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

More than half of ‘Mumlords and Dadlords’ give rent back to help children buy their first home

54% of parents return some or all of the rent paid by their adult children to help them save for a deposit Just over a third say their children are living at home specifically to save for a house deposit; 45% say they feel like a landlord to their own child Parents charge £303 a…
Read More →
Breaking News

The First-Time Buyer Reality Shock

The First-Time Buyer Confidence Gap: 90% Feel Prepared, 71% Get an Unpleasant Surprise The First-Time Buyer Anxiety Index unveils a major ‘confidence gap’ which leaves first-time buyers unprepared for the realities of getting on the property ladder. Nine in 10 first-time buyers believe they are prepared and understand the home buying process before they begin…
Read More →
Breaking News

£50k hit when climbing the property ladder

The average homeowner in England faces an estimated £15,513 in associated costs when upsizing their home, according to the latest research by Yopa. However, in London this figure climbs as high as £47,704. The full-service estate agency analysed the estimated cost of upsizing across England, based on selling an average flat or terraced home and…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Conveyancing causes more stress than property chains

The latest research by Lyons Bowe has found that 42% of recent homebuyers say conveyancing is the biggest barrier to a smooth property transaction, compared with just 19% who point to property chains. The survey of 1,000 recent homebuyers* examined which aspects of the transaction process had presented the biggest barriers to a smooth journey,…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Britain’s most competitive summer rental hotspots

New analysis from the UK’s largest property platform Rightmove has revealed the areas where renters faced the strongest competition this summer, with several North West towns emerging as the toughest places to secure a home Wallasey and Birkenhead in Merseyside were Britain’s joint most competitive rental market during July and August, with an average of…
Read More →
AI in estate agency letting agency property
Letting Agent Talk

The 5 tasks lettings agents won’t trust to AI

AI must make lettings more human, not less, and that requires real rental intelligence. The latest research from Propoly has found that letting industry professionals see a clear role for AI in property management, but are reluctant to let it operate without human oversight, particularly when decisions involve people, complex circumstances or potentially significant consequences. Propoly…
Read More →