As temperatures drop, many of us may struggle with condensation on windows, dampness, and even mould in our homes. In addition to being generally unpleasant, living in a damp property can lead to structural and health issues if left unaddressed.
Damp often leads to mould, which can be a health risk. Mould can cause symptoms like nasal stuffiness, wheezing, and eye or skin irritation in children and older people, and those with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk from issues relating to moisture build-up in the home. Damp can also lead to the rotting of wood or timber frames and the weakening of walls, floors, or foundations.
We spoke to industry experts for advice on how to cut down the risk of damp forming in your home this winter.
Start with your windows
As tempting as it is to keep your windows closed when it’s bitterly cold, Andy Simms of MyBuilder.com advises against this, as it can contribute to condensation and damp. To combat this, Simms says, “I recommend a German technique called Stoßlüften – translating to ‘shock ventilation.’ The trick is to open all your windows for 10 minutes in autumn, or five minutes in winter, twice a day, and you will let moisture out of your home in place of cold, dry air. Regularly opening windows can improve the ventilation inside your home, creating an airflow of fresh air and decrease the humidity of the room.”
It may sound simple, but wipe away the condensation that has formed overnight with a microfiber cloth to remove the dampness. If the water droplets are left, mould and mildew can easily build up inside your home, and it can even create damage to your windowsills and surrounding areas.
Dry your clothes in the bathroom
James Kane, Head of Social Housing at ventilation specialists EnviroVent, says “Drying clothes indoors releases litres of moisture into the air. If you can’t dry outside, see if you can use your bathroom as a drying room. With the heater on and a humidity-controlled extractor fan on, clothes will dry, and moisture can be removed from the property. Avoid drying clothes in bedrooms or living rooms without airflow.”
Try to avoid curtains over radiators
Ana Zuravliova from Blinds Direct says, ideally, curtains shouldn’t hang over radiators. Doing so can trap heat behind the fabric, reducing room warmth and energy efficiency. It can also cause condensation on windows and may damage the fabric over time by causing mould.
“That said, if you really want to fit curtains above a radiator, investing in made to measure curtains that are precisely made to finish above the radiator will help to redirect the heat toward the centre of the room, instead of upwards into the ceiling,” says Zuravliova.
square LIFESTYLE The garden work to do this winter to protect it from future droughts
Read More Sometimes, the age of your home is the issue
Chad Bragg, chief technical officer at insulation company SuperFOIL says older homes are especially vulnerable to damp, as the vast majority of solid walls are uninsulated. “Close to 90 per cent of UK homes with solid external walls lack insulation on those walls, making them particularly vulnerable to issues with dampness via condensation,” says Bragg.
While newer homes often have cavity walls and better ventilation, it doesn’t mean they’re immune to damp. Bragg explains, “The airtight design of some new builds helps with energy efficiency but can trap moisture if ventilation isn’t properly managed – for instance, if extractor fans aren’t used or windows are rarely opened. Furthermore, issues with home maintenance, such as a broken roof tile, can allow further moisture into the home. That’s why it’s essential to have a detailed survey to ensure problems are identified quickly and resolved before moving into a home.”
Move your furniture away from walls
Interior designer Samantha-Jane Agbontaen says clutter and furniture placement can contribute to damp issues. “When airflow is restricted, particularly around exterior walls, it prevents moisture from evaporating properly. Large furniture items such as wardrobes or sofas placed tightly against cold walls can trap condensation, leading to mould over time.”
Using breathable paints and finishes rather than vinyl-based options also help, as these allow walls to release moisture more effectively. For high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, it’s worth investing in good ventilation and using moisture-resistant finishes that won’t trap water vapour.
Clear out your wardrobe, too
Max Wilson, co-founder and storage expert at Pocket Storage says, “Clothing that is packed too tightly traps humidity, especially if it is slightly damp from rain or washing. I always recommend leaving some breathing space between hangers and storing moisture traps or small dehumidifier bags inside closets.”
Heat your home strategically
Kane says often, a home that isn’t heated properly can contribute to damp issues. Rooms where the heating is turned off or low during colder months are prone to damp problems. In this case, you might need to improve the ventilation in the room or turn the heating up from time to time.
According to Kane, “Every 1-degree change in temperature can impact moisture levels in your home. If the heating in your home is reduced in temperature by just 2 degrees, humidity levels will increase by 10 per cent. Heating the home correctly can be a key part in avoiding mould.”
Dr Jonathan Kirby, heating expert at Stormdry says, “In a fully insulated home, 19 °C is the target temperature to maintain to prevent mould growth. Alongside this, you want to aim for a relative humidity of between 40-60 per cent to avoid mould-inducing conditions.”
The good news for those considering a log burner is that it often proves effective in combating damp and excess moisture. A roaring stove will typically draw air from the room it’s placed in, sucking in and heating any ambient moisture before evaporating and expelling it through the chimney system.
Keep lids on pans when cooking
In the kitchen, it’s a good idea to keep lids on pans when cooking to avoid releasing more moisture into the air. However, Simms says a good cooker hood can be an effective way to reduce the build-up of condensation while cooking. Extraction hoods, which send air outside through ducting, are generally most effective at removing steam and moisture.
Your next read
square MONEYAt 73, rent is £151 more than my housing benefit. The state pension covers the gap
square LIFESTYLE Big ReadMy Gen Z team refuse to work overtime or go to events – it’s holding them back
square FOOD AND DRINKI tried 12 supermarket mince pies with a twist – two were delicious
square PROPERTY AND MORTGAGES Housing nightmaresI’m 80 and want to downsize. A £100k leasehold extension bill is trapping us
If you’re planning an extension, pay attention to insulation
Bragg says that if you’re looking to extend your home or convert your loft space, the way you insulate may dictate future issues with damp and mould. He explains, “Poor insulation creates ‘thermal bridges,’ or cold spots, where the new structure joins the old house. These cold junctions act as magnets for condensation, causing localised mould, heat loss, and discomfort. Over time, this excess moisture can contribute to damp issues within the home, causing mould growth and deterioration of plaster or timber.”
A critical part of the process is ensuring that the insulation overlaps with the ceiling and floor insulation, creating a continuous, unbroken thermal envelope to eliminate these cold bridges. Investing time in getting insulation right from the start can prevent years of damp-related problems down the line.
Hence then, the article about seven things that are causing damp in your house and how to fix them was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Seven things that are causing damp in your house – and how to fix them )
Also on site :
- Europe’s cyber agency blames hacking gangs for massive data breach and leak
- AI companies are building huge natural gas plants to power data centers. What could go wrong?
- The Trump Dictatorship Is Cracking Up