Garston, L19, mixes Victorian terraces near the docks with inter-war and post-war council-built housing. Black mould from condensation is the most common thing we are asked about, but rain getting in through worn gutters and walls is close behind, especially on older terraces. We visit, work out whether you have condensation, a leak or something else, deal with the mould safely and fix what is causing it.
Is it condensation or water getting in?
Most people ring us not knowing which it is, and that is fine. These questions help narrow it down before we arrive:
- Is it worse in winter and better in summer? That points towards condensation.
- Are the windows streaming in the morning? Another sign that the air is holding a lot of moisture.
- Does a patch grow after heavy rain? That usually means water from outside.
- Is it in one spot on one wall, with a defined edge? Look for a gutter, downpipe or pipe nearby.
- Is it a stain low down with white powdery salts? Possibly ground moisture, though we check for simpler causes first.
On the visit we take moisture and humidity readings and look at the pattern, but we do not rely on the meter alone. Standard damp meters are designed for timber and can be misleading on plaster and brick, so we read them alongside what the building is telling us.
Victorian terraces near the docks
The older streets close to the river were built with solid brick walls and little in the way of insulation. Rain driven against the front or gable wall can soak into worn mortar joints, and an overflowing gutter can keep a wall wet all winter. Inside, that shows as damp patches, bubbling paint and mould growing where the wall stays wet. Our penetrating damp repair page explains the order of work: stop the water, let the wall dry, then repair the plaster.
Inter-war and post-war council-built homes
Houses built for the council between the wars and after 1945 were often sturdier than people expect, but many have since had sealed replacement windows, blocked-up fireplaces and fans that no longer pull much air. Each change on its own seems small. Together they can leave a home with very little ventilation, and condensation follows. Bedrooms at the back, the kitchen and the bathroom are the usual trouble spots. We check what ventilation you have and what is actually working, then recommend the simplest fix. Where the mould is already widespread, our black mould removal service treats it and removes anything that cannot be cleaned.
If you rent your home
Many Garston homes are rented, from private landlords or from housing associations. Whoever your landlord is, damp and mould growth is one of the hazards councils assess under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. We can provide written notes with photos for a landlord or agent, and private landlords can find more on our landlord damp and mould page. We do not give legal advice; Shelter and the council are good places to start.
Nearby
We regularly work in Aigburth next door and in Toxteth further north. You can read about mould removal in Liverpool on our homepage, where we also explain how we work as a damp and mould company covering south Liverpool.
Worried about mould in Garston?
Call 07777 659786. Tell us where it is and whether you own or rent, and we will call you back to arrange a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean a small patch of mould myself?
For a small patch on a hard surface, wipe it with a damp cloth and a suitable mould-removal product used as the label says, keep the room ventilated, and never mix cleaning products. For anything larger than about a square metre, mould that keeps returning, or mould in the room of someone vulnerable, get it looked at.
My landlord says the mould is down to how I live. What can I do?
Government guidance from 2023 tells landlords to tackle underlying causes rather than blame tenants’ lifestyles. We can visit, record what we find and give you written notes with photos to pass on. For advice about your rights, contact Liverpool City Council, Shelter or, if you rent from a housing association, the Housing Ombudsman.
Why has damp appeared on one wall after a storm?
A patch that appears or spreads after heavy rain usually means water is getting in from outside. Common causes are a blocked gutter, a split downpipe, worn pointing or a cracked window sill. We find the route and explain what needs repairing; some outside work may need a roofer or builder.
How long does mould treatment take?
Cleaning and treating mould in a single room is usually a short job. If the cause involves new ventilation, a fan or a PIV unit, that typically adds a few hours to a day. Replastering after damp takes longer and needs drying time before decorating.