Everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and bathing add moisture to the air inside our homes, which leads to condensation and the growth of mould.
View our short animated video for advice and help if you think you have any problems with damp, mould, or condensation, created by Wakefield Council.
Taking action
Improving the energy efficiency of your home can reduce the likelihood of condensation and mould growth.
Removing mould
These actions are recommended for removing mould:
- wipe down walls and window frames with an approved fungicidal wash, or a weak water and bleach solution
- dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets
- after treatment, redecorate using an approved fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste to help prevent mould from reoccurring
Other causes of damp
Condensation is not the only cause of damp, it can also come from:
- leaking water pipes, waste pipes and overflows
- rain penetrating gaps in the brickwork, roof, window frames, and around doors
- defects in guttering and pipes, faulty flashings, poor pointing and cracked rendering
- rising damp due to a faulty damp proof course and can cause stained plaster, peeling wallpaper, rotten skirting boards and floors
If your home is damp for any of these reasons the cause of the problem will need to be addressed and it may take weeks of heating and ventilation to dry out.
If you're a tenant with continuing damp problems contact your landlord in the first instance.
Further support for tenants
For further help or advice:
- council tenants should contact the Housing Repairs Team
- private tenants should contact the Housings Standards and Adaptations Team