Different types of damp and mould

There are many different types of damp and mould. Below are some of the most common.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when your home is too humid and the warm air hits cold surfaces, making it cool quickly.

Signs of condensation	Prevention
Water droplets on nearby surfaces such as walls and windows	Open windows regularly or put them on vent. Keep a gap between furniture and walls for air flow to circulate
Wet walls with peeling paint	Dry clothes outside or in a small room with the window open
Damaged plaster	Keep internal doors closed to stop moist air moving around the house

Rising damp

This is when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls.

Signs of rising damp	Prevention
Tide marks on the walls - these are yellow or brown marks or stains	Move furniture away from the area to allow air flow
Damp patches and staining above the skirting boards	Report it straight away so we can investigate
Peeling wallpaper starting from the skirting boards
Black mould just above the skirting board

Penetrating damp

This is when water is getting into the home through an external wall. This may be because of damaged bricks, windows or tiles, blocked gutters or leaks.

Signs of penetrating damp	Prevention
Water stains on walls – these are dark marks on walls where the water has dried	Move furniture away from the area to allow air flow
Damp patches on walls or ceilings	Report it straight away so we can investigate
Wet and crumbly plaster
Spores or black mould that are in one area
Drips and puddles inside