Black mould and streaming windows traced to the real cause, then fixed with ventilation and moisture control that lasts. Covering Portsmouth & Southsea, Basingstoke and Southampton and across Hampshire.
Book a surveyCondensation is the most common cause of black mould in Hampshire homes, and it often gets mistaken for rising or penetrating damp. Bleach and mould-resistant paint only treat the symptom.
Our surveyors take humidity, temperature and surface readings to understand why moisture is building up in your property, then recommend changes that stop the mould returning.
Damp, mild coastal air around Portsmouth, Southampton and the Solent keeps humidity high, and Hampshire's older solid-walled homes have plenty of cold surfaces for moisture to condense on.
Positive input ventilation and better extraction are often the answer.
Hampshire ranges from Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Portsmouth, Southsea and Southampton to flint and brick cottages, thatched village houses and listed buildings around Winchester, Romsey and the New Forest. Garrison towns such as Aldershot and Farnborough have large numbers of early twentieth-century homes, where original damp proof courses and wall ties are reaching the end of their life.
Coastal properties face salt-laden, wind-driven rain, while rural cottages with suspended timber floors and limited sub-floor ventilation are prone to timber decay. Damp traced to failed render, pointing and rainwater goods is common across the county.
Dense Victorian terraces, many converted into flats, on a low-lying island exposed to salt-laden weather.
Post-war and new-town housing where condensation and black mould are frequent problems in well-sealed homes.
Victorian, interwar and post-war housing around the docks and river estuaries, where condensation and wall tie corrosion are common.
Every home produces moisture from cooking, showering, drying clothes and simply breathing. When warm, moist air meets a cold surface such as a window, an external corner or an uninsulated wall, it condenses. Where ventilation can't remove that moisture fast enough, black mould follows.
Solutions depend on the property. They may include positive input ventilation (PIV) units that gently replace moist air with filtered fresh air, continuous-running extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, humidity-controlled fans, improved trickle ventilation, or insulating cold spots. We also check for hidden leaks and penetrating damp that can make condensation worse.
For landlords and managing agents, our written report gives a clear, independent assessment of the cause, which is invaluable where responsibility is disputed.
A PCA-qualified, commission-free surveyor visits your Hampshire property, investigates with calibrated equipment and identifies the cause.
You receive a clear written report explaining what we found and what we recommend, with a fixed quotation and no hidden extras.
Our own trained team carries out the work, protecting your home, keeping dust down and leaving everything clean.
You receive a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee for a single premium.
We cover Hampshire from north-east towns such as Farnborough, Fleet and Basingstoke through to Winchester and the south coast. We regularly work in Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Portchester, Aldershot, Alton and Alresford, and throughout Winchester, Basingstoke & Deane, Hart, Rushmoor, East Hampshire and Test Valley.
Towns and areas we cover in Hampshire
Find out more about our condensation & mould control service.
Book a survey
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
In winter, windows are closed, heating cycles on and off and walls are colder, so moisture has fewer ways out and more cold surfaces to condense on. Improving ventilation is usually the long-term fix.
It can help in a single room but rarely fixes the cause on its own. A whole-house approach to ventilation and cold spots is more effective and cheaper to run long term.
It depends on the cause. Lifestyle plays a part, but the building's ventilation, insulation and condition are often the main factors. Our independent report helps landlords and tenants in Hampshire understand what is causing the problem.
Persistent mould and damp can affect indoor air quality and may aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions in some people, so it is worth tackling promptly.
We cover Hampshire from Farnborough, Fleet and Basingstoke through Winchester to Portsmouth, Southampton and the New Forest. Call us to confirm availability for your postcode.
Yes. We regularly work on period and listed buildings around Winchester, Romsey and the New Forest, using materials and methods that suit how they were built.
We cover Hampshire from north-east towns such as Farnborough, Fleet and Basingstoke through to Winchester and the south coast. Towns we visit regularly include Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Portchester, Aldershot, Alton, Alresford, Andover and Appleshaw. If yours isn't listed, give us a call and we'll confirm.
Also in Hampshire
Our other specialist services for Hampshire homes, landlords and businesses.
Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses. Most common around Winchester and Portsmouth & Southsea.
Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm. Most common around Petersfield & Alton and Romsey & the New Forest.
Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions. Most common around Winchester and Romsey & the New Forest.
Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys. Especially worthwhile for older homes around Winchester and Romsey & the New Forest.
Wall tie replacement and crack stitching. Most common around Southampton and Farnborough, Fleet & Aldershot.
Leaks, floods and burst pipes. Most common around Romsey & the New Forest and Portsmouth & Southsea.
Client testimonials
We bought a house that had a basement but was in need of some work. Right from the start we received a professional service. The work was carried out in a timely manner and there were no hidden surprises!
Live just outside Hampshire? We cover the neighbouring counties too.
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Tell us what you’re seeing and we’ll point you to the right treatment. Four quick questions.
From our offices in Thames Ditton and Esher, our surveyors cover London and the surrounding counties, providing fast response times for residential and commercial properties alike.
We regularly work with:
Whether your property requires a damp survey, timber inspection or basement waterproofing system, our experienced team is ready to help.
Our certifications reflect our commitment to the highest standards of work and quality.
Why Tapco
Established in 1971
Choosing Tapco HomeDry means choosing a company with a proven history of protecting properties across the South East.
We believe every property deserves an individual assessment. That’s why our recommendations are based on what your building genuinely needs, not unnecessary treatments.
Tapco (Preservation) Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 423558) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.
