MOULD & CONDENSATION SURVEYS

Condensation occurs when warm, moisture-laden air comes into contact with colder surfaces such as walls, windows and ceilings.

Common causes include:

• Inadequate ventilation
• High indoor humidity
• Cold external walls
• Poor insulation
• Thermal bridging
• Drying clothes indoors
• Cooking and bathing
• Insufficient heating
• Furniture positioned against cold walls

If moisture levels remain high, mould can begin to develop, particularly in areas with poor ventilation, cold bridging or limited air movement.

A mould and condensation survey can be useful where:

• Black mould repeatedly appears on walls or ceilings
• Windows suffer from persistent condensation
• Bedrooms feel cold or damp
• There are musty smells
• Mould returns after cleaning
• Tenants or occupants are reporting damp conditions
• There is uncertainty over whether the problem is condensation or another form of damp

The survey is designed to identify the likely source of excess moisture and the conditions allowing mould to develop.

Depending on the property, the investigation may include:

• Visual inspection
• Moisture testing
• Assessment of ventilation
• Examination of likely cold spots
• Review of heating and airflow
• Identification of possible penetrating or rising damp
• Consideration of lifestyle-related moisture
• Recommendations for practical remedial measures

Mould growth does not automatically mean a property has rising damp.

Similar symptoms can be caused by condensation, penetrating moisture, leaks or defects in the building fabric.

Correctly identifying the cause is important because the solution for condensation can be very different from the treatment required for structural damp.

PPS uses a survey-led approach to determine the most likely cause before recommending remedial work.

Where ventilation is contributing to the problem, PPS can advise on practical improvements such as:

• Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)
• Extract ventilation
• Improved airflow
• Humidity control
• Better use of existing heating and ventilation
• Measures to reduce cold surface temperatures

Condensation and mould are common concerns in rented accommodation.

Landlords and property managers may need to establish whether the cause is related to the building, ventilation, heating, moisture production or a combination of factors.

A professional survey can provide clearer evidence of the underlying conditions and appropriate next steps.

Our regular service area extends approximately between:

• Newcastle to the north
• Barnard Castle to the west
• Northallerton to the south
• Saltburn and the North Yorkshire coast to the east

Within this area, PPS regularly works in towns and communities including:

• Stockton-on-Tees
• Middlesbrough
• Hartlepool
• Billingham
• Yarm
• Eaglescliffe
• Thornaby
• Ingleby Barwick
• Wynyard
• Sedgefield
• Darlington
• Stokesley
• Guisborough
• Redcar
• Saltburn
• Northallerton
• Barnard Castle
• Newcastle

If mould keeps returning or you are unsure what is causing excessive moisture in a property, contact PPS to arrange an appropriate survey.