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

Breaking News

As RRA Changes Loom, Thoughts from the Industry

Overview of changes due via RRA as of Friday 1st May Abolish section 21 evictions and move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic – providing more security for tenants. Ensure possession grounds are fair to both tenants and landlords – giving tenants more security, while ensuring landlords can reasonably recover…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Three steps landlords should take to pet-proof properties under new laws

With new pet rental rules set to come into force on the 1st of May, landlords are being urged to act quickly to prepare their properties and policies. The changes come at a time when demand for pet-friendly homes is far outpacing supply, with up to 13 million dogs across the UK but fewer than…
Read More →
Breaking News

Market continues to build momentum

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – March 2026 Market continues to build momentum, recovering from winter slowdown as supply strengthens   Lettings market continues to build momentum as we move further into the spring period. While renter demand remains below last year’s levels, March performance shows continued recovery from the winter slowdown. Market entering critical period…
Read More →
to let sign 2025
Letting Agent Talk

41% of letting agents unaware of rent rule changes

The latest research by The Letting Partnership has found that a significant proportion of letting agents remain unaware of key changes to rent in advance rules under the Renters’ Rights Act, despite the reforms coming into force from 1st of May 2026 and almost 40% of agents still taking more than one month’s rent up front.…
Read More →
Home and Living

How homeowners can fight back against rising energy bills

New research from Yopa warns that millions of homeowners are set to be hit with a 14% jump in energy bills this summer, wiping out recent savings and piling fresh pressure on household finances. In response, Yopa has analysed which home improvements are most effective at reducing energy use, looking at both the typical savings delivered…
Read More →
Breaking News

Homes selling as fast as last year

First time buyers in outer London hit hardest as higher borrowing costs and  high stamp duty costs weigh on sales times   The average time to sell a home is just 1 day longer than last year at 33 days, despite higher mortgage rates and 2 months of conflict in the Middle East However, areas…
Read More →