Window with condensation and mould growing on window sill

Simple steps for a healthier home

Living in cold and damp conditions, can lead to a build-up of mould. This can result in damage to your home and cause serious health problems.

What is damp?

Damp is the build-up of moisture in a home. It can be caused by condensation, moisture rising from the ground (rising damp) or leaks (penetrating damp).

Excess damp and moisture in the home can cause problems, including wet patches, staining and peeling walls. This can lead to mould, which can cause serious health problems and damage to your home.

Condensation is the most common form of damp and happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface and turns into water droplets. It is often caused by poor ventilation.

Signs of damp

Look out for these common signs of damp in your home

Water on windows (condensation)
Black mould on walls or ceilings
Musty smells
Peeling paint or wallpaper
Stains or damp patches on walls
Crumbling plaster or damaged skirting boards
Tidemarks along the bottom of walls

Preventing mould and damp

A few small changes can make a big difference to help keep your home free from damp and mould and support your health and wellbeing.

We’ve teamed up with Groundwork to share some simple tips that can be implemented immediately to help control cold and damp conditions.

Reduce moisture

Reducing moisture is good start to preventing damp.

Use a lid on pots and pans when cooking. This can also help you save money on your energy bills.
Avoid drying clothes on radiators as this can generate a lot of moisture. Use an airer or tumble dryer.
Dry washing outside where possible.
Remove visible moisture by wiping down windows, tiles and shower screens, alternatively you can use a window vac, moisture trap or dehumidifier.

Improve ventilation

Ventilation is important to allow moisture to escape.

Open a window or use an extractor fan while showering, bathing and cooking. Keeping bathroom and kitchen doors closed will prevent the moist air from moving into other rooms too.
If your windows have trickle vents, make sure to keep them open.
Check appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers are plumbed in and ventilated correctly.
Don’t cover or block airbricks or vents.

Keep your home warm

A home that isn’t heated properly can have issues with damp.

Try to keep your home at a steady temperature, especially in winter. To help to keep you safe and well, your thermostat should be set between 18-21ºC.
Insulate your home where you can - this will help keep heat inside your home.
Avoid blocking radiators with furniture.

Preventing moisture damage

Where it is safe to do so, outdoor property maintenance can include:

Check for any visible damage to the roof, particularly after storms, and arrange for repairs to be carried out as soon as possible.
Keep gutters clear from leaves and debris.
Check the pointing of the brickwork, look out for any gaps in the mortar, crumbling, or cracks.

Do you live in a rented property?

If you are renting and are worried about the presence of damp, mould or condensation, please inform your landlord or housing provider and allow them to assess and fix the issue.

Shelter has information on how to seek help from your landlord. For private renters click here and for housing association or council tenants click here

Cadent Warm Wash Rooms

To support households, we will be opening a number of Warm Wash Rooms located within our Centres for Warmth, offering a free laundry service to help if you are struggling to wash and dry your clothes at home. This will help to reduce moisture levels in homes and prevent damp and mould.

Our Warm Wash Rooms are located in:

Birmingham: Newbiggin Communtiy Centre (B18 5BU)
East Ham: Bonny Downs Community Association (E6 6DQ)
Fazakerley: Fazakerley Community Federation (L10 7LQ)
Leicester: Wesley Hall (LE2 0GN)
Liverpool: Kirkdale Primary School (L4 1QD)

We are currently planning to open another five Warm Wash Rooms across our network.

Centres for Warmth

Our Centres for Warmth provide support to people to allow them to stay warm, safe and connected. Located in the heart of their community, we’ve partnered with over 400 community centres to provide energy efficiency, income maximisation and carbon monoxide support.

Find your closest Centre for Warmth here.

We’re committed to keeping you safe and well

We work with our partners to offer practical advice and services to keep you safe, warm and independent in your home.

Get advice on managing moisture within your home

Groundwork’s Green Doctors can provide information on managing moisture in the home. To see if a Green Doctor is available in your area, please visit their website

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Check if you’re eligible for the Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) helps utility companies look after customers who have additional communication, access and/or safety needs. It’s free and easy to join.

Find out if you are eligible and register today.

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Save energy and money

We understand how difficult it can be when energy bills start to rise.

By making some small, simple changes we can all save money while staying safe and well.

See how a little energy can help you save a lot.

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