Training Course Blog

Defending your dwelling from rising damp and mold is vital for keeping a healthy living environment. Here are some of the top ways to stop and address damp and mold issues:

1. Maintain proper ventilation :

- Ensure good ventilation throughout your building by frequently opening windows and using exhaust fans in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
- Consider adding a complete ventilation system or a getting a dehumidifier if your building is consistently humid.

2. Control your humidity levels:

- Keep room humidity levels between 30% and 50% to stop mold growth.
- Use a hygrometer to monitor room humidity levels and change as needed with dehumidifiers or humidifiers.

3. Address leaks and water damage promptly:

- Fix any leaks in your roof, walls, or pipes as soon as they are discovered.
- Inspect your home for water damage and address it immediately to stop moisture build up.

4. Insulate and ventilate any attic:

- Appropriately insulate and ventilate your attic to stop condensation, which can promote mold growth.
- Think about adding a vapor barrier to lessen moisture penetration.

5. Improve drainage and grading:

- Ensure that rainwater runs away from your building’s foundation by maintaining proper grading and installing gutter systems with downspouts.
- Use extensions on downspouts to re-firect water flow further from the building.

6. Fix any crack and gaps:

- Fix cracks in your home's outer wall to stop water from entering.
- Pay special attention to areas near windows, doors, and where utility lines enter the house.

7. Use mold-resistant materials:

- When modernising or improving the building, opt for mold-resistant plasterboard, insulation, and paint.
- Consider mold-resistant flooring options like ceramic tile or laminate.

8. Clean and service HVAC systems:

- Regularly clean and service your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to prevent mold growth in ducts.
- Use quality air filters and change them often.

9. Monitor and maintain your cellar:

- Keep your cellar water free by using a sump pump and dehumidifier if you can.
- Use waterproof paint or sealants on cellar walls and floors.

10. Keep moisture-prone surfaces dry:

- Wipe down any damp-prone surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom to prevent excess moisture build up.
- Try a moisture-absorbing product in wardrobess, basements and other possibly damp or moisture prone areas.

11. Reduce inside moisture from plants:

- Overwatering indoor plants can increase humidity levels. Be mindful of your watering routine.

12. Use extractor fans if possible:

- You can install and use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture from the air.

13. Clean and maintain you home often:

- Clean and disinfect areas prone to mold, like bathrooms, with mold-killing products.
- Vacuum and dust your home regularly to remove potential mold spores.

14. Be mindful of condensation:

- Insulate cold surfaces, like windows and pipes, to prevent condensation from forming.
- Upgrade to UPVc double glazing or use insulated glass on windows in cold climates.

If you suspect you already have damp in your home, it's vital to address it quickly. Mold can be harmful to your health, so consider consulting a professional mold remediation expert for safe and effective mold and damp removal.

Do you have issues with damp, condensation or black mold in your home or business? Can't seem to cure it or get rid of the musty smell that comes with it? Inmost cases of damp you need to call in the experts to identify what is causing the damp and how it can be rectified for good. MDP Offer Commercial, Domestic & Contract Damp Proofing and Moisture Control services including the installation of Damp Proof Courses and PIV equipment, we are local, independent, professionally trained, DBS checked and cover most of Merseyside including Bebington, Birkenhead, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Haydock, Hoylake, Huyton, Kirkby, Litherland, Liverpool, Newton le Willows, Ormskirk, Prescot, Rainhill, Southport, St Helens, Wallasey, West Kirkby and Widnes