The majority of calls we receive from tenants about damp turn out to be condensation.

Condensation is arguably the most common form of dampness and can eventually lead to the growth of black mould. It forms on internal surfaces when the temperature drops  below the temperature of moist air inside the property. This is likely to occur during cooking, washing, ironing and bathing – particularly in properties which have undergone improvement works in the last few years, as they are much better insulated than properties which have not had improvement works carried out.

If left to develop, condensation can lead to an unsightly, musty property and can also trigger health problems such as asthma.

Signs of condensation include water streaming down windows and walls, damp areas behind furniture, wallpaper peeling, blackened window frames and black mould growth.

To prevent condensation:

• Try to keep the inside temperature reasonably constant for as much time as possible . 
• Avoid drying clothes indoors. If you have no choice, place the clothes rack beside an open window in a room with the door shut. 
• Do not dry clothes over any radiators. 
• Ensure any tumble drier is properly vented or the condensate regularly emptied.  
• Do not supplement your heating with paraffin/calor gas type heating. 
• Keep furniture away from external walls. 
• Do not disable any extraction units. 

Damp, unlike condensation, usually leaves a tidemark and dependent on the causes would need treatment to the building to eliminate it.

If you are unsure about whether you have damp or want to know how to treat condensation watch our self help videos below:

• Have I got damp
• Managing condensation

If you are still unsure as to whether you have damp, contact OneCALL on 0345 8 507 507.