Damp and Mould Policy

10.1               For the purpose of this policy three main types of damp are included, and are defined as Rising Damp, Penetrating Damp and Condensation Damp:

10.2               Rising Damp - The movement of moisture from the ground rising up through the structure of the building through absorption.

10.3               Penetrating Damp (including internal leaks) - Water penetrating the external structure of the building or internal leaks causing damp, rot and damage to internal surfaces and structure. The cause can be the result of, for example:

• Water ingress due to defective or poor original design/workmanship of the structure
• Defective components for example roof coverings, external wall doors and windows
• Defective or blocked rainwater gutters and pipes
• Defective or leaking internal waste pipes, hot and cold water and heating systems
• Flooding due to burst pipes

10.4              Condensation Damp - Condensation occurs when moisture held in warm air comes into contact with a cold surface and then condenses producing water droplets. This can take two main forms:

• Surface condensation arising when the inner surface of the structure is cooler than the room air.
• Condensation inside the structure (interstitial) where vapour pressure forces water vapour through porous materials (e.g., walls), which then condenses when it reaches colder conditions within the structure.

10.5               The conditions that can increase the risk of condensation are:

• Inadequate ventilation e.g., natural opening windows and trickle/background vents and mechanical extraction in bathrooms and kitchens
• Inadequate heating e.g. undersized boilers and radiators, draught stripping
• Inadequate thermal insulation. e.g., missing, or defective wall and loft insulation
• High humidity e.g., presence of rising and penetrating damp
• Poor building design and construction – specific cold areas (bridging) which are integral with the building construction

10.6               The conditions that can lead to condensation are:

• Poor ventilation – not opening windows, defective fans, blocking up vents, not turning on extract fans, not allowing air to circulate around furniture
• Poor heating – not heating the house, which can be a result of fuel poverty
• Defective insulation –dislodged insulation in lofts
• High humidity - not covering pans when cooking and drying laundry inside the house can contribute to this
• Overcrowding

10.7    Mould is a natural organic compound that develops in damp conditions and grows on damp surfaces. It often appears where condensation damp is present.