Leaks, condensation, damp, and mould

Information for homeowners

If you have followed our advice and your home user guides, and believe the issue is a result of a defect e.g. a leak, please visit latimerhomes.com/troubleshooting to report it.

For an issue in your communal areas, contact your managing agent. If this is Clarion please call 0300 500 8000 or report a repair.

When contacting us, it's important you give as much information as possible. This detail should include:

• the areas of your home that are affected
• how long these areas have been affected
• any leaks or other plumbing issues that are causing the problems
• if the affected surfaces are wet to the touch
• if there is any visible discolouring, including black mould
• any smells in or near the affected areas
• any pealing of wallpaper and paint in or near the affected areas.

It is also helpful to see photographs that show the problem areas. If possible, your photos should include:

• clear, close-up detail of the affected areas
• a wider view of the affected area within the room
• any further photos that show important detail.

• open windows and close the door in the room you’re cleaning
• wear protective gloves and a face mask
• use a domestic cleaning product or mould remover from a supermarket, DIY store, or high street retailer
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions safely
• after clearing the mould, clean all surfaces in the room to remove any spores that have spread
• dry all surfaces to remove excess moisture after cleaning.

• don’t use a vacuum cleaner on the affected area as this can cause transfer mould spores and make it spread
• don’t use bleach as this can sometimes make the situation worse
• don’t use washing-up liquid as it won’t be strong enough to do the job.

You can’t avoid adding moisture into the air, for example when you cook or wash. But there are steps you can take to reduce moisture:

1. Wipe condensation from your windows and sills each morning.
2. Wring out wet cloths, rather than leaving them to dry on a radiator.
3. Condensation channels/sponge strips can be fitted to windows. They collect moisture to stop frames from rotting. You should replace/empty these regularly.
4. If you can, hang washing outside to dry. Keep balconies clear to avoid fire risk.
5. Disposable dehumidifiers can help manage condensation over the winter months. If you can, put one in each bedroom, they can make a big difference.
6. Avoid blocking radiator heat with wet clothes. It makes a big difference if you use a clothes horse or airer.
7. If you do dry washing on a radiator, make sure you remove it once dry. If not, you'll restrict the heat from the radiator heating your room and increase the likelihood of condensation.
8. If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it is vented correctly or use a condenser dryer.
9. Cook with pan lids on and turn the heat down when the water is boiling.
10. Run the cold water in the bath first to reduce steam by 90%.
11. When using the bathroom for a bath or shower, keep the door closed. This helps to prevent moisture escaping into other areas of the home.

Condensation builds up when moisture in the air cannot escape. You can take simple steps to prevent this by regularly ventilating your home.

1. Keep a window open where possible, even if for a little while each day.
2. Cross-ventilate by opening two windows at the same time on different sides of your home. Do this for around 30 minutes at a time. If inside room doors are open at the same time it helps air to circulate.
3. When you use the bath or shower, keep the extractor fan running and the windows shut. Alternatively, you can open bathroom windows to allow moisture to escape.
4. Make sure window vents are always open, especially when someone is in the room.
5. Make sure air bricks aren’t obstructed.
6. When you cook in the kitchen, use your cooker hood or fan if you have one. Alternatively, open a window and close doors to the rest of the house.
7. If possible, place furniture against internal walls, not outside walls. Outside walls are much colder. Try and leave a gap between the wall and furniture to allow air to circulate around.

Aim to get the right heating in the right areas of your home. If your home is cold, then you are more likely to have issues with condensation.

1. Use your thermostat to help you keep heating at a steady temperature (between 18-21°C is ideal).
2. In bathrooms and kitchens, having your heating at a constant, low temperature is best.
3. If you have thermostatic radiator valves, you can put them at a lower setting in rooms you don’t use often.
4. If you have an alternative source of heating, such as electric or storage heaters, please get in touch. A member of our team will help you manage condensation in your home.

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