Guidance from CPA Property Services
Some damp is caused by condensation. This can lead to a growth in mould that appears as a cloud of little black dots. Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with a colder surface like a wall, window, mirror etc. The air can’t hold the moisture and tiny drops of water appear. It also occurs in places the air is still, like the corners of rooms, behind furniture or inside wardrobes.
A large number of the condensation problems that are occurring in housing have been the result of a lack of ventilation, with windows staying shut and trickle vents being closed during the normal family activities of cooking, showering and drying clothes within the house. In order to keep the internal humidity low during these activities, ventilation is required whether it be mechanical (extractor fans) or passive (windows open and vents).
CPA and GCHA are working very closely to tackle the issues of Damp and Mould. Tackling damp and mould requires a collaborative, joined-up approach. We need your help by trying to follow the above advice as much as possible. We will take care of the rest! Together, if we all play our part, we can make a big difference.
Here is some advice to reduce condensation:
Produce less moisture by:
- Keeping lids on pans when cooking
- Drying clothes outdoors where possible
- When running a bath, run the cold water first
Let the damp air out and the fresh air in. Extractor fans are a great way to get rid of moist air and steam so that less condensation forms. Always leave the fan running when bathing or showering.
Leave trickle vents open and ensure they are not blocked.
Open the windows as much as possible, ideally, front and back of the property to allow the air to flow.
In colder months, leave the heating on low keeping the property at a constant temperature rather than turning up full when required and then off. Depending on what type of heating you have this can actually work out more cost-efficient as well.