What is damp and mould?
Damp occurs where moisture collects but does not have a chance to fully dry out, and mould is a fungus that grows and multiplies in moist areas.
Damp is very common and is often caused by condensation. The chances of your home being affected by mould is reduced if you keep your home warm, well ventilated and minimise the amount of moisture that’s released into the air within your home.
Condensation
Condensation is the most common cause of damp and mould in most homes.
The main factors that cause condensation are:
- Not enough ventilation
- Not enough insulation
- Insufficient use of heating
- Not using extractor fans
- Poor air circulation
Other causes
Other causes of damp and mould can include:
- Thermal bridging — this is where heat passes through weak points in a building, causing heat loss and condensation. It can be caused by not having cavity walls, poor loft or cavity insulation and gaps in insulation around windows and doors.
- Water ingress — this is where water penetrates into a building. It can be caused by damaged roof tiles, old guttering or downpipes, old or damaged brickwork and failing render or external cladding.
- Escape of water — this is where water escapes from a building. It can be caused by an internal pipe leak, central heating, poor seals around baths, showers or wet rooms, or a leak from a neighbouring property.
Report damp and mould
To report an issue with condensation, damp or mould in your home please complete the form below.
Report damp and mouldNew builds
If you live in a new build property, please complete the form below to report damp and mould in your home.