New guide offers top tips to prevent moisture in new-build homes

November 8, 2019
nhbc

As winter approaches – are you concerned about moisture in your new home? A new guide published today by the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings (UKCMB) and supported by NHBC Foundation gives homeowners much-needed guidance on understanding moisture in newly built homes.

Moisture is naturally present in the air and during the construction process many materials used to build your home will retain moisture. Although it is something you won’t notice, construction moisture will steadily dry out over time.

Through our routine daily life activities, we can generate quite a large amount of moisture just by cooking, showering, washing clothes and breathing. New homes are designed to manage typical levels of moisture, but it is important that the ventilation and heating systems are used correctly.

Key recommendations for residents from the guide include:

Stop moisture spreading – extractor fans and cooker hoods – where fitted – should be used whenever water vapour is being produced – when cooking, washing and drying clothes and bathing

Open windows – if safe to do so to – let steamy air out and fresh air in

Keeping your trickle vents open – to reduce condensation. If it does appear on your windows, simply wipe it away

Keep your home well heated – especially in cool or cold weather

Clear household clutter – to allow for better air flow within and between rooms.

Donna Robinson, NHBC Foundation Research Manager said: ‘These simple day to day measures can really help residents minimise the amount of excess moisture in a new home. We need the right amount of moisture for comfort and good health – but not too damp and not too dry. This guide offers advice to help residents achieve a healthy home.’

For further advice and to download the guide please visit www.nhbcfoundation.org or www.ukcmb.org.

NHBC

NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. NHBC's ten-year Buildmark warranty covers around 80% of new homes built in the UK,

You May Also Enjoy

Commercial Agent Talk

Building Site Accidents and Compensation: A Guide for Injured Workers

One mistake, one faulty piece of equipment and an unsafe working setup could cause a construction laborer much more than just aches and pains. One injury can result in medical costs, showing up on working days, reduced income and a path to long recovery. Under certain circumstances, the workers may be entitled to get compensation…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

First-Time Buyers: Why 4–5 Houses is the Sweet Spot

House hunting before the stress kicks in: Four to five houses is the sweet spot for first-time buyers Just 20% of us feel excited on a first property viewing, rising to 47% by viewings 4 to 5 There’s a U shape trajectory of excitement when it comes to the viewing process However, there is a…
Read More →
Breaking News

Two in five mortgage holders switched banks for a better mortgage deal

Of those who have a mortgage and switched banks, 41% did so to get a better mortgage rate deal and 30% did it to receive an incentive related to their mortgage Only 15% of people moving home switched their bank account during the move, while far more switched broadband (46%), energy (38%), and mobile phones…
Read More →
Breaking News

Housing market trends highlight a changing landscape

The housing market has seen many challenges across the year to date and, in many ways, the property landscape has been a year of two extremes already.   At the start of the year, there was a quiet but optimistic consumer confidence in the air.   However, with the global economy impacting almost every aspect…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 7/9/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.     Privera uses Silex to provide its employees with a shared platform for source-based research Silex, the Swiss AI platform for legal research and productivity, today announced that Privera has selected and deployed Silex to support legal research and knowledge workflows across its nationwide real estate…
Read More →
Breaking News

Mortgage rate rises loom as major lenders reprice

Major lenders have moved to increase mortgage rates to catch up with recent rises to swap rates, according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk analysis.   Over the coming days, more lenders are expected to review mortgage rates in response to higher swap rates, with HSBC and NatWest so far the biggest banks to increase rates since the start…
Read More →