Damp, mould and condensation

Condensation happens when moisture in warm air comes into contact with a cold surface and turns into water droplets.

Condensation happens when moisture in warm air comes into contact with a cold surface and turns into water droplets. This happens more in rooms where there is a lot of moisture, such as in bathrooms and kitchens, or in rooms where there are a lot of people.

Condensation also forms in cold rooms when there is little movement of air.

Condensation can form behind furniture, in corners of rooms or in wardrobes.

What causes condensation?

  • Too much moisture in the air, often created by steam from cooking and washing.
  • Using portable paraffin and bottled-gas heaters. (Each litre of paraffin burned releases one litre – three pints – of water vapour into the atmosphere.)
  • There not being enough ventilation.
  • Extremes of temperature (for example, a kitchen being very warm and a bedroom very cold).
  • Drying clothes inside the home, especially over radiators.
  • Moisture produced by everyday activities.

What condensation can do to your home?

Condensation can cause mould to form on walls, furniture and soft furnishings (for example, curtains). It can even damage plasterwork and rot wooden window frames.

Damp conditions can also increase the number of house mites.

How you can prevent damp and mould?

Solihull Community Housing (SCH) which runs Solihull Council’s housing service has lots of advice and information on how to minimise condensation and prevent mould.  You may find this useful whether you are an SCH tenant, private sector tenant or own your own home by visiting their website.

Report damp and mould issues if you are an SCH tenant