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Damp and Mould

Damp and mould are hazards that can be found in homes. Living with damp and mould can pose health risks and can damage your home.  

So, what can be done to prevent or treat damp and mould? It depends on what type of damp. There is a difference between structural damp, and mould which is caused by condensation.  

The differences are outlined below: 

  • Penetrating damp
    Penetrating damp is the result of water infiltration through the external wall into the property. It is often caused by roof, gutter or pipe leaks. You will see damp patches appearing on walls or ceilings and wet, sometimes crumbly plaster.
  • Rising damp
    This mainly affects ground floor rooms and is caused by ground water soaking up into the walls and floors. This is usually because a damp-proof course or damp-proof membrane is not working, or because there is no damp proofing. You will usually see a tide mark along the affected walls at about 1 metre high with plaster damage below.
  • Condensation
    Condensation occurs when warm, moist air cools quickly and droplets of water are released when the air contacts a cool surface. Mould will grow wherever there is moisture, so the presence of black mould usually means there’s condensation. Several factors can contribute to condensation and resulting mould, but common causes are inadequate insulation, heating or ventilation. 

Penetrating damp and rising damp may require structural repairs. However, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce condensation. This can involve modifications to the home, for example installing extractor fans. There are also lots of small steps you can take to reduce condensation. Check out some tips from the council that anyone can follow to combat condensation.  

How do you treat mould affected areas? 

If you are a council tenant, please report any mould to the council, and we will investigate and treat the problem. However, if you are in a situation where you have to treat mould yourself, we’ve put together some tips to help you stay safe.  

  • Don’t try to remove the mould by using a brush or vacuum cleaner as this releases spores into the air. 
  • Before removing the mould, you may want to use safety goggles, rubber gloves and a dust mask to cover your mouth and nose. 
  • Carefully remove mould with a damp cloth and throw away afterwards. 
  • Wipe down affected areas using a diluted bleach solution or fungicidal wash following the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  • Dry-clean or thoroughly wash mildewed clothes and shampoo mouldy carpets. 
  • After treating mould-affected areas, redecorate using a fungicidal paint. 


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