dampmouldlet’s tackle it together

HAVE YOU GOT A HYGROMETER?

The ‘average’ family produces approximately 15 litres or 27 pints of moisture per day.

Here is an idea of how much moisture you create

• 4 people sleeping for 8 hours - 1-2 litres of moisture• Cooking - 2-4 litres• Washing clothes - 0.5-1 litres• Drying clothes - 3-7.5 litres• Dishwashing - 0.4 Litres per day• Bathing - 0.2 Litres per day

DID YOU KNOW...

&

DAMP & MOULD Mould grows on damp surfaces. It most cases it is caused by condensation. This is moist air in the home from everyday things – such as cooking and showering – which settles on cold surfaces. Ocasionally dampness may be caused by water getting into your home from leaking pipes, blocked guttering or an outside wall which needs re-pointing. Or it could be a combination of both of these things.

SPOTTING DAMP AND MOULD?

Check your home for:• Leaking pipes and waste overflows• Rain seeping in where tiles or

slates are missing• Overflow from blocked gutters

penetrating around window frames or leaking through cracked pipes

• Rising damp due to a defective damp-course or because there is no damp-course. Leaks and rising damp often leave ‘tide marks’ and only travel to about a meter up the wall without black mould growth. However, this only relates to rising damp & not leaks in general.

If it seems like the cause of the mould may be dampness getting into your home from outside, we will send someone to investigate and then put right any problems that we find or help you tackle any mould growth from condensation. When you call us we will spend time with you on the phone discussing the problem and what might be causing it.

CONDENSATION

Condensation is natural in everyone’s homes, especially as we all try to eliminate draughts and save money on heating bills. But there are lots of things you can do to keep condensation to a minimum and stop it becoming a problem. This will reduce the risk of dampness and mould growth in your home.

WHAT IS CONDENSATION?

Condensation occurs when moist air hits a cold surface. This moist air condenses on cool surfaces such as walls, mirrors, tiles, windows and clothes leaving small drops of moisture. Look for it in corners, near windows, behind wardrobes, inside cupboards, on the ceiling or places where there is little movement of air.

Condensation occurs mainly during winter months and does not leave a ‘tide mark’. Condensation usually occurs at night when temperatures drop and doors and windows are closed. Even people breathing can cause condensation and this can cause damp where mould can grow.

CAUSES OF CONDENSATION

Cooking without covering pots

Bathing and showering without ventilation

Kettles boiling and irons producing steam

A hydrometer measures the amount of moisture content in the room. You should ideally have readings between 40 and 60. If it gets to over 60 for two days or more this is were condensation and mould start to appear.

To order your free hygrometer call 01892 501480 option 3

I wish I had...prevented

condensation

keep on top of the

mould

asked for help

Dampness in your home can lead to the growth of black mould, which if left could be harmful. It’s important to deal with mould and the causes as

quickly as possible or it will soon return.

checked for damp

For information or to ask for a hydrometer contact

info@tchg.org.ukwww.tchg.org.uk

Cover pots and pans when cooking

HOW TO PREVENT CONDENSATION

Dry washing outdoors if possible. If you dry washing indoors, put it in the bathroom with the door closed and windows left open or the vents on

Make sure tumble dryer vents go

outside

Keep the heating on a low heat – this is better than short bursts of high heat

DOa

Use extractor fans, they are important for removing moisture from the air Keep doors closed

to rooms like bathrooms and kitchens where steam is being produced

Windows left open decrease the risk of condensation forming

Top TipsaWipe off mould using anti fungal products as soon as you see it

aWipe condensation off windows and window sills as soon as you see it

aClose kitchen or bathroom doors when in use

aLeave trickle vents open to ventilate rooms

aPut lids on pans when cooking

aDry clothes outside where possible

aPut cold water in first when running a bath

aMove large items of furniture away from external walls

aSwitch extractor fans on (even if they are noisy!)

aDeclutter cupboards and wardrobes as over filled spaces stop air circulating

aKeep air vents unblocked in your home.

Watch our damp & mould video at www.tchg.org.uk/damp-and-mould

HOW TO REMOVE MOULD

1. Wipe it off immediately with water using a sponge or cloth

2. Apply anti-fungicidal spray to the wall. Mould removers are

available from DIY stores. Make sure that you read the instructions

carefully before use and wear rubber gloves and a mask.

3. Properly clean and remove the mould first then use a special fungicidal paint to help prevent it recurring.

4. Dry clean clothes and

shampoo carpets

affected by mould.

The only lasting way of avoiding mould is to

eliminate dampness!