Condensation, damp and mould

Condensation in your home can lead to issues such as mould and damp. We understand that with rising energy costs, it may be challenging to heat and ventilate your home effectively to reduce condensation. However, help is available if you are concerned about your energy bills. Our Financial Inclusion Officers are here to assist you.

If you are experiencing damp or mould in your property, please contact us immediately. Our team will:

• Listen to your concerns
• Arrange for an inspection of your property
• Clean and treat affected walls and ceilings as needed
• Provide you with aftercare advice to help prevent future issues

Damp and mould in your home can cause health problems, including respiratory infections, allergies or asthma, and can affect the immune system.

Some people are more sensitive to others, including:

• Babies and children
• Older people
• People with respiratory problems, allergies and asthma
• People with an existing skin problem
• People with a weakened immune system

If you experience damp and mould in your home, it's important that you deal with it as soon as possible.

Types of dampness

There are 3 main types of dampness:

• Penetrating damp
• Rising damp
• Condensation damp

Types of dampness

There are 3 main types of dampness:

• Penetrating damp
• Rising damp
• Condensation damp

About penetrating damp

Penetrating damp is caused by water or moisture finding its way into your home when it shouldn't have, for example:

• Through a leaking roof or gutters.
• Through leaking pipework.
• Through damaged or old brickwork absorbing water.

About rising damp

Rising damp damages plaster, wallpaper, paint and skirting boards. It's caused by insufficient damp proofing of external walls and internally rising groundwater saturating walls. 

You must treat the source of the rising damp before repairing the internal walls. A remedial Damp Proof Course (DPC) needs to be installed at the source of the problem.

If the source of the moisture is not from the ground, then the problem is not rising damp.

About condensation damp

Condensation damp is the most common form of damp and mould. It's caused by moisture created in the home.

Most people create at least 4 pints of moisture every day just from normal everyday activities, such as breathing, cooking, bathing, washing and drying clothes.

When temperatures drop, the air can no longer hold onto all the moisture generated in the home. The moisture will migrate to the coldest parts of your home and condense onto the windows and walls, and in places where there is little air movement.