Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We will investigate all reports of damp or mould. We will identify and address the root cause of the damp or mould, and not just remove visible signs.
What is damp?
Damp is the build-up of moisture. As well as causing damage, some types of damp can lead to mould growth. Mould is a type of fungus that grows in moist conditions and can cause health problems.
Damp can occur in homes for many reasons and affects both building materials (like walls, floors, ceilings, foundations) as well as fittings and furnishings (for example carpets, curtains, wallpaper, furniture, clothing).
Types of damp
Penetrating damp
Penetrating damp is caused by water passing through the external walls or roof of a house because of a problem with the repair of the building, such as missing roof tiles, damaged pointing to brickwork, or cracked render. It is only found on external walls and sometimes on ceilings if there is damage to the roof. Penetrating damp is most noticeable after heavy rainfall or snow. You will see an area or patch of damp that feels and looks wet.
Rising damp
Rising damp is the name given to the process of water in the ground entering a property by travelling up through the pores in brickwork. It is usually caused by a broken or missing damp proof course - a horizontal membrane built into the walls of a house at low level. Rising damp only affects basements/cellars and ground floor rooms. It will usually rise to between 30cm to 60 cm up the wall and leaves a brown ‘tide’ mark caused by salts from the ground. Black mould does not normally develop with rising damp because the salts prevent it growing.
Traumatic damp
Leaks from water and waste pipes in the home are fairly common, especially from bathrooms and kitchens. Traumatic damp will occur all the time whatever the outside weather conditions, and could be coming from either your home or your neighbour’s. You will see an area or patch of damp that feels and looks wet. You will not normally see black mould growth with traumatic damp because the chemicals in the water prevent it growing.
Condensation
Condensation is the most common form of damp. Condensation occurs when moisture or water vapour generated inside the home cools and condenses onto colder parts of the building. You will often notice condensation build up on windows, window frames and in the corner of rooms. Black mould is frequently seen as a result of this type of damp.
Top tips for reducing condensation
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when you notice condensation, wipe down affected surfaces with a dry cloth
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keep your curtains open during the day
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if you have them, use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom
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try not to block air vents or trickle vents
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use lids on your pots and pans whilst cooking
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hang wet washing outside to dry whenever possible or keep windows open when drying washing indoors
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open windows after a bath or shower
What are we doing about damp and mould?
All damp and mould cases reported to us will be investigated thoroughly.
When we receive a report of damp and mould, we will call you and ask some questions to establish the amount of damp and mould and the risk.
We will then ask our specialist damp and mould contractor, ZapCarbon, to arrange a visit to your home to conduct a complete assessment.
ZapCarbon will inspect your home and complete a clean and shield of affected areas to remove the risk to you. They will advise and support you on any changes that you can make to reduce damp and mould.
ZapCarbon will provide us with a detailed report with recommendations on any repairs or building issues that may need to be addressed to tackle the root cause of the damp and mould.
These reports and recommendations will be actioned by our dedicated damp and mould team. We will ensure that you stay informed every step of the way.
Report damp and mould to us
Complete this form if you are a council tenant and you need to tell us about a damp or mould problem within your Ealing Council property.
Email: dampandmould@ealing.gov.uk
Telephone: 0208 825 5682
Telephone lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am to 5pm and Thursday 10am to 5pm
Further information and independent advice
Ealing energy advice helpline: freephone: 0800 073 0236
for independent advice on:
- grants and discount schemes for heating and insulation
- using less energy in the home
- understanding fuel bills
Shelter - damp and mould: what tenants need to know
Citizens Advice - repairs - damp
National Energy Action (NEA) - dealing with damp and condensation