What is condensation?
Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as when windows steam up. This is a very common issue as we all generate moisture as we breathe and carry out normal daily tasks such as cooking and washing. In some severe cases condensation can lead to mould on walls and ceilings and can also lead to damp patches.
As your landlord we are committed to working with our tenants to address any cases of condensation. We are particularly mindful that the high cost of heating your home may add to the issue as temperature reduce allowing more cold spots to develop. We ask any tenant who is experiencing condensation to please contact our Maintenance Team and an inspection will be carried out.
Some useful tips to reduce moisture from your home
These simple steps will help you produce less moisture in your home:
• If you can dry washing outdoors.
• If drying wet washing indoors, put it in the bathroom with the door closed and windows left open.
• If you can, try to keep your house warm for as long as possible. It is advised that a reduced thermostat setting at your boiler or radiators and run for longer is best rather than high heat for a short period.
• If you can, please do not dry wet clothes on radiators.
• Vent tumble driers outside.
• Keep trickle ventilators open when someone is in the room. Good ventilation helps protect your health and home from damage by working to eliminate excess moisture from the air. It is recommended to open windows and air your home for at least 20 minutes daily.
• Ventilate your kitchen and bathroom when in use by opening the windows and using extractor fans. When cooking place lids on pans as this will reduce the amount of moisture escaping into the room.
• Close kitchen and bathroom doors when in use. This will help prevent moisture reaching other rooms, especially bedrooms which are often colder and more likely to get condensation.
• We recommend extractors are used to remove moisture to outside the property. If you feel your extractor is not effective then please report this to our maintenance team.
• The bathroom is one of the rooms in your home that condensation will occur. Bathing creates a lot of moisture and steam and if it does not go outside then it will form water droplets on cold surfaces such as windows and walls. We recommend the extractor fan is on and left on until moisture is removed, open windows and air the bathroom after use.
• Where excess condensation is on windows and surfaces we recommend that this is wiped with a towel.
How to remove mould
Wipe mould off immediately with water using a sponge or cloth.
• We recommend you do not use washing up liquid or bleach!
• Apply anti mould removal liquid to remove mould; available from most high street stores (Read all instructions carefully before use).
• Dry clean clothes and shampoo carpets affected by mould.
If you have any damp or condensation issues please report these to our Maintenance Team on 02890351131. Alternatively, you can email us at info@nb-housing.org. Our staff will visit the property and complete an assessment.