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Damp, mould and condensation can happen in any home. This section answers some of the questions we’re most often asked, along with advice on how to spot problems early, prevent them where possible, and get the right help if you need it.
What causes damp and mould in a home?
Damp and mould are often caused by excessive moisture created by poor ventilation, heating, water ingress or high humidity. The best way to address these issues is to prevent them at the source. We have tips within this section to help you manage the ventilation, heating and humidity in your home.
Can condensation lead to mould growth?
Yes, condensation creates ideal conditions for mould to grow, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Managing condensation quickly and properly can help prevent mould and mildew from forming.
What can I do to improve ventilation in my home?
You can improve ventilation by using extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens, opening windows and trickle vents and ensuring air can flow through your home. Avoid blocking vents, sealing up rooms or placing all your furniture against walls, especially external walls to help air to circulate through these areas.
What should I do if I notice damp patches on my walls?
Damp patches could be a sign of water entering the building from outside (water ingress) or condensation. First, check for any leaks or broken gutters outside. If you're unsure, contact us on 0141 560 6000 and we will come visit your home to assess the issue so that we can help prevent any further damage.
Is mould harmful to health?
If you've seen black mould in your home, please contact us right away on 0141 560 6000. It's really important to act quickly to deal with mould and prevent any possible health problems. Black mould, especially, can make allergies and breathing issues like asthma worse.
What should I do if I find mould in my home?
If you find mould, do not touch it. Please get in touch with ng homes right away on 0141 560 6000 so that our team can start investigating and treating the issue.
What are the iOpt sensors?
Two small devices, about the size of a light switch, are being placed in living rooms and main bedrooms. These devices check temperature, humidity and CO2 levels and will help us to spot any signs of issues such as damp, mould, and poor ventilation before they become a problem.
These devices will help us to:
- Identify early signs of moisture or damp.
- Make sure your home is well-ventilated.
What is a trickle vent?
Trickle vents are small adjustable openings (often in window frames) which allow for a continuous flow of fresh air. There are several different designs but they look something like the image below. Their main purpose is to help maintain healthy indoor air quality.
They are a key part of helping to keep your home healthy by:
- reducing condensation by allowing moisture-laden air to escape
- remove airbourne pollutants such as cooking fumes and carbon dioxide (CO2)
- provide secure ventilation without the need to open windows fully.
Trickle vents allow for drier outdoor air to enter on a consistent basis, removing excess moisture (from showering or cooking, etc) which can lead to condensation and mould.
Please ensure that you keep trickle vents open and do not block vents with furniture or other materials.
Will trickle vents increase heat loss from my home?
You may have heard that trickle vents will allow large amounts of heat to escape. While a ‘draft’ sensation can be felt if you place your hand in front of the vent, they are designed to be kept open all the time.
The amount of heat escaping is very low. Moist, stale air requires more energy to heat up - trickle vents help exchange this air effectively making your home more energy efficient.
