Stop Condensation and Treat Black Mould – 10 Steps to Sucess

Mould and Mildew Loves Condensation

Black mould growth is encouraged by the damp conditions that are provided by condensation in the corner of windows and walls, where still moist air provides the perfect conditions for mould spores to settle and thrive.

Condensation is a common cause of damp walls in properties. It can be so bad that you think you have a leak rather than condensation, but that is because our modern draught-proof houses can lead to stale moist air getting trapped inside the house and causing condensation on windows walls and ceilings.

If you have noticed water gathering on your windowsills or sooty black mould growing on the ceiling then you may have condensation.

DIY Doctor has just published a new DIY Project about the causes of Condensation and how to treat it, and you can find that in our main Project section. It talks you through diagnosing condensation and covers our 10 Step Guide to Stop Condensation.

10 Step Guide to Stop Condensation

1. Ventilate your house – change the air once a day. Open a window, or fit trickle vents. Where you have trickle vents fitted make sure you leave them open.
2. Fit a fan, and use it – make sure your bathroom fan is working while you are bathing and showering, use your kitchen extractor fan when you are cooking.
3. Don’t dry washing indoors – if you have a tumble dryer make sure it is properly vented or buy a self condensing model.
4. Use a Dehumidifier to quickly dry out an area that is very wet.
5. Use a low cost digital Hygrometer to help you keep your humidity between 55-65% this is the best environment for comfortable living. Don’t forget you can use memory setting to monitor levels of relative humidity in your building throughout the day.
6. Cold spots are building defects and may indicate failing wall ties, so use an infra red Thermometer to find any cold spots, as well as badly insulated and damp areas.
7. Test walls and floors with a Damp Meter to make sure that you don’t have water ingress or leaks.
8. If you have wet walls and want to be sure you have condensation use Condensation Test Strips in affected areas. They will change colour if condensation occurs, ruling out some other types of defect.
9. Wash down all surfaces, which have been subject to mould growth, with Anti-Mould Cleaner prior to redecoration.
10. Incorporate Anti Mould Concentrated Additive to all paints that you use (unless you are using Anti-Mould Paints).