Reduce Moisture

Tackle dampness from the bottom to the top.

Why stopping moisture is important for a healthy home

Having a warm, dry and well ventilated home is essential, not just for comfort, but also to help you avoid serious health issues. The average NZ family home produces up to 8 litres of moisture each day. Condensation and mould are visual identifiers that there is a problem.

How you can stop moisture to make your home healthier

There are a number of ways to tackle dampness and prevent moisture in the home.
Moisture barrier - A waterproof sheet installed over the ground underneath your house. This prevents the damp from rising inside your home, reducing condensation and mould.
Dehumidifiers - Remove moisture from the air inside your home to prevent mildew.
Ventilate - Make sure you use your extractor fan and rangehood when boiling water or using hot taps in the kitchen and bathroom. It's also a good idea to open your windows for at least 10 minutes a day, this will help cycle the air through your home.

What you need to know

Landlords

Before to the beginning of a tenancy, you'll need to eliminate any accumulation of moisture and adverse effects from dampness, damage, condensation or fungal growth to ensure it doesn’t cause harm to those using and/or living in that environment. If the rental property has an enclosed subfloor, then you will need to install a ground moisture barrier if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Homeowners

Installing a ground moisture barrier is one of the best things you can do to keep your home dry and warm.

Renters

The best way to prevent moisture is to ensure your home is properly ventilated. This means opening the windows for at least ten minutes a day, and using kitchen and bathroom vents when cooking or showering. You can also invest in a dehumidifier to pull excess moisture out of the air, and if you spot a build up of mould, it's best to clean it as soon as possible with an indoor mould remover.