Damp and mould

The causes of damp and mould

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.

Preventing damp and condensation

• Do not block chimneys and flues
• Do not block ventilators or extractor fans
• Avoid putting furniture against cold external walls

How to kill or remove mould

Do not brush mould as this releases spores into the air.

• Carefully remove excess mould with a damp cloth and throw away the cloth immediately after.
• Wipe down the affected areas using a fungicidal wash or diluted bleach – remember to always use rubber gloves and wear safety glasses.
• Dilute three to four drops of Tea Tree oil in two litres of water (hot or cold). Soak affected items in the solution or spray on to trouble spots using a test on a small area of the fabric/material/surface beforehand.
• After treatment, redecorate using a fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste – do not paint over with ordinary paint.
• Dry clean mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets.

Complete this form to report damp and mould