Damp Problems?

Causes of Damp

Damp can cause mould on walls and furniture, and make wooden window frames rot.

Some damp is caused by condensation.

There's always some moisture in the air, even if you can't see it.

Condensation is mostly a problem in cold weather. It appears on cold surfaces and in places where there is little air movement - in corners, on or near windows, behind wardrobes and cupboards.

If the air gets colder, it can't hold all the moisture, and tiny drops of water appear. You notice it when the mirror mists over in a bathroom for instance.

Condensation isn't the only cause of damp. It can also come from:

• leaking pipes, waste and overflows - find out how to prevent bursts and leaks
• rain penetrating gaps in the brickwork, roof, window frames, and around doors
• rising damp due to a faulty damp proof course.

Our multi-million pound home improvement programme will, in the next few years, mean that all Southway homes will be less likely to suffer from damp.

But in the meantime if your home is damp for any reason it may take weeks of heating and ventilation to dry out. You also need to repair the cause of the problem to stop it coming back and damaging your home even more - order a repair.

Mould Growth

There is no point removing mould if you haven’t removed the cause. So stop condensation first.

To remove mould:

• wipe down walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash - make sure it carries a Health and Safety Executive approval number. Follow the instructions carefully.
• dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets.
• after treatment, redecorate using a good quality fungicidal paint. Don't paint over with ordinary paints or wall papers.