creating communities to be proud of
damp and condensation
Keep your home free from mould and damp
Damp can cause mould on walls and furniture and make window frames rot. If your home is damp and cold it encourages the growth of mould and mites. Mites feed on mould and both can increase the risk of breathing problems in some people.
Some damp is caused by condensation. There are ways in which you can help keep your home free from damp and condensation.
How do I know if it is condensation causing damp in my home?
Condensation is not the only cause of damp. Damp can also come from:
- leaking pipes, wastes or overflows
- rain seeping through the roof where a tile or slate is missing or spilling from a blocked gutter
- water penetration around window frames, or leaking through a cracked pipe
- rising damp due to defective or missing damp course.
These causes of damp often leave a 'tidemark' and you should have the necessary repairs carried out to remove this cause of damp. Please report these repairs to us on 0845 849 2000 option 1 or by email to repairs@shorelinehp.com.
If your home is newly built it may be damp because the water used during its construction, for example plaster, is still drying out.
If your home is damp for any of these reasons it may take weeks of heating and ventilating to dry out.
If your home is damp for any of these reasons it may take weeks of heating and ventilating to dry out. Hiring a dehumidifier will help.
If you do not think the damp comes from any of these causes, it is probably condensation.
What is condensation?
There is always some moisture in the air, even if you cannot see it. If the air gets colder it cannot hold all the moisture and tiny drops of water appear. This is condensation. You may notice it when the mirror mists over when you have a bath.
Condensation usually occurs when there is a big difference between the temperature inside your home and the temperature outside so it usually occurs during cold weather, whether it is raining or dry. Condensation does not leave a 'tidemark'. It usually appears on the outside walls of your home or in places where there is little movement of air. Look for it in corners, on or near windows or in or behind wardrobes and cupboards. It often forms on north-facing walls.
We have produced a leaflet which helps you to take the first steps against condensation and mould - Keeping your home free from damp and condensation 
(185kb)
You will need Adobe Reader software to view this leaflet. If you do not have the software installed on your computer, you can download it for free by clicking on the icon below.
© Copyright 2007-2008 Shoreline Housing Partnership Ltd.
Registered Charity Number 1107876.
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