Specialist support for your home
Choosing a mould or damp specialist
What kind of help you need depends on what is causing the moisture. Here's how to work that out, what to ask, and how to check what you're told.
Start with the cause
Mould needs moisture. Cleaning it off without dealing with the moisture means it usually comes back, so the right specialist depends on where the water is coming from.
Condensation mould
Usually on cold walls, window reveals, corners and behind furniture, worst in winter. A ventilation or mould-treatment specialist is often the right starting point.
Penetrating damp
Water getting in from outside, such as through a roof, gutter, pointing or window seal. The repair usually needs a roofer or builder, not only a damp company.
Rising damp
A tide mark low on ground-floor walls. It is less common than condensation, so it is worth an independent survey before paying for a damp-proof course.
Leaks
Pipes, radiators, baths and showers. Fix the leak first, with a plumber if needed, then deal with the mould.
Get free quotes from local mould and damp specialists
Tell us about the job and we'll find up to 3 local mould and damp specialists who cover your area and ask them to contact you with a quote. Free, no obligation. Companies pay us a fee when we introduce them, so this is free for you.
Questions to ask before you agree to anything
- What do you think is causing the damp or mould, and how did you check?
- Will the work fix that cause, or only clean the mould off?
- Can I have a written quote that lists the work, materials and price?
- What insurance do you hold, and can I see it?
- What does any guarantee cover, for how long, and who backs it if you stop trading?
- Will you need to remove plaster, wallpaper, carpet or other damaged materials?
Checking what you're told
- If a business says it belongs to a trade body or scheme, check that on the organisation's own website rather than trusting a logo. One trade body for damp and timber specialists is the Property Care Association.
- Check a limited company's details on Companies House.
- Get more than one quote for larger jobs, and be wary of pressure to sign on the day.
- A survey from a company that also sells the treatment isn't independent. For a bigger or disputed problem, consider a separate surveyor.
If you rent
Damp and mould caused by the building is normally your landlord's responsibility. Report it to them in writing before you pay for any work. See landlord and tenant responsibilities.
Mould and damp advice by city
Which renters' rules apply and who to contact, for some of the UK's larger cities.