Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week
Supporting Landlords, Tenants and Homeowners
In support of Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week (20 to 26 October 2025), we've compiled our most useful resources to tackle damp and mould.
Read on for the damp and mould treatment essentials, as well as information on Awaab's Law (which comes into effect for the social rented sector from Monday 27 October 2025).
Damp and mould affects an estimated 27% of households in England. In 2018, health issues stemming from the most serious dampness cost the NHS £38 million.
Spearheaded by Aico, this pan-industry event aims to tackle the causes of damp and mould in homes across the UK.
In support of Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week, we're here to offer our knowledge to help your home or properties remain dry, comfortable and safe this winter.
Damp and mould from condensation develop when warm indoor air meets a cold surface and reaches its dew point. Everyday moisture from showers, cooking and clothes drying raises relative humidity and vapour pressure, so water moves to the coldest spots and condenses.
In UK homes we often keep background heat modest and the air change rate low, which lets surfaces sit below the dew point, especially at thermal bridges such as window reveals, corners and lintels. If those areas stay damp for hours, mould spores settle, colonise the surface and grow into visible mould.
Manage moisture at source, keep steady background warmth and ensure effective ventilation to keep surface temperatures above dew point and break the cycle of mould growth.
The question is: how can we all achieve that?
As the cold winter months set in, we are less inclined to ventilate our homes and are tempted to seal in the heat.
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Mould on walls is an unsightly problem in houses. It is often a sign of more serious problems and needs to be thoroughly investigated.
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Window condensation is a sign of a humid environment at risk of damp and mould. Prevent window condensation with a dehumidifier.
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Responsible mould treatment is necessary, but how do we stop it from coming back?
Remember: prevention is always better than repair.
Preventing damp and mould caused by condensation is about keeping indoor humidity in check while ensuring that the room temperature remains warm and stable.
Use proper extraction during moisture-generating activities. Open windows or turn on ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms while cooking or cleaning. Reduce indoor moisture further by keeping lids on pans, keeping bathroom doors shut during showers and drying laundry with a vented tumble dryer instead of on radiators.
Keep trickle vents open and open windows slightly for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning and evening to swap stale air for drier outside air without losing too much heat.
Get a small digital hygrometer and aim for 40 to 60% relative humidity while maintaining a steady background heat so walls and windows don't attract condensation.
If rooms still feel clammy, consider continuous mechanical extract or a positive input ventilation (PIV) unit to ensure a consistent fresh air exchange. Treat cold corners and lintels that bridge heat with targeted insulation and leave a small gap behind big furniture so that air can circulate.
In summation, as long as room temperatures are consistently above 18 ℃ and relative humidity remains between 40 and 60%, your home should stay dry and mould-free.
So far, we've only covered dampness caused by condensation build-up as a result of day-to-day occupancy.
Now we're going to briefly look at structural dampness. This is a broad subject that encompasses many different causes of dampness.
Aside from condensation, there are three other main types of dampness:
Rising damp occurs when groundwater rises through capillaries in masonry to saturate it.
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Penetrating damp is the process of moisture moving from the exterior wall of a building to the interior.
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Traumatic damp is defined as dampness caused by a building defect that lets moisture into the home.
Read moreJust after Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week, we're running a free webinar accessible to absolutely anyone.
With educational material created by the Safeguard Research & Development Laboratory and delivered by a member of the Safeguard Technical Team, Condensation and Mould in Buildings equips you with everything you need to know about damp caused by condensation.
Sign up now for the Wednesday 29 October session. It runs for one hour from 1 to 2 pm.
Beyond Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week, we run a comprehensive schedule of regular webinars all related to dampness in buildings.
See a selection of webinars below and the full slate here.
This webinar offers a detailed insight into the causes and effects of condensation and the wide range of modern-day treatments available.
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Most buildings will suffer from dampness of one form or another during their lifetimes. This webinar gives an overview of the methods available to correctly identify the causes and types of dampness in buildings. The most common types of dampness encountered in existing buildings (rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation) are examined, as are methods of repair and treatment.
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Learn how to minimise mould growth in solid wall & cavity wall properties with insulation & waterproofing brick cream.
Read moreThere are lots of changes coming to rented properties over the coming months.
Awaab's Law comes into force for the social rented sector on Monday 27th October 2025.
Read our deep dives for tenants and landlords into Awaab's Law and the Renters' Rights Bill, as well as a look at the physical and mental health costs of damp and mouldy homes:
Simon Trenerry from the Safeguard Technical Team shares expert insight on everything landlords need to know about the Renters' Rights Bill.
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Simon Trenerry from the Safeguard Technical Team shares his expert insight on what tenants need to know about the Renters' Rights Bill.
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The effects of damp and mould on the body and mind are just as important as the damage it can do to buildings. Damp and mould in homes can pose serious threats to physical and mental health. Even without visible mould, a damp environment can lead to health issues and complicate existing ones. Mould is harmful in itself – inhaled…
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There is a lot going on to raise awareness of damp and mould this October.
Explore the list of supporters for energy-efficiency experts, legal services, allergy information, Housing Associations, Networks and other organisations that are making great strides to deliver dry, comfortable and damp-free homes.
How can we help?
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