Melin news
Our top tips for avoiding condensation and mould this winter Condensation can cause damp and mould in your home. This can not only look unpleasant but it can also increase the risk of respiratory illness. Condensation starts as moisture in the air, usually produced by everyday activities such as cooking, washing or drying clothes indoors on radiators. When it hits cool surfaces such as walls, mirrors, wall tiles and windows it condenses and forms water droplets. The moist air rises when it is warm and often ends up on ceilings and in upstairs rooms and then can form mould or damp. To avoid the problems it can cause, here are our top tips; • Wipe down the windows and sills every morning. Wring out the cloth rather than drying it on a radiator. • Cover pans and do not leave kettles boiling to produce less moisture. • Do not use paraffin and portable heaters: These heaters put a lot of moisture into the air and are also a health and safety risk. • Try and dry your clothes outdoors (not always possible in the Winter we know). Or put them in the bathroom with the door closed, window open and fan on. • Close kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam going into colder rooms. • When cooking or washing, let the steam escape by opening a window or using a extractor fan if you have one fitted. Leave the window open or the extractor fan on for up to 20 minutes after you have finished washing or cooking. • Open some windows in other rooms for a while each day and open any trickle vents in window frames. • Do not block air vents and allow air to circulate around furniture and cupboards. Try not to put them directly up against the wall. • Cover fish tanks. • If you have a tumble dryer or washing machine ensure that is vented in accordable with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Such problems in a Melin Home are very rare as the homes are built to a good standard of construction and checked regularly. However, if you think your home is damp from a structural problem, it is best to contact your housing officer or surveyor.