Preventing damp, mould, and condensation in your home

It’s really important to us that residents are safe, and feel safe, when they live in a Pickering and Ferens property.

Whilst we believe we’ve got good systems in place to help ensure none of our residents suffer from damp, mould, or condensation issues after we’ve been informed, we can only do something if we’ve been made aware. If you suspect a serious cause of damp, please let us know straight away by calling 01482 223783 or emailing info@pfh.org.uk

There are measures you can take at home, to prevent the build up of damp, mould, or condensation in your home. Keep reading to find out more.

What causes condensation?

Condensation happens in all homes when warm air meets a cold surface and tiny droplets of water develop. The more moisture there is in the air, the more water is likely to be produced.

It tends to be more noticeable in winter when surfaces are colder and most homes have less ventilation.

Condensation can be caused by cooking, showering/bathing, drying clothes indoors and even by breathing. Water droplets can form on indoor surfaces such as mirrors, windows, windowsills and it can also affect walls.

In the home, condensation often happens because warm damp air from kitchens and bathrooms moves to cooler areas, such as bedrooms. Typical examples include corners, near windows and in or behind wardrobes or cupboards. Condensation will be worse if rooms are poorly ventilated and the surfaces are cold. The key is to allow the moisture out.

What can you do to prevent condensation?

Reducing steam and moisture

  • When cooking, cover pans with lids and keep the kitchen door closed to stop wet air from circulating around your home. Make sure a window is open or the extractor fan is on.
  • If you use a tumble dryer make sure it is vented so that the hot moist air escapes to the outside.
  • If you have to dry clothes indoors put them in a room and close the door, leaving the window open or fan on.
  • One tip to reduce condensation is to run cold water into the bath first and then run the hot water. This creates much less steam.
  • Heating your home
  • Heat all rooms even when they are not being used. Select the appropriate temperature by using the thermostatic valves on radiators as this will give greater control.
  • Use the thermostat to set a comfortable temperature (around 18C to 21C).
  • Do not place furniture in front of radiators, as this will stop them from heating the room. Never dry clothes on radiators.
  • Never use portable gas heaters because not only is it against PFH rules, they also produce a lot of moisture.

Ventilating your home

  • It’s important to allow plenty of fresh air into your home to stop the air indoors becoming stale and humid.
  • Open bedroom windows for 15 minutes each morning and always keep air vents open.
  • After you’ve had a bath or shower, open the bathroom window until the steam has cleared or use the extractor fan.
  • When cooking, make sure the kitchen door is closed and either the extractor fan is on or window is open.

Extractor Fans

  • Extractor fans should always be used whenever you are cooking or bathing. After you’ve finished in the bathroom or kitchen, leave the fan on for about 20 minutes to make sure all the steam has cleared.
  • When using an extractor fan, keep the windows in the room closed. If a window is open the fan will draw air from the outside, rather than drawing the damp air out of the room. Make sure fans are not obstructed.
  • Some fans operate automatically and turn on and off according to the amount of moisture in the air. Please DO NOT turn these off at the power switch as they are designed to work when they are needed.

If you feel you have taken all appropriate measures to treat mould in your home and still don’t see any improvement after a few weeks, please contact us immediately so that we can help.