Dampness and Mould are a real priority that CHISEL needs to deal with as a matter of urgency. Damp is a common complaint which, if persistent, can lead to mould, dry rot or plaster damage.
Tell us of any persistent or recurring damp problem so that we can investigate it and eliminate the cause.
Sometimes tenants report dampness to us, that turns out to be condensation. This happens when warm air meets a cold surface such as a wall or window and the moisture in the air turns into droplets of water. It often causes mould growth in corners or behind furniture. You can limit or prevent condensation by doing the following:
- Open a window while you are cooking, and keep lids on saucepans. Use the extractor fan if you have one.
- Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed while these rooms are in use, to prevent moisture reaching other rooms.
- Dry clothes outside where possible. If you have to dry them indoors, put them in the bathroom with the windows open or fan on and the door closed.
- Leave some background heating on if possible during colder weather to keep the walls warmer. Do not use paraffin, oil or calor gas - their use is prohibited in your tenancy agreement. They give off a gallon of water for every gallon of fuel used, and they can also be a fire hazard.
- Check that airbricks and air vents are not blocked up.
- Leave the bathroom window open or extractor fan on after taking a bath, to clear the steam. Reduce the amount of steam by putting an inch of cold water in the bath before running the hot tap.
- Open windows in all your rooms for a few minutes every day to allow some fresh air to circulate.
If, despite these efforts, your condensation problem persists, contact us.
Another cause of damp is rising damp. Make sure the soil level has not been raised above the damp course or above air bricks inserted to keep the floor ventilated.
