Whenever water and moisture sits in a home it will cause damp. Mould is then caused by these damp conditions. There are lots of reasons why damp or mould occurs in homes, sometimes it’s easy to spot the cause but at other times the cause can be more deep-rooted. Whatever the cause, we will work with you to fix the problem.

Call our Repairs Centre on 01733 385030 or let us know about the problem online via MyCKH as soon as you notice damp, excessive condensation or mould.

Causes of damp

Damp can be caused by leaking pipes, taps or plumbing issues, blocked gutters, problems with the brick work, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames – in fact anything that lets water leak into your home. This is called penetrating or rising damp which is caused by a repair issue to the outside of your home.

Condensation is another form of damp that will occur naturally as you live in your home. Condensation forms when warm moist air (like steam) touches a cold wall or surface inside your home. We all create moisture every day when we cook, shower, and just spend time at home. Condensation isn't usually a problem and can be controlled by good ventilation and heating, but we know it is difficult - especially if there are lots of people in one house. It can also be caused by poor insulation or faulty heating and ventilation systems.

Treating mould

No one should live with mould in their home. Although a spot of mould can often be removed with a supermarket mould cleaner, it is important to contact us as soon as you notice mould. Signs of damp or mould include:

• Spots or stains on your walls, clothing or furniture
• Water stains on walls or ceilings
• Dark growth on your windowsills or around sinks, showers and bathtubs
• A damp musty, smell
• Wet patches on your floor
• Defective or broken roof tiles or insulation
• Leaking pipes and dripping taps.

Call our Repairs Centre on 01733 385030 or let us know about the problem online via MyCKH.

Please talk to us straight away as we are here to help you. When you tell us about mould in any part of your home, we act quickly to make sure the problem is dealt with within 28 days. Calling us as soon as possible can make it easier to fix. We may visit your home to assess the problem. We will clean the problem area, talk about what caused the problem, how it can be fixed, when the repair will take place (if necessary) and what you need to do next. If you need any extra support, we will tell you how we can help. We will also contact you again after we've completed the work to see if you need any more advice or support.

Preventing damp and mould

There are some simple ways to help stop problems with damp and mould in your home:

1. Be aware of how moisture can get into your home. Check your home for water leaks or signs of water getting into your home. Look for dripping taps – remember your stop cock, damage to the roof or gutters, leaking pipes – inside and outside, gaps in window frames, and damp skirting boards or walls. If you find any of these call us straight away, call our Repairs Centre on 01733 385030 or let us know about the problem online via MyCKH.
2. Reduce the amount of moisture in your home.  Avoid drying your washing indoors and make sure you use your extractor fans when cooking or showering. Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed to stop moisture spreading into the rest of your house.
3. Improve ventilation. Fresh air will help stop moisture collecting. Open your windows for a short while every day to help the air circulate.
4. Reduce the number of cold areas in your home. Moisture forms when warm air meets a cold surface. Heating one room and leaving other rooms cold makes condensation worse. It’s better to have a medium-to-low level of heat, between 16 and 21 degrees throughout your home. Take a look at our guide to central heating and visit the Citizens Advice website for information on where you can get support for energy costs.
5. Wipe condensation away as soon as it forms. 
6. Never overfill rooms, wardrobes and cupboards, as it stops air from flowing. Keep a small gap between large pieces of furniture and your walls. Try not to place large furniture against external walls.

 

Support for you

We know the cost of paying to heat your home can be a struggle. However, keeping the temperature of your home consistent is one of the best ways to beat damp and mould.

Make sure you are on the best energy tariff, so you don’t pay more than you need for your heating bills. Use an online comparison site to shop around for the best deal. Find useful information on choosing the right tariff for you on the Citizen’s Advice website.

You can also use our use our benefit calculator  to check if there is any additional income you could be able to claim. Our Income Management team may also be able to offer advice and support on how to manage your money.

Talk to our Communities team if you would like support looking for work , we can help you get back to work or find a new role.

Sometimes small things can make a big difference. Let us know if there’s something that could make it easier for you to manage the moisture in your home, like an outdoor washing line, for example.