Are you suffering from Mould & Condensation problems in your rented property? Never fear! Bullock & Lees are here to help! Read our guide on how to deal with mould & condensation problems and how it is often easily preventable.
Condensation (Often
Mistaken as Damp)
Tenants are
always under the impression that they are powerless to do anything about the
condensation, but it is moisture generated by the tenant within the property
that causes the issues. Moisture comes from cooking, bathing and in some cases
drying clothes indoors which produces gallons of moisture.
What we can do as an
agent is educate you to take responsibility for it.
Firstly, ensure that in the colder periods of the year you are running the heating for at least 3 hours in
the morning, and 5 hours in the evening to give the chance for the property to
dry out.
We know that as the colder weather hits us, the temptation to leave the heating on and all the windows closed is there, but for prevention of mould and condensation, if possible please do try to leave a window open whilst the heating is on. This will allow the moisture to travel to the outside, as warm air will hold more moisture than cold air, effectively making it mobile and helping it drift out of the window, whilst also making your property a moisture and mould free zone!
In addition to this you are encouraged to use a towel
to dry off the excess moisture from cold surfaces/walls and dry this outside. Every home gets condensation
at some time – usually when lots of moisture and steam are being produced – for
example at bath/shower times, when a main meal is being cooked or when clothes
are being washed and dried. Condensation is usually at its worst during the
winter. It often results in black mould growing on walls and other surfaces.
Even when the property is insulated condensation will still drift onto windows,
sanitary ware and mirrors as these are the coldest surfaces.
We can confirm
that DAMP does not occur above ground level. Condensation is more often than
not caused due to lack of ventilation to the property and heating the property insufficiently.
The three main ways to deal
with condensation are:-
- Produce less water vapour or steam in your home.
- Don’t let the water vapour and steam that is produced spread all round the house.
- Keep your home ventilated
To deal with a
condensation problem effectively, you will probably need to do all three and all
can be done at no cost. Produce less water vapour. The amount of condensation
depends on how much water vapour is in the air. Many every day activities add to
the water level in your home, but their effect can be kept to a minimum.
Useful Advice
Cooking
Always use the
extractor fan where fitted or keep a window open when cooking.
Drying clothes
Hang washing to
dry outside at all times if possible. If you use a tumble dryer make sure it’s
vented to the outside, or leave a window open. Never dry washing indoors. Do
not hang wet washing on radiators all round your home – doing so is very likely
to cause condensation problems. Laundrettes are common in all areas and all
provide drying facilities.
Bathing/Showering
Keep the room
well ventilated when bathing and showering. Do not close the door nor switch
the fan off afterwards until the room is dry.
Keep your Home ventilated – let wet air out
The best way to
remove water vapour is by providing adequate ventilation. Nobody likes draughts
but some ventilation is vital. Keep a small window ajar, or a trickle
ventilator open in each occupied room to give background ventilation, but make
sure your home is still secure.
Keep warm
The best
approach to heating in order to reduce condensation, assuming you have taken
the other steps, is to heat your home at a low level for a long time. Keep the
heating on, but set it to provide just a minimum of background heating. This
will warm the property up and keep it warm so there are no cold surfaces.
REMEMBER! - To avoid mould and condensation keep your home well ventilated and you will have a happy home, happy tenant and a happy landlord!
