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Condensation and mould in Chelmsford
Condensation is the most common cause of damp in UK homes. It's caused by moist air inside the house, not water coming in from outside, and it's fixed with better ventilation rather than damp proofing.
Signs of condensation
- Black spotty mould in the corners of rooms, especially on outside walls
- Water running down windows in the morning
- Mould behind wardrobes, sofas or beds pushed against walls
- Mould on window seals and in bathrooms
- Clothes or shoes in cupboards smelling musty
What causes it
Everyday life puts a lot of moisture into the air: cooking, showers, drying clothes indoors and even breathing. When that warm, moist air hits a cold surface, it turns back into water. Mould grows where it collects.
It's often worse in homes that have had new double glazing and draught-proofing, because the old gaps that let moist air escape have been sealed up.
How it's treated
- Removing existing mould safely and treating the surfaces
- Fitting or upgrading extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Installing a positive input ventilation (PIV) unit, which gently brings filtered air into the house and pushes damp air out
- Adding trickle vents to windows where there aren't any
- Practical advice on heating and airing that actually fits how you live
Landlords and tenants
Mould in rented homes is a common source of disputes. A survey gives a clear written explanation of the cause, and the ventilation work usually solves it for good.
Worried about damp in Chelmsford?
Call and describe what you're seeing. We'll tell you honestly whether it sounds like rising damp, a leak or condensation, and book a survey if it needs one.
Call 01245 968544