Useful Information

A step-by-step guide for regular maintenance tasks.

Managing / Preventing Condensation – Mould & Damp

Managing / Preventing Condensation – Mould & Damp

What is condensation?

Condensation is when moisture or water in the air collects on a cooler surface

– There is always some moisture in the air, and most of the time you cannot see it;
– Condensation is caused by water vapour coming into contact with a colder surface, such as a window or wall;
– Most people have a little bit of condensation, like the droplets you see on your windows;
– Condensation occurs mainly during cold weather, whether it is raining or dry;
– The more moisture you produce in your home, the greater your chances of getting condensation and mould – unless you have adequate ventilation.

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Condensation can lead to damp and mould

Damp and mould in the home can be a health hazard, causing respiratory problems and allergies.

Preventing damp and mould is much easier than you might think.

Mould looks like little black dots in the corners of the windows or anywhere water collects, can grow on walls, ceilings, furnishings and even on clothes and toys. Mould can be bad for your health, so it’s important you take action if you spot signs of mould in your home.

Condensation is not the only cause of damp. It can also arise from:

– Rain coming through a roof where a tile or slate is damaged or missing;
– Leaking pipes;
– Rising damp due to a defective or bridged damp course, or where there is no damp course.

Preventing condensation and mould

– Make sure you always have your extractor fans on when you’re in the shower or bath, or when you’re cooking. They should continue to run after you leave the room;
– Keep bathroom or kitchen doors closed when having a shower or bath, or when cooking;
– Allow air to circulate;
– Pull furniture away from cold walls for airflow;
– Clean clutter from windows sills, wipe water, cleaning the condensation from windows and frames to avoid mould;
– You will get much less condensation if you keep all rooms in your home warm most of the time;
– Open windows when you can to let fresh air in and moist air out – especially in the morning, to make sure your property is well-ventilated;
– Dry your clothes outside, if you can – if you are drying them in the bathroom or kitchen, keep the extractor on, a window open and the doors closed;
– If you have a vented dryer, ensure it is vented outside via duct or a window when in use;
– Make sure your furniture is away from radiators and external walls as this stops air moving around your home;
– Keep lids on your pans when you’re cooking to stop steam escaping;
– If you do get mould, use a mould cleaning product to remove it.

How to turn off water

Most common places you can find your internal stopcock

– Underneath your kitchen sink
– In your main bathroom
– Under your stairs
– In your utility-room
– Next to your gas or electricity meter
– In a corridor cupboard (most common in flats or shared accommodation, this can often be found low down)

How else can I stop a leak?

These valves come in many shapes and sizes.

– If the piping to your main fixtures using water – such as your taps, bath or toilet – is exposed, then you may find a shut-off valve for each.
– To turn this valve, you’ll have to use a flat-head screwdriver or an equivalent piece of kit – the straight, blunt edge of a knife can be a good replacement if you’re in a hurry.

How to turn off power

How to turn off the power at your home’s breaker box or fuse box

– All homes have an electrical service panel, commonly known as a breaker box or fuse box. The panel receives the incoming power from the electrical utility and distributes the power to the various circuits of the house. Turning off the power at the electrical service panel is the safest way to shut down a circuit before working on it. The service panel also allows you to shut off the power to all of the circuits at once, using the main breaker or main fuse.
– If your appliances have stopped working or your lights have gone out all of a sudden, you’ve likely tripped a fuse switch. To resolve the problem, you’ll need to locate the main fuse box in your home and check to see if all of the trip switches are on.
– To shut off a circuit breaker, simply flip it to the off position.

Changing a light bulb

Please follow these steps

– Step 1: Turn Off The Power. Never attempt to change a light bulb with the power still connected. First make sure the power is turned off. The safest way to do this is to switch the large red power button to ‘off’ on the fuse box.
– Step 2: Allow The Bulb To Cool before touching it.
– Step 3: Use A Ladder Ensure you can safely reach the bulb by using a stepladder.
– Step 4: Remove The Old Bulb. Take the bulb out of the socket. The way you do this will depend on whether your bulb has a bayonet mount or a screw fitting: Standard in the UK Bayonet fitting light bulb : Grasp the bulb lightly but firmly, push upwards gently and turn anticlockwise until it is released from the socket.
– Step 5: Insert The Replacement Bulb. Insert a replacement bulb lightly but firmly into the socket. Depending on the type, turn it clockwise until it locks into place or keep gently twisting clockwise until it won’t go any further.
– Step 6: Switch On The Power. Once the bulb is in, turn the power back on again and switch on the light.
– Step 7: Dispose Of Your Old Bulb.