Moving into a new build Llanmoor Home

Generally seen on external walls, the appearance of a white deposit on the wall (known as efflorescence) can be an effect of the drying-out process. These white deposits are actually natural salts that come out of the wall materials, and are quite normal. These salts are not harmful and usually disappear over time, and where they appear on internal walls, they can be brushed or wiped away. However, if the white deposits continue to appear on internal walls, it could indicate something more serious, such as a water leak. If that’s the case, you need to contact your builder or a competent tradesperson as soon as possible.

Condensation is caused by steam or water vapour coming into contact with cold surfaces, such as walls, ceilings and windows. Condensation can be the result of evaporation of moisture from building materials, which is quite common in new homes. If allowed to persist, condensation can result in the appearance of mould on interior surfaces and even on furnishings.

Condensation will gradually reduce as the building dries out, but you should avoid contributing to it if you want prevent the appearance of mould on walls and ceilings. There are a number of things you can do, even after the building itself has finished drying out, to protect your home against harmful levels of condensation:

• Open windows or window vents to allow trapped moisture to escape.
• During the drying out period, avoid placing furniture including pictures on or too close to the outside wall surfaces. The internal walls which are located on the outer walls of the property are more susceptible to holding moisture during the construction process and will take longer to dry out than internal walls. Positioning furniture located close to and pictures on these walls is quite likely to result in the formation of mould as a result of the surfaces not being able to gain sufficient ventilation to dry out.
• If a mechanical ventilation or heat recovery (MVHR) system has been installed in your home, ensure that you familiarise yourself with the manual and manufacturer’s guidance. It is important to understand how these systems operate in order to run your home effectively.
• Cover pans when cooking to reduce steam and use the extractor fan where possible.
• Always use the extractor fan when bathing or taking a shower.
• Stop moist air spreading around your home by keeping doors closed when cooking or bathing.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors, especially on radiators.
• If you have one, make sure your tumble dryer’s venting duct leads outside (unless it is a self-condensing dryer).

Heat your home evenly and consistently. Ideally, you shouldn’t leave your heating off all day, as when you return home in the evening and start cooking or washing, moist warm air will be created, which will settle on the cold surfaces and create condensation. Program your central heating to come on shortly before you return.

Don’t let condensation mould become a problem. Preventing it is much easier than getting rid of it!

For additional guidance read the Moisture Guide   

In cold weather, you may notice some moisture on the underside of the felt beneath your roof tiles. This is due to any warm, moist air from your home passing into the roof space and settling on the cold surface of the felt and timbers. As the roof space is ventilated/breathable, this should gradually disperse without any issues arising, and following the general tips on reducing condensation will help keep any moist air that does escape into the roof down to a minimum.

It is not recommended that you store any items in the loft space in your property. Any items stored may be susceptible to becoming damaged by condensation . Please also note that roof trusses are designed to support the roof tiles and are not designed to support heavy items which you may wish to store in your loft space.

Unless your garage forms an integral part of the main property, the walls will be constructed of single skin brick or blockwork. Single skin construction is the norm for detached garages and the walls are not designed to be watertight. Water will potentially pass through to the inside of the garage itself causing walls and floors to become wet. Furthermore, garages will not be watertight in terms that the garage door is not ever a tight seal and so in periods of heavy or persistent rainfall water may enter around the garage door into the inside of the garage. Garages are provided for the storage of motor vehicles and are not designed for storage of personal possessions, appliances or furnishings which may be affected by water. There are a number of waterproofing products generally available via gardens centres and builders merchants which homeowners can apply to the skin of any single skin structure, but this is not something that the Company undertakes as part of the construction process.