Your Home

Damp and mould

Managing damp, mould and condensation in your home

 

Understanding the problem

• Damp: Caused by leaks or water getting in through walls, roofs, or rising from the ground. Look out for tide marks on walls.
• Mould: Grows on damp surfaces and looks like black, grey or green spots. It can affect walls, furniture, clothes, and even your health.
• Condensation: Happens when warm, moist air hits cold surfaces like windows or walls. Everyday activities like cooking and bathing add moisture to the air.

 

Why condensation matters

• Can cause mould and mildew
• Damages furniture and window frames
• Worsens breathing problems like asthma

 

What causes condensation?

• Too much moisture in the air
• Poor ventilation
• Cold surfaces
• Low indoor temperatures

 

How much moisture are we creating?

• Bath/shower: 2 pints
• Washing clothes: 1 pint
• Drying clothes indoors: 9 pints
• Cooking/kettle use: 6 pints
• Washing dishes: 2 pints
• Total for a family: up to 20 pints a day!

 

Tips to reduce moisture

• Dry clothes outside or in the bathroom with the door closed and window open.
• Use pan lids when cooking and reduce water use.
• Run cold water first when filling a bath.
• Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed.
• Use extractor fans or vented tumble dryers.
• Avoid gas heaters as they create lots of moisture.

 

Improve ventilation

• Open windows on opposite sides of the house for 30 minutes daily.
• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Leave bedroom windows slightly open at night.
• Don’t block air vents.
• Allow air to circulate around furniture and inside wardrobes.

 

Warm up cold surfaces

• Insulate lofts and walls.
• Draught-proof where safe (not in rooms with gas heaters or cookers).
• Don’t block air bricks or vents.

 

Keep a steady temperature

• Heat all rooms to a moderate level.
• Keep heating on low all day during cold weather.
• Use electric heaters in rooms without heating.
• Avoid over-ventilating in cold weather.

 

Daily actions to reduce condensation

• Wipe down windows and sills each morning.
• Dry wet surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Wring out cloths instead of drying them on radiators.

 

Key points to remember

• Reduce moisture
• Improve ventilation
• Warm up cold surfaces
• Maintain a steady temperature

 

Need help?

If you have followed all the guidelines above and the problems persist please contact Building Maintenance on 01437 764551 or email enquiries@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

You can report a repair through our Housing online service 

or

You can report a repair by phone during these times:

• 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Thursday
• 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Friday
• 8.00 am to 2.00 pm Saturday and Sunday

Out of hours emergencies can be reported by phoning 0345 601 5522

 

Help with heating bills

Contact the Tenant Financial Support Team:

Phone: 01437 764551

Email: HousingFST@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

 

Resources to help you

• Get quick and practical tips on how to reduce condensation and prevent mould in your home. 
  
• Our Guide to managing condensation and mould in your home explains the causes of damp and mould, how to prevent it, and what to do if it appears.
• Use the Moisture Balance Tool (opens in a new tab). This online tool helps you explore what might be causing damp in your home based on your living habits and property type. It was developed by the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings (UKCMB).