Winter Damp Prevention: A Seasonal Guide for Housing Providers

Winter is peak season for condensation and damp problems in UK housing. Cold external temperatures create the conditions for moisture to condense on walls and windows, and heating costs mean many households are reluctant to maintain adequate warmth and ventilation.

Proactive housing providers prepare before winter arrives—not after complaints start coming in.

Why Winter Is High Risk

The Physics of Winter Condensation

Several factors combine to increase risk during colder months:

• Cold surfaces: External walls and windows drop in temperature
• Reduced ventilation: Windows stay closed to retain heat
• Increased moisture: More time indoors means more cooking, bathing, drying clothes
• Intermittent heating: Temperature swings create ideal condensation conditions

At-Risk Property Types

Some properties are more vulnerable:

• Solid wall construction (poor insulation)
• Single-glazed windows
• Properties with no or inadequate mechanical ventilation
• Flats above unheated spaces (garages, commercial units)
• North-facing properties with limited solar gain
• High-occupancy households

Pre-Winter Preparation (September-October)

Stock Review

Identify properties likely to need attention:

• Review last winter's cases: Which properties had issues?
• Check repair histories: Any properties with recurring problems?
• Consider property characteristics: Age, construction type, insulation levels
• Identify vulnerable tenants: Elderly, young children, health conditions

Heating System Checks

Ensure heating systems are ready:

• Service boilers: Annual servicing before winter demand
• Test controls: Programmers, thermostats functioning correctly
• Bleed radiators: Ensure full heat output
• Check fuel supplies: Oil tanks filled, meters accessible

Ventilation Verification

Ventilation often degrades unnoticed:

• Test extractor fans: Kitchens and bathrooms working at adequate rate
• Check trickle vents: Open and unobstructed
• Inspect MVHR/MEV: Filters clean, systems operational
• Clear airbricks: Not blocked by vegetation or debris

Tenant Communication

Pre-Winter Advice

Send seasonal guidance covering:

• How condensation forms and why winter increases risk
• Practical tips for reducing moisture (lids on pans, drying clothes outside where possible)
• Ventilation guidance (extractors, trickle vents)
• Heating advice (consistent low heat vs. intermittent high heat)
• How to report issues early

Fuel Poverty Sensitivity

Be mindful of financial pressures:

• Signpost to energy advice and grants
• Provide information on fuel debt support
• Don't lecture about heating when cost is a barrier
• Consider whether property efficiency is the real problem

During Winter (November-March)

Proactive Monitoring

Don't wait for complaints:

• Environmental sensors: Real-time alerts for at-risk properties
• Regular contact: Check in with previously affected tenants
• Void inspections: Check for issues during turnover
• Contractor feedback: Ask trades to report concerns

Rapid Response

When issues are reported:

• Inspect promptly (within 24 hours per Awaab's Law)
• Document conditions thoroughly
• Provide immediate advice to limit worsening
• Schedule repairs within required timescales

Emergency Provisions

Have resources ready for serious cases:

• Portable dehumidifiers for loan to tenants
• Emergency heating if systems fail
• Decant options for severe cases
• Mould treatment supplies for interim measures

Property-Level Interventions

Quick Wins

Low-cost improvements that reduce risk:

• Install or upgrade extractor fans
• Add humidity-controlled vents
• Apply anti-condensation paint to prone walls
• Install condensation channels on windows

Medium-Term Improvements

More substantial but effective:

• Secondary glazing or window upgrades
• Internal wall insulation for solid walls
• Positive input ventilation (PIV) systems
• Heating system upgrades

Investment Planning

Use winter experience to inform capital programmes:

• Track which property types need most intervention
• Build evidence base for investment decisions
• Prioritise properties with vulnerable occupants
• Consider whole-house retrofit for worst performers

Post-Winter Review (April)

Season Debrief

After winter ends, review performance:

• Case volumes: How many reports? Up or down on previous years?
• Response times: Did you meet required timescales?
• Recurring properties: Which ones need permanent solutions?
• Tenant feedback: Any themes in satisfaction surveys?

Learning and Improvement

Use findings to prepare for next year:

• Update at-risk property list
• Plan summer improvement works
• Revise tenant communications
• Adjust resource allocation

Key Dates to Diary