Damp in properties is caused by a build-up of moisture. This can be caused by various issues with a building, such as leaking pipes, cracks which allow rain in, blocked guttering, or defects in the foundation. Moisture can also build up from condensation because of daily living activities, particularly in properties with inadequate ventilation.
When moisture in the air, meets a cold surface, such as a window or a wall, it condenses into water droplets. If condensation isn't dealt with, it can lead to mould growing on walls, furniture and even on your clothes. This can be harmful to the health of both you and your family. It's important that your home is well ventilated to prevent too much water moisture building up in the air.
Contributing factors, which can cause excess moisture and condensation, other than a lack of ventilation, include steam from cooking in the kitchen, steam from bathing or showering, and the use of bottled gas or paraffin heaters.
Preventing condensation
Following the advice below can help to prevent condensation in your home:
- Don't cover up or block off any vents.
- Extractor fans, in your home, can run automatically when there is moisture in the air. Do not switch these off. They can cost as little as 15p a month* to run. * A 20 watt fan, running for an hour, uses 0.02 kWh of electricity which costs 15p per month
- Avoid drying clothes indoors, where possible. If you do have to dry clothes inside, close the door of the room where they're drying and open a window in that room. This will allow moisture to escape.
- If using a conventional tumble dryer please ensure it is vented outside so that the steam is emitted outside your home. This is not required for condenser tumble dryers.
- Dehumidifiers are a good cost alternative to running a tumble dryer, costing as little as 27p per month in comparison to an average 3000-watt tumble dryer costing £22.81 per month.
- Always maintain a small gap between your furniture and walls, allowing air to circulate.
- Trickle vents on your windows should always be open. They should also be cleaned regularly to reduce debris blocking the vents.
Dealing with condensation and mould
If you find that you do have condensation in your home, you should wipe it away with a dry cloth. If any mould grows you can eradicate it by wiping down walls with a fungicidal wash, which is available to buy in the supermarket.
If you have a persistent damp problem, please call the Council's Housing Repairs Service on 01738 476000 and we will arrange for an inspection of your home.
What can Perth and Kinross Council offer to help tenants with damp, mould and condensation?
On completion of our damp/condensation inspection we install environmental sensors which can identify the risk of mould, poor ventilation, fuel poverty and, potentially, vulnerable tenants which enables us to take a more proactive approach in the identification and rectification of property repairs, maintenance and the support given to tenants.
You can download the iOpt Tenant App which will allow you to monitor the data from the sensors within your property. The sensors monitor the temperature, humidity, dew point and Co2 levels in the home. The data is then monitored and analysed, by an expert team, with iOpt, who are our specialist contractor. The sensors generate alerts using the data and send it to the PKC Housing Condition Team. When an alert is identified, the tenant will be contacted with guidance on what action(s) are required from tenants and/or from the Council's Housing Repairs or Locality teams.
The sensors have already helped many of our tenants to improve the atmosphere inside their homes, preventing a build-up of condensation.
There are sometimes more complex cases where damp and mould can be caused by the fabric of a building for example. In these cases our Housing Condition Team will provide additional focussed support to tenants to resolve these issues. This will include initial advice and work, followed up by motoring and further visits to properties.
Other help
Condensation will form in cold rooms. It is recommended to heat your home to a minimum of 18 degrees, where possible. If you feel that you cannot maintain the recommended temperature, you can receive useful help and advice from the agencies below:
Citizens Advice Bureau
CAB offers impartial advice on things like switching supplier, who the best energy supplier is for you and getting a better deal. The service is completely free and independent.
Scarf
Scarf offers free and impartial advice to homeowners and, also, to tenants from local authorities, housing associations and the private rental sector. They can help householders reduce their energy usage and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Advisors also offer an advocacy service to help those in fuel debt and can help to identify funding that might be available from Government schemes, including benefits to help support you with your energy bills or improve your home, to make it more energy efficient. Call freephone 0808 129 0888 or email heat@scarf.org.uk.
Home Energy Scotland
If you are struggling to heat your home affordably, you can contact Home Energy Scotland for free advice and support on 0808 808 2282. Heat Scotland offers free home visits to look at how you can heat your home more affordably and efficiently. To arrange a visit, please call 0808 129 0888.
Alternatively, please contact your Local Housing Office on 01738 476000 where a member of the team will be happy to help and provide guidance.
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