The information on this page has been created to help you identify the various types of damp, and reduce condensation. We have also included some top tips on how to treat mould growth, and how to prevent it in your home, and how we can work together to keep your home safe.
Excessive moisture in your home causes damp and mould – however the source of excessive moisture can be complex to identify. It is essential to understand what causes damp and then to act fast to prevent mould growth. This guide has been designed to help us work together to safeguard your home against damp and mould.
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Types of damp
There are four main types of damp that could affect your home. It is important to understand the difference between them so that you can effectively treat the problem.
Mould is a fungus that can grow on almost any surface. Mould spores produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances. When these are inhaled, this can impact your health, so it is important to prevent mould forming. We need to control the moisture levels in the home by reduction, ventilation, and heating, as well as ensuring other structural factors are not causing moisture within the home.
It is important to treat mould as soon as possible by using a anti fungicidal spray which is readily available on the high street (please follow the product guidance), do not brush away mould from carpets and fabrics, as it will spread spores around - instead use a vacuum cleaner, and make sure when you empty the vacuum the area is well ventilated.
We appreciate you may want to take action yourself but please monitor the issue over a couple of weeks, if mould spreads, gets bigger or returns or becomes more frequent, or you are unable to treat it then contact us to arrange a visit to your home. If anyone in the home has underlying respiratory conditions then please report it to us as soon as possible.
There’s always moisture in the air in your home even if you can’t see it. When the moisture hits a cold surface like a window or a wall, it turns back to water creating condensation.
Condensation can be caused by:
- Too much moisture in the home
- Not enough ventilation
- Cold surfaces
- Inadequate heating
What you can do to reduce it in your home:
- Ventilate your home
- If you have vents in your windows please open them for at least ten minutes every day
- Dry washing outside if you can
- Prevent steam moving around your home by closing bathroom and kitchen doors
- Use a dehumidifier if you can
- Wipe down any condensation on windows
- Use your extractor fans and don’t turn off ventilation units
- Try and keep a consistent temperature
- Heat your home – even for 10 minutes in the morning to help reduce moisture
- When cooking food in saucepans cover them with a lid to prevent steam escaping
- Try not to put furniture in front of radiators or leave a small gap in between them, this will help heat to circulate in your home
- After bathing and cooking leave the extractor fan running for at least 20 minutes and close the door to allow the build up of steam to escape
- Close all your curtains at night to help keep the heat in your home, but open them during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home
- Keep furniture away from the walls to allow air circulation
Penetrating Damp is caused by water that enters the home from outside often leaving a white salty residue mark on walls and ceilings.
This is usually due to common issues such as:
- Leaking roof due to slipped, cracked or loose tiles
- Blocked guttering or damaged rainwater pipes
- Leaking plumbing
- Rotten windowsills
- Crumbling or cracking brickwork or chimney stack
The signs are drips & puddles, blotchy or damp patches on walls/ceilings and wet crumbly plaster – you should report any signs of this immediately.
Top tip if you have to dry washing indoors
Don’t dry washing directly on radiators. This makes it harder to heat your home and creates excessive moisture. Place clothes on a drying rack in a room where a window can be opened and keep the door closed.
Traditionally this form of damp enters the home from the ground but internal factors such as excessive use of water when mopping or spillages can be a factor. Signs of rising damp are rotting skirting boards, peeling wallpaper and stained plaster.
We understand that the cost-of-living crisis is putting pressure on people financially and heating your home may be a challenge, we have teams that can support you and provide specialist advice including Energy and Money Advice – Contact Bury Council Housing Services on 0161 686 800 0 or visit www.sixtownhousing.org for more information.
Our Property Inspectors are fully qualified to review property issues and recommend improvements in your home. We can on the recommendation of the Inspector that a mechanical extraction system is fitted, this only takes an hour to do, and costs you around 40 pence per week to run. You should report any concerns to us as soon as you can by calling 0161 686 8000 or by email to housingenquiries@bury.gov.uk.