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We want to solve any damp, mould or condensation issues in your home as quickly as possible to make sure that you have a home that is warm and safe
Damp is caused by excess moisture in your home. The most common types of damp are:
Rising Damp: This is caused by water rising from the ground into the home. It will only affect ground floor rooms. Black mould will rarely be seen where there is rising damp because the ground salts the damp carries with it prevents the growth of black mould.
Damp caused by a leak: Leaks from water and waste pipes especially in bathrooms and kitchens can affect both external and internal walls and ceilings. Black mould will rarely be seen on this type of dampness because the area is usually too wet.
Penetrating Dampness: This type of dampness will only be found on external walls or in the case of roof leaks, on ceilings. It only appears because of a defect outside the home, such as missing pointing to the brickwork, cracked rendering or missing roof tiles.
Condensation: This happens when warm damp air meets a cold surface, such as windows, mirrors or outside walls and can cause black or green mould to form on walls, window frames and other surfaces, often in cooler rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways.
If you have mould form in your home, it’s important to get rid of it as soon as possible.
You should use an antifungal cleaning product or a product that’s designed to kill mould. Use a disposable cloth and throw it away after use to avoid spreading the mould.
Never touch the mould directly. Remember to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning the mould. You should also wear any other personal protective equipment that the product’s manufacturer recommends. This will be listed on the label.
You should only wipe mould when it’s wet, not when it’s dry. This helps avoid spreading the mould spores into the air.
Make sure the area you’re cleaning is well ventilated by using extractor fans or opening windows. Keep doors to other rooms closed: this will help avoid spreading mould spores in the air to other parts of the house.
Set your heating to come on for longer at lower temperatures this can help reduce condensation.
Have the extractor fan on and door closed when you’re showering, bathing or cooking.
Something as simple as opening your windows little and often can help get rid of moist air and help dry out damp
If you do get mould use a mould cleaning product to remove it.
Wipe windows and walls daily of condensation to help avoid mould.
Keep lids on pans when cooking, this won’t just prevent steam from escaping, but also saves energy and ensure fans are on.
Tumble dryers can cause a build up of condensation, try to vent them outside if you can.
Move furniture away from radiators and external walls as this stops air moving around your home.
Dry clothes outside when you can – if that’s not an option you could dry them in a room with an extractor fan on, window open and door closed.
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Freepost RRBZ-TATA-BYHL Broadacres Housing Association Broadacres House Mount View Standard Way NORTHALLERTON North Yorkshire DL6 2YD
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