As the colder months set in and the temperatures start dropping, you’re likely keeping your windows shut; however, you actually need to keep them open for a certain amount of time each day. If you fail to do so, you may be allowing something potentially dangerous to creep around your home.
Hidden damp and mould affects millions of properties every winter in the UK, and now experts are warning of the early signs that are often missed. Ben Snape from IntelOptic, a home health app that helps identify early signs of damp, says it can start to form behind walls, under floors or in lofts long before any damp patches appear.
There are things you need to do and tasks you need to complete to keep you and your family as safe as possible. There’s a simple trick you can use to prevent condensation too.
“A musty smell, cold walls and soft, bubbling paint are early warning signs that moisture is trapped even when everything looks fine on the surface,” they explained. In fact, mould can start forming in as little as 48 hours after humidity levels exceed 70%.
This can remain hidden for up to 18 months before it becomes visible. It’s not just a cosmetic problem either. Mould can trigger asthma, chronic coughing, skin irritation, fatigue and even sleep issues, with children and older adults being most at risk.
Condensation typically appears on glass and mirrors, and dries once the room is well ventilated, leaving no smell. On the other hand, damp lingers on walls, ceilings and skirting boards, often in the same spot and brings a musty smell that persists.
Early warning signs include:
-
A persistent earthy smell behind furniture or in corners
-
Cold and damp patches on the wall and skirting boards
-
Frequent condensation in the same area
-
Shadowing or discolouration on paint
-
Small black dots on bathroom silicone or grout
If you notice any of these signs, experts recommend improving the airflow around your home immediately. You can do this by opening windows, moving furniture away from walls and monitoring humidity with a hygrometer. Avoid cleaning the area with bleach as this can cause deeper mould growth.
Should I open my windows during autumn and winter?
If you didn’t know, you should open your windows during the autumn and winter months. This should be done for brief, intense periods.
Opening windows provides fresh air, limits condensation, prevents mould growth and also improves air quality. This is because it helps to remove stale, polluted air and harmful indoor pollutants that develop when homes are sealed from the cold.
For those who suffer with condensation, it’s a moisture problem, not just a temperature issue. If you open windows every now and then it will allow moisture to escape, which aids in preventing the damp conditions that promote mould growth.
Opening windows also helps to regulate indoor temperatures by exchanging stale, warm air for cooler, fresh air. This is beneficial, even during colder months.
Not to mention, it can also aid your health too. Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory infections, so it has many more benefits than you may realise.
Even though it’s cold, experts generally recommend people open their windows for between five and 10 minutes once or twice a day in November and the months ahead. Ideally, do this when it’s warmest and sunniest, and open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross-breeze.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
