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

can you drink tap water
Letting Agent Talk

What tenants really want from a HMO in 2026

By Allison Thompson, Chief Lettings Officer, Leaders part of LRG   Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), also referred to as multi-lets or room rentals, have come a long way in the past couple of decades. Once thought of as very much at the bottom of the accommodation pile, with a reputation for being sub-standard, many…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Rethinking Property Transactions Starts with Communication

By Cara Stanbridge, Head of Relationship Management at Nova Legal   Across the UK property market, transactions are in turmoil. Ongoing economic pressures are impacting house prices, mortgage deals, and overall demand, reflecting the uncertainty nationwide. In fact, a recent study found that for those who are taking the plunge to buy or sell this year,…
Read More →
Breaking News

B2L mortgage costs climb 64% in a decade

The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that the average monthly cost of a buy-to-let mortgage has climbed by as much as 64% over the last decade, as landlords continue to face mounting financial pressure alongside sweeping reforms introduced via the Renters’ Rights Act.   Benham and Reeves…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 13/5/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Renters’ Rights Act: What Estate Agents Need to Understand About the Tenant Impact   Author Andrew Stanton Editor EAN   The Renters’ Rights Act represents the biggest structural shift to the private rented sector in decades, and while much of the conversation has focused…
Read More →
Breaking News

First-time buyers bear the brunt of mortgage mayhem

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals that despite mortgage turmoil easing in April, first-time buyers remain under pressure from reduced choice and stretched affordability. Mortgage product choice has contracted by around 10% since the start of March, with higher loan-to-value deals (10% or less deposit or equity) falling by 14%, a blow to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 12/5/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Commercial real estate is entering a new era powered by artificial intelligence CRE is now powered by artificial intelligence, automation, smart data, and digital-first workflows. For decades, the industry relied heavily on spreadsheets, disconnected systems, and manual administration. Today, technology is becoming central to…
Read More →