Damp and mould

What causes damp and mould and how to identify it

When damp and condensation mould are in our homes, we usually see a damp, brown stain or condensation and black mould.

Damp and mould are caused by a variety of reasons and are not always easy to identify because there may be several reasons for it developing. 

If you have large areas of black mould in your home, please contact your landlord. They should act in 24 hours to remove and treat the black mould.

Condensation and black mould

The most common cause of black mould in homes is due to dampness created by condensation.  Condensation is caused when warm moist air hits a cold surface such as a window or external wall.  Mould grows on the water from the condensation.

Condensation can be a problem in any property no matter how old it is. It is often worse in homes that have been modernised if ventilation and the circulation of air is reduced.

Mould looks and smells bad, can cause serious health problems and damage clothes, furniture and books.

Black mould can cause serious health problems. Advice on how can damp and mould affect your health from GOV.UK

How to deal with black mould

If you have black mould in your home, the best way to deal with this is by wiping the affected areas with mould removal spray. There are some special anti-mould and insulating paints that may delay the return of the mould but the best way to prevent it coming back is to reduce the condensation in your home.

The National Energy Action for warm homes has produced specific advice on dealing with condensation and damp for both homeowners and tenants.

National Energy Action - dealing with condensation and mould

Report black mould to your landlord.

How to prevent condensation

Having good ventilation and air circulation around the home is very important in the prevention of condensation; this allows the air to release its moisture outside your home and prevents future problems inside your home.

You can reduce condensation by:

• opening window trickle vents during the day or when going out, or open windows for at least ten minutes every day
• avoiding putting furniture against any external walls and try to leave a gap between furniture and the wall to allow airflow.
• closing internal doors, opening windows and using extractor fans (if you have them) when cooking, showering or bathing. If possible, leave windows open and extractor fans to run for about 20 minutes after to clear any steam
• not putting dry wet clothes on radiators. This will make your boiler work harder and could cost as much as running a tumble dryer, while creating a lot of condensation

Penetrating damp and rising damp

Dampness in a home can also happen when there are defects within a building although this does not always lead to mould growth. 

Penetrating damp and rising damp are caused by defects with the fabric of a property in that water leaks into the property from outside. Other causes may be a leaking water or waste pipe.

Penetrating damp may be due to a leaking roof or blocked guttering its usually identified by visible damp patches on outside walls or on top floor ceilings. 

Rising damp is caused by the property absorbing water up from the ground through its walls and floor. This type of dampness does not usually cause mould growth due to its high salt content; it can often be identified by the presence of salts forming on surface of the wall. It is most common in very old properties which do not have a Damp Proof Course and are of solid wall construction (built before 1920). It can also happen in modern properties where the Damp Proof Membranes have failed. 

If you think you have penetrating or rising damp in your property

Contact your landlord in the first instance to make sure the issue is rectified.

Leaving the issue could cause further damage to the property and hazards to your health.

If you are unhappy with the response or actions taken by your landlord, it is advised that you contact the council to make a housing condition complaint.

Contact the council for your local area:

Allerdale area - email: housing.services@cumberland.gov.uk
Carlisle area - email: environmentalhealth@cumberland.gov.uk
Copeland area - email: envhealth@cumberland.gov.uk