For owners of a brand-new Redrow homes, effective ventilation is key. This guide offers essential tips to help you prevent mould and ensure your new living environment remains fresh and healthy for years to come.

 

How to clean and maintain new home gutters

The build-up of moisture in your home left unchecked can potentially lead to dampness and the spread of mould.

Of course, moisture is part of nature - you’ll find it within the walls of your new home thanks to the materials used to build like mortar, plaster and concrete - this is why we don’t recommend painting the walls straight away). Moisture levels will also grow as you carry out daily tasks like cooking, cleaning and washing.

However, it’s really important to make sure your home has proper mould ventilation to decrease condensation and moisture growth.

Read our guide below, or watch this video for tips on ventilating your new home.

 

Ventilation tips to prevent mould

Leave window vents open

Around your Redrow home, you’ll notice vents at the top of the frame on the inside. Leaving these in the open position (even during the winter) can help circulate air throughout the home, helping dry out the walls in those first few months post-build, and helping to prevent mould growth.

Use your extractor fans

Extractor fans will be installed in areas of high moisture like the kitchen and the bathroom. Using these when you’re cooking or showering can really help keep your home ventilated and deal with dampness. Try to leave fans on for around 20 minutes after showering, with the bathroom door closed. It’s also really important to clean extractor fans regularly to help them work properly.

Minimise moisture while cooking

As well as using the extractor fan over your hob, it’s a good idea to cover saucepans if possible while cooking. This stops extra moisture escaping as you cook, and then settling on the walls or surfaces. It’s also a good idea to keep a window slightly open if you’re cooking with a lot of steam, or taking a hot shower.

Declutter

As well as keeping your home looking its best, decluttering can help air circulate around your home. Make sure to move items away from radiators and pay attention to smaller areas that might be kept closed or unused regularly - places like storage cupboards and utility rooms. Read our 'Top tips for cleaning a cluttered house'.

Keep your home warm

As much as you can, keep your home well-heated at a consistent temperature. After you move in, try increasing the heat gradually to reduce shrinkage. You can program your heating unit to automatically operate the central heating to keep your home cosy with ease.

Avoid drying washing indoors

It’s always best to avoid drying wet clothes inside - over a clothes rack or on a radiator. If you have to dry laundry indoors, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Drying clothes near a window or patio door is the best bet.

Keep windows ajar

When you’re operating the windows around your home, you’ll be able to keep them locked and secure while also leaving a gap for air to circulate. Use the secondary latch slightly further out on the frame to secure the panes in place.

Keep walls as clear as possible

Make sure to set up your furniture at least 10cm away from the wall to allow good air circulation. It’s worth checking regularly to make sure sofas and chairs aren’t gradually pushed further back. Also pay attention to hanging art, mirrors and other items on the walls, as they can trap moisture.