Mouldy Nation Report 2025
As households struggle to keep their homes warm, mould and damp is an issue across the UK. The Mouldy Nation Report, from Uswitch Energy, shows the...
Read Full ArticleA survey has revealed that a quarter of residents in Britain are struggling with the effects of mould in their homes, after one of the wettest years on record for the UK. What can you do to advise them of coping strategies?
MyBuilder.com, which promotes itself as ‘the reliable way to hire tradespeople’, 24 per cent of people living in Britain admit to seeing higher levels of mould than in previous years. Interestingly, the problem seems worse among younger households, with 33 per cent of 18-34s admitting to the issue, compared to just 14 per cent of over 55s.
Window installers should be in an ideal position to prove their own reliability by being able to offer advice to their customers above and beyond simply giving them a window or door quote.
Geography plays a part
There is also a geographic variation for the problem, with homes in Belfast apparently the most affected. The Northern Irish capital saw 32 per cent of people stating they had more mould in their homes than before, while only 16 per cent reported an issue in Brighton. Other variations include: London 27%, Liverpool 25%, Birmingham 25%, Cardiff 19%, Edinburgh 29%, Manchester 25%, Newcastle 25%, Sheffield 29% and Bristol 18%.
Ventilation
Mould is an issue that can be seen in both old and new homes in Britain. It is caused by a variety of factors. Once mould is established in a home, it can be difficult to treat and it can reoccur each and every year without correct treatment. What’s more, mould can be extremely dangerous not just to the health of a home but also to the people living in it. According to government guidance, damp and mould within the home can produce allergens, irritants, mould spores and other toxins that are harmful to health.
It is one of the reasons the building regulations now insist new windows and doors, in the main, should have a means of providing ventilation built into them.
Not always visible until it is too late
Andy Simms, an expert from MyBuilder.com, believes that while the rainy weather in the UK has exacerbated the issue, we should always be vigilant about preventing and treating, mould – and advising our customers. He says: “Unfortunately, mould is an issue in many British homes and worryingly, sometimes it’s not even really visible. By the time there are obvious signs of mould, it may have been present for some time. It’s important to check for mould even if you’re not sure you have it, as left untreated the problem will get worse and can cause serious issues.
“The good news is that many cases are easily solved and might not even need a professional to remedy them. Most minor cases are caused by condensation, which can be resolved, or improved, by better ventilation – which could be as simple as opening a window when the shower is running.
“If the problem is severe or your customer is unsure what is causing it, you may want to call in the help of damp specialists who can diagnose the issue and advise on the correct treatments (as well as carry them out). Cleaning off the mould might feel better temporarily, yet if you don’t treat the cause of the issue, it will just return.
“Often, though, the problem is caused by condensation. If that’s the case, improving ventilation is key to alleviating the effects. We’ve put together some simple tips to help.”
Tips on how to deal with mould
Check the whole house as it may be that mould is growing in a number of different places. Check areas with high humidity, a lack of air flow or areas that are likely to have any water damage. If you don’t treat all areas, you won’t get rid of it.
Identify what’s causing the problem. Mould can be caused by a lack of ventilation, a leak, condensation, structural issues such as a bridge in cavity walls, blocked gutters, a breach in a damp proof course or poor temperature control. Treating it without understanding the source is a waste of time, effort and money. If you aren’t sure where the problem stems from.
If condensation is the cause, better ventilation to the affected area will mean it is unlikely to return. Adding trickle vents to existing windows or replacing them could solve the problems, as could extractor fans or simply airing the house regularly. Opening the windows while cooking or showering can make a massive difference. Dehumidifiers can also be very helpful as a short-term aid.
Experts advise that the temperature of a room should be as constant as possible to avoid mould growth. Fluctuating temperatures can actually cause the problem to be exacerbated. Room temperatures should be between 16C and 18C at all times.
Remove the mould
To do this, first ensure the affected area is dry. Then use mould killer or mould spray to remove the mould. Ensure you have the correct protective equipment including gloves and ideally a face mask and ventilate the room when removing the mould – this is advice you can give to a customer or offer the service…reliable window installers get called back when a new project is being considered or when recommending one to friends and family.
Anti-mould paint
Once the mould has been removed, you could contact a painter and decorator (or do the job yourself) to apply anti-mould paint to treat the affected area. This will add a layer of protection to help ensure the mould does not return.
Picture: Mould is blighting homes. Areas near windows that attract condensation are likely to suffer.
MyBuilder.com is the reliable way for homeowners to hire the tradespeople they need and tradespeople to get the work they want. The online platform matches homeowners with vetted and approved local tradespeople for home repairs and improvements across the UK.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
29th January 2025