What is condensation? 

The average person produces 0.4 litres of water every day, just by breathing! Add to that pets, steam from cooking, showers and laundry and it all adds up. When that warm air meets colder surfaces like windows or walls, it turns into water droplets – condensation. If left, mould will flourish as small grey, black or green spots, which can spread if untreated. 

 

What can you do to prevent condensation? 

Keep your home well-ventilated  

• Leave trickle vents open on windows (if you have them) to allow constant fresh air circulation in habitable rooms. 

• Open windows regularly. Even in cold, winter months opening a bedroom window for just 15-20 minutes in the morning will allow all moisture built up overnight to escape and clear any condensation. 

• Leave a small gap between furniture and outside walls to allow air to circulate. 

 

Reduce moisture in the air 

• Put lids on saucepans when cooking to reduce steam and use extractor fans if you have one. 

• Keep bathroom doors closed when showering and use extractor fans or open a window. 

• Avoid drying laundry on a clothes airer or radiator. If you need to dry clothes indoors, close the door of the bathroom and ensure your extractor fan is working so that any moisture will be removed from the room rather than circulate around your home.  

• Wipe condensation away as soon as you see it, to prevent mould growing. 

 

Maintain a steady temperature in your home 

• Cold homes are more likely to develop condensation, try to keep your home consistently warm.  

• Setting your heating to come on at regular times for longer periods will be more effective than having it switch on and off for short spells throughout the day. Try to maintain a constant temperature. 

• If you’re worried about the cost of heating your home, contact us and our Tenancy Support Officers can check you are getting the right support available to you. 

• If your radiators have cold spots, they may need bleeding. You can do this with a radiator key or call us. 

 

Don’t overcrowd your space 

• Try not to overfill rooms with large furniture. 

• Store belongings in a way that allows air to circulate. 

• Did you know that pet tanks with heat bulbs can add to the moisture in your home? 

 

What we can do 

While many instances of mould are caused by condensation, there are cases where the structure of your home could be causing issues. 

For example: 

• broken gutters and pipes 

• broken or draughty windows or doors 

• inadequate insulation 

• cracked or missing roof tiles 

• cracks in render or perished pointing 

• poorly fitted windows or doors can create cold bridging, which are weak spots in a building that allows heat to escape 

 

If you report damp, mould or condensation problems to our repairs team, they’ll ask a series of questions to assess what can be done. They can then arrange for a Property and Estate Management Officer (PEMO) to inspect the problem. 

If the cause is structural, we can arrange for the issue to be repaired.  

During inspections PEMOs can give out room comfort thermometers, where there are concerns for a residents’ comfort levels. These digital thermometers measure room temperatures and air comfort levels and show if it’s too hot or cold. Placed correctly within your rooms, away from windows or radiators, they can help you in maintaining a healthy environment in your home. 

You can also email photos of broken drainpipes and damp patches to our repairs team on contactus@wwha.co.uk, just make sure to include your name and address with your photos.