Damp and Mould Guidance

It is acknowledged that some homes may experience issues with damp and mould at some point. This is especially so during colder months of the year and even in warm well maintained properties that have energy efficiency measures like insulation and solar panels.

Within Stirling Council properties, the research into damp and mould cause, has identified the main source of damp and mould reported are primarily related to the effects of condensation.

Condensation is the effect of water vapour in the air turning back to water liquid. The reason for this is condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface or when there is too much humidity present within the home.

• Water droplets on the inside of windows
• Dew on grass
• A foggy mirror
• Reading glasses fogging up
• Water droplets on the outside of your cold drink

To illustrate consider when warm air with moisture comes into contact with the cold glass on a window. Water droplets form and can trickle onto the surrounding area, this will eventually cause black mould spores to penetrate the cills, frame or plasterboard.  These mould spores if untreated or removed will multiply. It is therefore important that tenants maintain and wipe these areas within homes regularly with a dry cloth to avoid the build-up of mould.

High humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens within properties should be ventilated which helps the property to breathe and allow the moist air/steam to escape. Window vents should be left open during showers or cooking. 

A family of four in a property can generate an average of 24 pints of water vapour in 24 hours. Pets also create water vapour.

This has to evaporate and go somewhere. To help reduce condensation within your home, see below a few useful handy hints and tips to reduce condensation issues within your household.

• Make sure rooms are well ventilated
• Cover lids of pans whilst cooking and open windows to increase air exchange
• Keep rooms to a low heat setting
• If you dry clothes indoors, then make sure a window is open
• Close the door when having a bath or shower and turn the extractor fan on to remove the moisture and/or open a window
• Wipe down windows and sills every morning

Check to make sure gutters aren't blocked.

Contact us online at info@stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 404040 to arrange a consultation. We will respond to you to discuss and assess the situation and an inspection will be arranged for a visit to your property if required. 

You can also include pictures to your request for service via the online platform and we will offer support and guidance on the issues within the property and where required, carrying out remedial repairs.

Once we assess the situation, we may also offer to install our environmental sensors to your home (where appropriate) to monitor the humidity levels.