Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week: Healthy Homes Come First

19–25 October | Taking action against damp and mould this autumn

As the colder weather arrives and our homes spend more time closed up, damp and mould become an increasingly important concern. Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week shines a spotlight on an issue affecting households across the UK, encouraging housing providers, landlords and residents to take action towards healthier homes.

At Celtic Sustainables, we believe that healthy homes should always come first. From improving ventilation and addressing building defects to choosing appropriate insulation and mould treatments, there are practical steps we can take to help create warmer, healthier living spaces.

Photo Above: effective strategies for managing damp - photo from aico

Why raise awareness around damp and mould?

Damp and mould are more than an unsightly problem. They can affect a building's condition and the health and comfort of the people living in it.

Figures shared by Allergy Advice UK highlight the significant scale and cost of the issue, including estimates of more than seven million UK households affected by damp and mould. The financial consequences extend beyond individual homes, with substantial costs to health services and wider society.

The campaign also highlights the importance of Awaab’s Law, which came into force for the social rented sector on 27 October 2025. It requires social landlords to investigate and address reported damp, mould and other specified hazards within legally defined timeframes.

The message is clear: damp and mould must be taken seriously, and problems need to be investigated and addressed rather than simply covered up.

Photo by aico

What Causes Damp and Mould?

Mould develops when moisture builds up and conditions allow it to grow. Common contributing factors include:

• Everyday moisture: Cooking, showering, bathing and drying clothes indoors all release water vapour into the air.
• Poor ventilation: Without adequate ventilation, moisture can become trapped inside the home.
• Cold surfaces and condensation: When warm, moist air meets a cold wall, window or other surface, water droplets can form.
• Inadequate heating and insulation: Cold internal surfaces can make condensation more likely, particularly in poorly insulated homes.
• Leaks and building defects: Damaged roofs, leaking pipes, defective guttering, penetrating rain and other faults can introduce moisture into the building.

It is important to understand the cause before deciding on a solution. Condensation is not the same as penetrating damp or a plumbing leak, and each may require a different approach.

Good Insulation Does Good for the Home

Good insulation can help keep a home warmer and reduce cold surfaces where condensation may form. Natural fibre insulation, including sheep’s wool, can also help buffer moisture within the insulation material itself. However, no insulation product can compensate for unresolved leaks, inadequate ventilation or incorrect installation.

Thermafleece’s Managing Director, Mark Lynn, who is also Chair of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products, explains:

“It’s great that the awareness week is happening; we need to rapidly be at the point where this issue is front and centre of our thinking. Bad and botched insulation has had a lot of bad press regarding mould and rightly so, but we can’t forget that good insulation, particularly natural fibres like sheep’s wool, does good things for the home.”

The key is to choose the right system for the building, install it properly and consider insulation, ventilation and moisture management together.

Our Autumn Mould-Fighting Favourite: The AURO Anti-Mould System

When condensation mould appears, the AURO Anti-Mould System is one of the options available from Celtic Sustainables. It is designed as a treatment system rather than simply a decorative paint covering.

The system: How to get rid of Mould with the AURO Anti-Mould system

These products are popular with our customers and team, particularly as we head into the colder months. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, including any precautions for application, and make sure the underlying moisture problem is addressed. Treating visible mould alone will not prevent it from returning if the conditions that caused it remain.

Take Action Now: Practical Steps for a Healthier Home

You don't need to wait until mould appears to start making a difference. A few regular checks and everyday habits can help reduce excess moisture and catch problems early.

1. Ventilate your home

Open windows when practical, particularly after cooking, showering or bathing, to help moisture escape. Short bursts of ventilation can be useful, but the best approach depends on the weather, the building and the ventilation available. Use extractor fans where fitted, and keep trickle vents clear and open as appropriate.

You don't need to leave windows open all day in cold weather. The aim is to remove moisture while maintaining a reasonably steady indoor temperature.

2. Keep rooms reasonably warm

Cold surfaces encourage condensation, so try to avoid letting your home become excessively cold if you can. Heating patterns will depend on your household and budget, but maintaining a more consistent temperature can help reduce the temperature swings that contribute to condensation.

3. Check your insulation and draughts

Look for opportunities to improve insulation and reduce unwanted draughts, choosing solutions suitable for your property. In older buildings, take particular care to use compatible materials and avoid trapping moisture within the building fabric.

4. Inspect the outside of your home

Check gutters, downpipes, roof coverings, external walls and window seals for signs of damage or leaks. Blocked gutters and defective rainwater goods can allow water to run down walls and contribute to damp problems. Deal with any faults promptly.

5. Give walls and corners some breathing room

Move furniture slightly away from cold external walls where possible to improve air circulation. Check behind wardrobes, beds and sofas, as mould can develop in hidden areas where airflow is restricted.

6. Keep an eye on indoor moisture

Be mindful of moisture from drying laundry, cooking and bathing. Use lids on pans, run extractor fans where available and ventilate rooms when moisture is being produced. Houseplants can make a home feel welcoming, but they should not be relied on to remove enough moisture or airborne pollutants to prevent damp and mould.

Drying Laundry Indoors: Smart Tips to Keep Your Home Fresh and Free from Damp and Mould

Healthy Homes First

This Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week, take a little time to check your home and act on any warning signs before winter sets in. Good insulation, suitable materials, effective ventilation and timely repairs can all play a part in creating a healthier living environment.

Want to learn more? Visit the Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week page from Aico for further information, advice and campaign updates.

At Celtic Sustainables, we're here to help you make informed choices about insulation, paints and building materials that are right for your home.