Condensation, Damp & Mould

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What is Condensation?

Frying pan on gas stove with the texture of drops on a glass lid with selective focus, background.

Condensation is caused by water vapour or moisture from inside the
home coming into contact with a colder surface, such as a window or a wall.
The resultant water drops (condensation) may then soak into the wallpaper
or paintwork or even plasterwork.

It occurs mostly in winter because the building is colder, windows are opened
less and the moist air cannot escape.

 

 

What causes Condensation?

  • Too much moisture in your home
  • Too little ventilation
  • Cool temperatures

Where does it occur?

Condensation occurs most often in bathrooms and kitchens. It can also occur in rooms left unheated
for long periods of time or in cupboards or corners of rooms where there is poor air circulation.

mold in the corner of the window

Mould grows on damp surfaces and is usually caused by condensation. Occasionally, dampness may be caused by water getting into your home from leaking pipes, blocked gutters or an outside wall which needs repointing. Please call us at 0800 652 8104, if this is the case.

BHA will help tackle the condensation and damp in partnership with you. BHA does not cover damage to your home content as part of the tenancy agreement. We advise that you consider getting home content insurance for your personal belongings.

The Diamond Insurance Scheme can offer you insurance for the contents of your home including cover for items such as furniture, carpets, curtains, clothes, bedding, etc. Find out more here https://www.sfha.co.uk/diamond-insurance

Warmth versus Ventilation

Female hand opens the window to the street, close-up

Striking the right balance between warmth and ventilation is important and can be very effective.
By opening windows or ventilating your home, it may appear that you are losing some heat, but what
you are actually doing is allowing warm moisture-laden air to escape and permitting cool dry air to enter
your home.

Dry cool air is actually cheaper to heat than warm moist air! Many people who have double-glazing
installed experience problems with condensation and mould growth that they did not experience with their
old draughty window frames. However, by using trickle vents or opening windows slightly, then the necessary
ventilation can be achieved.

Remember – The advice is to ventilate for an appropriate period of time, usually between 30 mins to 1 hour,
not to leave the windows open all day.