All air contains water – when there is too much, it rains! The inside of a property is no different. When there is too much moisture in the air, it condenses upon cold surfaces, forming tiny droplets which sometimes combine to form a damp film. It’s a modern day problem caused by increased use of water in our daily activities such as showering, cooking & washing & drying clothes.

The moisture in the air comes from a number of sources, produced in relatively large quantities from normal day to day activities – a typical 5 person household puts about 16 pints/2 gallons of water into the air everyday!

 

One of the main indicators is black mould growth. The growth is a fungus, needing organic matter such as plaster & tiling grout to live on and spread. It also thrives off human matter – hence the reason why it is often seen around the base of showers where skin and other human elements become trapped! Condensation can occur well away from the source – even in a different room but often seen on window frames, around window openings & ceilings. Many people mistake damp for condensation, however black mould is not generally present with damp.

• Improve ventilation by use of extractor fans in kitchens, bathrooms, shower areas & utilities
• Open the window – double glazed houses where there are no trickle vents are often worse than older houses because there is no natural ventilation
• Ensure there is adequate heating… with adequate ventilation
• Reduce the production of moisture – prevent drying clothes inside
• Do not use free standing gas room heaters
• Use a dehumidifier – this extracts water from the moisture in the room-several pints per day