SGH Damp and Mould Video Guide

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Certain homes may experience the growth of condensation mould, particularly during the winter months

As a resident of SGH, it is your responsibility, as outlined in your tenancy agreement, to take care of your home. This includes addressing condensation and preventing mould growth, thus reducing the risk of recurrence.

There are instances, though, where we, as your housing provider, are responsible, such as in cases of building design flaws or maintenance issues.

In the following sections, we will explain the causes of mould, how to identify early signs, what actions to take if mould appears in your home, and the available treatments.

What Causes Mould? 

Mould develops when condensation accumulates in your home. Proper ventilation is crucial, especially when cooking or drying clothes indoors.

Mould typically appears as green, grey, or black spots on walls and ceilings, indicating excessive moisture in the air. Since mould can spread rapidly, it's important to promptly ventilate the area and clean off the mould if you notice any signs in your property.

Where Does Mould Grow? 

Mould thrives in damp areas, commonly found around windows, in bathrooms and kitchens, and in poorly ventilated spaces. It can also grow on soft materials such as carpets, curtains, and clothing. Neglected excess condensation will eventually lead to mould growth.

How Can I Prevent Mould and Damp? 

You can minimize mould by keeping your home warm and ensuring proper ventilation. This reduces moisture in the air, consequently decreasing condensation and mould. Here are some practical tips to prevent mould and damp in your home:

1. Avoid placing wet clothes on radiators, as they release moisture into the room. Instead, dry clothes outside or in a room with an open window or an extractor fan.
2. Cover saucepans while cooking to minimize steam escaping into the room. This is also more energy-efficient.
3. If you must use paraffin or bottled gas heaters, ensure they are used in well-ventilated rooms. These heaters release significant amounts of water vapor and can be dangerous.
4. Always use an extractor fan or open a window when cooking or showering.
5. Add cold water first when running a bath to reduce steam.
6. Close doors to prevent moist air from spreading to other rooms.
7. Keep window vents open to allow air circulation.
8. Regularly check behind furniture, especially against external walls, for signs of mould. Whenever possible, place furniture against internal walls or leave gaps to promote airflow.
9. Open curtains during the day to prevent condensation build-up behind them.
10. Keep air bricks and extractor fans unobstructed.
11. Check that extractor fans are functioning properly and free from dust build-up.
12. Avoid draught-proofing kitchen and bathroom windows or rooms prone to damp, as it hinders ventilation.
13. Maintain a reasonable level of warmth in your home during winter, such as 21°C in the living room and 18°C in bedrooms, as recommended by the World Health Organization. You don't have to maintain these temperatures all the time but try to reach them for part of the day.
14. Keep materials like clothes, carpets, towels, and rugs clean and dry.

How Can I Treat Mould and Damp? 

Always clean away signs of mould before it spreads. Use a cloth with an antifungal or antibacterial spray, and ensure the area is thoroughly dried afterward. Regular repetition of this process can prevent a severe mould outbreak.

After cleaning, if you're satisfied that the mould has been treated, consider redecorating using a high-quality fungicidal paint. Ordinary paint or wallpaper won't solve the problem.

Who is Responsible? 

Mould and damp resulting from occasional occurrences or lack of proper care and attention are your responsibility according to the terms of your tenancy with SGH.

However, if the mould worsens over time despite your efforts to control it, it may be due to building design flaws or property maintenance issues, including the following:

1. Penetrating damp: Caused by leaky roofs, windows, plumbing, drainage, or guttering. Once identified and fixed, the dampness should not reoccur.
2. Rising damp: Extremely rare, this occurs when water soaks up from the ground into the walls. It mainly affects older properties lacking damp courses or damp-retaining walls.

In such circumstances, please contact us immediately. You can do so through our 'Contact Us' page. After an initial phone assessment, we will arrange for a professional to visit your home and fully assess the situation.

To help tackle future mould growth, you may be offered a humidity and temperature sensor. The sensor sends alerts to let you know when conditions at your home may encourage mould growth.