Preventing Damp
- Check for leaks around windows, roofs, and pipes.
- Report any damage to gutters or downpipes.
- Keep furniture slightly away from walls to allow airflow.
- Avoid overfilling cupboards – trapped air can cause moisture build-up.
- Let us know early if you spot damp patches or peeling wallpaper.
Tackling damp
- Take clear photos of damp patches and email them to us.
- Check for musty smells or discolouration on walls and ceilings.
- Use moisture-absorbing products like damp traps or crystals.
- Lift carpets or rugs if they feel damp underneath.
- Keep a record of when and where damp appears to help us investigate.
Damp - faulty plumbing
Leaks from toilets, sinks or pipes can cause damp patches. These patches often get worse when the fixture is used. Check around pipework, seals, and outside drains. Black mould is unlikely with this type of damp.
Penetrating Damp
Shows on outside walls or ceilings after rain. Caused by cracks, broken pipes or damaged gutters. Often fades in dry weather. Black mould is unlikely with this type of damp.
Rising Damp
Appears low on ground floor walls. You might notice peeling paint, crumbling plaster, or a musty smell. Caused by moisture rising from the ground through bricks/stone. Black mould is rare with this type of damp.
Condensation
Caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces. Common on windows and walls. Often linked to cooking, showering or drying clothes. Main cause of black mould.
- Wipe away condensation from windows and walls daily.
- Clean small patches with mould spray or mild detergent.
- Keep rooms ventilated, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
- Dry wet areas quickly – especially after showering or cooking.
- Let us know if mould keeps coming back – we’ll help find the cause.
- Use a mould-specific cleaner, not just general household sprays.
- Scrub gently with a soft cloth to avoid damaging surfaces.
- Dispose of cloths and sponges after use to prevent spreading spores.
- Wash affected curtains or fabrics at a high temperature.
- Contact us if the mould continues after following these tips for a few weeks.
- Open windows for at least few minutes each day.
- Use extractor fans when cooking or bathing.
- Keep lids on pans and doors closed when cooking.
- If possible, dry clothes outdoors or in ventilated rooms.
- Maintain a steady temperature in your home.
- Use a window vacuum or absorbent cloth to remove moisture each day.
- Place moisture catchers on windowsills or near cold walls.
- Switch to thermal curtains to reduce cold surface contact.
- Monitor humidity levels with a simple digital hygrometer.
- Let us know if condensation leads to staining or mould.