Find advice on how to manage and reduce damp, mould and condensation in your home.
In most cases, mould is caused by condensation mostly in the winter months especially when the humidity of the indoor air goes above 60%, the temperature falls below 15 degrees or less and you don’t regularly provide ventilation.
We experienced a sharp increase in mould and condensation cases in 2022 due to the extended period of colder weather, the cost-of-living crisis and increased energy costs. Around 30% of tenants either limited or didn’t have their heating on and were reluctant to ventilate their property by opening windows, even turning off fans to save on electricity. Without ongoing air changes and a constant heat source, moisture in the air turns to condensation resulting in mould. It can take just 24 to 48 hours for mould spores to develop.
Tenants are responsible for making sure that the way they live doesn’t cause significant amounts of condensation that results in mould growth on walls, ceilings and behind furniture.
A balance is needed so you may have to experiment and persevere until the problem is resolved. One solution doesn’t always resolve mould as there are many factors that can be involved and it’s mostly a joint working solution.
We can provide heating, extraction, windows and a watertight building but we have no influence on the environmental factors such as cooking, bathing, furniture positions or energy consumption. If a property is not properly ventilated or heated in the Winter months, mould could form.
Try to reduce the problems caused by condensation by:
- using lids on boiling pans
- keeping furniture at least 50mm away from surrounding walls
- hanging washing outside, or keeping the windows open when drying inside
- keeping internal kitchen and bathroom doors shut when cooking and bathing
- keeping kitchen and bathrooms well ventilated
- wiping condensation from windows and mirrors
- If using a tumble dryer, ensure it is adequately vented to the outside of the property
- keeping your home at a minimum of 17 degrees, though the World Health Organisation recommends keeping your home at 21 degrees
- opening the doors of unused or under heated rooms to allow warm air to circulate
Remember that cleaning and redecoration following mould is your responsibility. Regular cleaning of affected walls with a fungicidal wash is necessary to keep mould away.
If mould has developed, you must clean it away as soon as you can. Use an anti-mould remover on the area, which carries a HSE approved number, and shampoo any affected carpets. Washing clothes should remove mould or mildew, however it may leave a stain.
When using any anti-mould products, make sure you follow the instructions for safe use.
If this fails, you can report to Axis by calling 01277 312500, selecting option 2 or by emailing BrentwoodRepairs@axiseurope.com.
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