Trickle vents can be one of the best ways to combat damp and mould, according to one architect who explains why houses are getting damper, ahead of Awaab’s Law.

Claire Humphreys, of Shu Architects, said many modern lifestyle factors combine to exacerbate damp problems.

People can have multiple showers even in a single day, often dry clothes on radiators, and fill their kitchens with rising moisture levels from dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves and air fryers.

However, kitchen ventilation generally relies on using the cooker hood, which typically won’t provide enough ventilation or remove moist air.

Writing in the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) Journal, she said since Covid the increase in home working has meant more boiling water in kettles to produce more cups of tea every day - and more production of moisture.

Lifestyle changes

These lifestyle changes have also coincided with the rise of draught proofing, added Humphreys.

“Homes are generating moisture in places where it can’t possibly get out, but it has to go somewhere. What happens is that it travels around the house, usually working its way upwards, and then condenses in the coldest area it can find.”

In recent years, the focus has been on heat retention through insulation and airtightness, often overlooking the need for some form of controlled ventilation that will allow inevitable moisture to escape.

Humphreys says a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system is particularly effective, although these can be expensive and bulky.

However, she also recommends continuous extract fans and trickle vents. Although these can get a bad press, they aren’t responsible for excessive heat loss but instead provide controlled ventilation.

The Government has promised to extend Awaab’s Law - impacting the social sector from October - to the PRS through the Renters’ Rights Bill when landlords will then need to meet tougher rules and deadlines on damp and mould complaints.

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