- Water droplets on windows and frames, especially in the morning
- Water collecting on window sills
- Black mould on walls, ceilings and around windows
- Mould behind furniture, in wardrobes or on clothes and shoes
- Peeling wallpaper or blistering paint
- Cold, damp-feeling walls in winter
- Musty smells and stuffy, humid air
Condensation & Black Mould Control
Black mould and streaming windows traced to their real cause, then fixed with ventilation and moisture control that lasts.
Book a survey- PCA-qualified surveyors
- Commission-free advice
- Fixed, written quotations
- Insurance Backed Guarantees
- Trading since 1971
Experts in Condensation & Mould Control in London and the Home Counties Since 1971
Condensation is the most common cause of damp and black mould in UK homes, and it is often mistaken for rising or penetrating damp. Left untreated it damages decorations, plaster, furnishings and timber and makes homes unpleasant to live in.
Our surveyors find out why moisture is building up in your property and recommend solutions that stop the mould returning.
Signs you have a condensation problem
Why condensation happens
Moisture in the air
A typical household can add a lot of water vapour to the air every day through cooking, washing, showering, drying clothes indoors and breathing.
Cold surfaces
Single glazing, uninsulated solid walls, external corners, ceilings below cold lofts and areas behind furniture are all colder than the room, so moisture condenses there first.
Poor ventilation
Blocked vents, sealed windows, undersized or switched-off extractor fans and draught-proofing all trap moisture inside the home.
Our condensation survey
Rather than guessing, our surveyors measure. We record relative humidity, air and surface temperatures and dew points, check walls for rising or penetrating damp and look for hidden leaks. We look at how each room is used and ventilated, then explain clearly what is causing the condensation and what will fix it.
Long-term solutions
- Positive input ventilation (PIV) to supply gentle, filtered fresh air throughout the home
- Continuous or humidity-controlled extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Improved background ventilation such as trickle vents and clear air bricks
- Insulating cold spots and thermal bridges where mould keeps forming
- Repairing leaks and penetrating damp that add moisture to walls
- Mould removal and treatment of affected surfaces once the cause is under control
Practical tips to reduce condensation
- Cover pans when cooking and use the extractor fan
- Keep bathroom doors closed and fans running during and after showers
- Dry clothes outside or in a vented dryer where possible
- Leave a gap between furniture and external walls
- Keep trickle vents open and air bricks clear
- Keep the home at a steady, moderate temperature in winter
For landlords and managing agents
Condensation is one of the most common sources of disputes between landlords and tenants. Our independent written report explains exactly what is causing the problem, whether that is the building, how it is used, or both, and what needs to be done. Find out about our landlord services.
1971
Established in Thames Ditton
55+
Years of damp & timber expertise
4,000+
Properties visited every year
10
Counties covered across the South East
Why choose Tapco
Condensation & Mould Control done properly. Diagnosed first, guaranteed after.
Every property gets an individual assessment from a qualified surveyor before anything is recommended.
A little more about us-
01
Commission-free surveys
Our PCA-qualified surveyors are not paid commission, so we only recommend the work your building genuinely needs.
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02
Fixed, written quotations
After your survey you get a clear written report and a fixed quote, with no hidden extras.
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03
Our own trained teams
Our own teams carry out the work, protect your home, keep dust down and leave everything clean.
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04
Guaranteed for peace of mind
Written guarantees, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee.
Book a survey
Get started today
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
Frequently asked questions
What causes condensation and black mould?
Condensation forms when warm, moist air meets a colder surface. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, drying clothes and breathing add moisture to the air. Where ventilation can't remove it, it condenses on windows, external walls and corners, and black mould grows.
Can damp and mould cause health problems?
Persistent damp and mould can affect indoor air quality and may aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions in some people, so it is worth dealing with promptly.
Will mould-resistant paint fix it?
It can slow regrowth on the surface, but it doesn't deal with the moisture causing it. Without improving ventilation or removing cold spots, mould usually returns.
What is positive input ventilation?
A PIV unit, usually fitted in the loft or a cupboard, gently supplies filtered fresh air into the home. This dilutes moist air and pushes it out through natural leakage points, reducing condensation throughout the property.
Is condensation the landlord's or tenant's responsibility?
It depends on the cause. Lifestyle plays a part, but the building's ventilation, insulation and condition are often significant. Our independent written report helps both sides understand what is causing the problem.
Local to you
Condensation & Mould Control across London & the Home Counties
Choose your area for local information, the towns we cover and recent projects near you.
London condensation & mould control
Surrey condensation & mould control
Sussex condensation & mould control
Hampshire condensation & mould control
Kent condensation & mould control
Middlesex condensation & mould control
Oxfordshire condensation & mould control
Berkshire condensation & mould control
Hertfordshire condensation & mould control
Essex condensation & mould control
Client testimonials
The teams were polite, helpful, and efficient at all works involved. We had a significant amount of plaster taken off the walls and the team did all they could to keep the dust down, even putting up a clever improvised air lock in place to protect the kitchen/food prep area. Following payment, the paperwork and guarantees were forwarded almost immediately.
What else we do
Our other services
Damp, timber and structural problems rarely come alone. Our surveyors look at the whole picture, so nothing falls through the gaps.
- Damp Proofing Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses
- Dry Rot & Timber Treatment Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm
- Basement & Cellar Waterproofing Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions
- Damp & Timber Surveys Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys
- Cracked Walls & Wall Ties Wall tie replacement and crack stitching
- Water Damage Restoration Leaks, floods and burst pipes
One specialist team, from survey to guarantee.
Not sure which you need?
