Damp and mould
Damp and mould are common problems, especially in winter when homes can become colder and less ventilated.
If you see damp and mould:
- Try to find out what is causing it
- Fix the problem
- Reduce moisture in the air
Tips to help:
- Give tenants somewhere to dry washing outside
- If that is not possible, provide drying space in the bathroom where there is good ventilation
Cleaning black mould
Black mould grows where there is too much moisture. If you remove the moisture, the mould should stop growing.
You can clean mould using special mould remover. If the wall is stained, you can repaint it once the wall is dry.
Heating and Insulation
Homes with good heating and insulation are less likely to have mould growth.
Heating should keep the air and walls warm enough to stop moisture turning in to mould.
It is better to keep a lower steady temperature throughout the day, rather than just having the heating on in the morning and evening.
Insulating the outside walls and using special wall coverings (like foil backed boards) can help.
Even small areas of rising or penetrating damp can make walls colder and increase the chance of mould forming.
Ventilation
Good air flow keeps homes drier and healthier.
Homes should have low-level background ventilation to let air move around.
If windows are sealed, add trickle vents to let air in.
Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, to remove steam after cooking or bathing.
If mould keeps coming back, even with good heating and ventilation, consider installing a positive pressure ventilation system. This system gently pushes fresh air in to the home.
Adequately heated, fuel efficient and well insulated
Heating the home
The type and size of the heating system should match the size and layout of the home. Every room should have fixed heating, including conservatories, if they are used as living spaces.
Heating should:
- Be properly installed
- Be easy for tenants to control and programme
- Be able to keep the whole home warm
Recommended room temperatures
When it's cold outside (–1˚C), the heating should be able to keep rooms at these temperatures:
- Living room 21˚C
- Kitchen within dining space 21˚C
- Bedrooms 18˚C
- Bathrooms 22˚C
- Hallways 19˚C
Gas heating
If the home is connected to mains gas, gas central heating is best. Radiators should be placed to spread the heat evenly and reduce heat loss.
Gas central heating should have:
- A room thermostat
- A programmer (to set heating times)
- Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on all radiators, except the one in the same room as the thermostat.
Electric heating
Electric heating can be used if:
- The home is well insulated
- There is no mains gas
- The electric system is in good condition
Electric heating should include:
- High heat retention storage heaters, with a built in top-up fan heater, in the living room
- Storage heaters in the main bedrooms and hallways
- Panel heaters with timers and programmers in small bedrooms
- Fixed heaters, not plug in
- Storage heaters with automatic controls and thermostats
- Bathroom heaters - storage or downflow