Damp and Mould

Damp

There are a number of types of damp such as penetrating, rising and condensation damp.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp is when water from outside enters a property from outside resulting in wet and damp patches forming within a property. Which can be caused by for example:

• Blocked and defective guttering and down spouts
• Leaking pitched and flat roofs
• Missing or defective flashing and flaunching
• Cracks or missing masonry and brickwork

Rising Damp

Rising damp is normally evident as a 'tide mark' on ground floor walls.  This is caused by the drawing up of water from the ground into the property (capillary action).

Condensation Damp

Condensation is water that collects as droplets when humid air is in contact with a cold surface.  Condensation can be evident as wet and damp patches sometimes with the presence of black spots (mould).  Cold surfaces can be:

• Window glass
• Mirrors
• Tiles
• Cold internal walls and ceilings

Condensation damp is the most common form of dampness and can be an all year around issue but at certain times of the year, particularly during the colder months from November through to February, were condensation problems can become much worse.

Condensation tends to be evident within properties that are cold.  It is important that properties are kept warm or at a steady temperature.  Condensation is normally produced from within the property and is often a problem that can be managed by the occupier.

Black mould associated with condensation will normally only grow in the presence of pure water (condensation).

To address the problems of condensation damp in properties please follow the guidance in the attached booklet 'Six Steps to Reducing Condensation and Black Mould Growth'.

Six Steps to Reducing Condensation and Black Mould Growth Leaflet (PDF, 1 MB)

Mould

Mould is a fungus that can grow on organic matter and reproduces through the production of spores which can impact on health through the inhalation of those spores.

Mould and fungus normally thrive in moist conditions, therefore reducing the moisture or the moisture source in a property can help prevent it from growing.  Ventilation of a property can also help by letting any moisture to escape.  Types of fungus:

• Wet rot
• Dry rot
• Black mould

Report an issue

If you're a private or a council tenant, you can report problems with damp and mould here.