damp doesn't always start with mould. Signs such as staining, peeling wallpaper or a musty smell can sometimes mean that there's an issue developing and we may need to investigate. Find out more here.
Three points to remember
1. Spot it early.
- Look out for mould, staining, peeling wallpaper and musty smells
- Let fresh air in
- Use extractor fans, keep vents clear and open windows when you can.
2. Reduce moisture where possible
- Cover pans when cooking
- Wipe away condensation
- Dry clothes outside where possible.
3. Talk to us if you're concerned
If damp or mould is affecting your home, we're here to help and will work with you to understand the cause and find a solution.
If you tell us about damp, mould or another serious hazard in your home, we will assess the risk, consider your household circumstances, explain what happens next, and keep you updated.