During the colder autumn and winter months, many properties suffer from damp and mould growth due to condensation.

Mould often occurs because of condensation. It starts to appear as pinpoint spots, usually on the side surfaces of external walls, in corners and in poorly ventilated spaces, such as behind cupboards and wardrobes.

The control of condensation requires a combination of sufficient heating, ventilation and insulation.

Identify problem areas

It can be difficult to completely mould-proof your home, but you can make it mould-resistant. Try to identify where the problem areas are! Do you notice frequent condensation on upstairs windows? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mould from growing or spreading might be as simple as letting fresh air in more frequently, positioning furniture away from outer walls or repairing damaged gutters.

Dry wet areas immediately

Mould needs moisture to grow, so tackle wet areas right away. Water leak into the basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you’ve been unlucky enough to experience a flood, remove water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture if they can’t be completely dried. Even everyday occurrences need attention: don’t leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Try not to leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mould can spread quickly. Hang them to dry — preferably outside, in areas with good air circulation or use a tumble dryer with external venting.

Prevent moisture with proper ventilation

It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mould in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn’t invite mould by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture areas. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, cookers — to the outside (not the loft). Use dehumidifiers, but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer. Your energy-efficient home may be holding moisture inside, so open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering, or run an exhaust fan. We offer comprehensive and affordable ventilation solutions for residential properties.

Improve air flow in your home

When temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to cupboards that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mould at bay.

If your home, business or rental property is affected by mould, please do not hesitate to get in touch

We cover Brighton & Hove, Worthing, Lancing, Lewes, Peacehaven, Seaford, Eastbourne, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill

01273 589 689 or 01273 044 018 | Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm