Understanding damp and mould

Video transcript

0:04
In this video we will be showing you the different types of dampness that can occur in your homes and how to avoid them developing.

0:10
In our homes, routine activities like cooking, cleaning, and bathing produce amounts of moisture.

0:17
When too much moisture in the air meets a cold surface, it condenses into tiny droplets of water.

0:23
You will see condensation forming on your windows during the colder months of the year.

0:28
If you spot condensation on a surface, wipe it down with a dry clean cloth or towel.

0:35
This can prevent any surface water turning into mould.

0:38
Other areas of the home that can be prone to a build-up of surface water are bathroom ceilings and the tops of external walls where they meet the ceiling.

0:48
Condensation is one type of dampness that can be caused by excess of moisture inside the home, but there are different types, including penetrating damp, rising damp and dampness resulting from plumbing issues.

1:02
These are how you can spot each of the types of dampness.

1:05
Rising damp is caused by water rising from the ground.

1:08
It will only affect ground-floor rooms or basements.

1:13
Signs of rising damp can include a tidemark along the bottom of an interior wall, with damage to skirting boards and flooring around the edge of your room.

1:24
Penetrating damp is caused by water entering the property through external walls or roofs.

1:30
It will usually show a concentrated damp patch on a wall or ceiling and have a defined edge.

1:36
This type of dampness usually gets worse when it rains.

1:40
A plumbing fault, such as a leak in a water pipe or a waste pipe, can cause dampness.

1:46
It will usually occur from a bathroom, kitchen or a heating system.

1:52
The damp area would be wet to touch and would remain consistently damp regardless of the weather outside.

1:59
Dampness in our homes can cause a buildup of mould, although black mould can grow on any surface.

2:05
Walls, ceilings and windowsills in bathrooms and bedrooms are also common locations for this to develop.

2:12
If you spot mould developing, wash down the surface with an antifungal wash using a dry clean cloth.

2:19
Do not use bleach as this can make the mould worse.

2:23
If you are painting in an affected area, use an anti fungal paint.

2:27
Most wallpaper paste contains fungicide to prevent mould growth.

2:33
If you are experiencing any issues with damp, mould or high humidity in your home, we will arrange to have an inspection carried out, any mould cleaned, and any repairs carried out as a priority.

2:47
Contact our repairs team at gateshead.gov.uk/myhousingaccount or call 0800 408 6008.

All reports are taken very seriously and will be given priority.