Did you know that roughly 1.7 million school days across Europe are lost due to illnesses associated with damp and mould? These manifestations of moisture are a serious problem in educational buildings across the country, and must be addressed promptly to ensure the safety of teachers, pupils and support staff.

Understanding how to identify damp and mould, as well as how to address them, is critical for school building managers. Our guide is designed to cover all bases, so you can confidently deal with any issues that may arise across your educational estate. Continue reading to learn more.

What is damp and mould?

Damp occurs due to an unwanted buildup of moisture. Mould is the by-product of untreated damp environments, and is a collection of spores that thrive in humid and poorly ventilated environments.

In schools, you might find damp and mould in classrooms, corridors, toilets and storage areas, where ventilation is limited.

How can I spot damp or mould in my school building?

Early detection is crucial for the prompt removal of damp and mould in your school building. Here are some signs to watch out for to spot them early:

• A musty, unpleasant smell in certain rooms
• Visible black, grey or green patches on surfaces
• Peeling paint or blistering plaster
• Excess condensation on windows or walls
• Cold spots or walls that are damp to the touch

Frequent inspections from your site team and regular building surveys conducted by external professionals can help ensure these signs do not go unnoticed.

The main causes of damp and mould in school buildings

Moisture ingress (water getting in)

Leaky roofs, broken gutters, damaged brickwork or faulty windows can lead to rainwater penetrating your school.

Condensation

When warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces, like external walls or single-glazed windows, condensation forms.

Structural problems

Older educational estates may have design flaws or poor damp-proofing. Cracked masonry or inadequate insulation can also increase the risk of damp spreading through your building’s fabric.

Maintenance and usage issues

Blocked drains, poorly maintained HVAC systems, or heavy use of certain spaces can increase the humidity and lead to mould growth.

How does damp and mould affect staff and students?

While damp and mould will damage your buildings, the biggest concern is the health and wellbeing issues it could create for your pupils and teachers. Exposure to mould spores can trigger asthma, respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

Top tips for preventing damp and mould in school buildings

• Improve ventilation – Ensure all spaces have adequate airflow, ideally with mechanical ventilation in high-use areas
• Maintain heating systems – Consistent background heating can reduce condensation and keep humidity under control
• Inspect roofs and gutters regularly – Clear debris and check for leaks to prevent water ingress
• Repair damaged plaster – Small cracks can lead to larger problems if ignored
• Use moisture-resistant materials – Consider using materials designed to withstand damp, especially in high-risk rooms
• Educate staff and pupils – Encourage prompt reporting of damp smells, leaks or condensation from everyone inside the school building

What should I do if I discover damp or mould in my school estate?

You should immediately identify the source of the problem if you spot any signs of damp or mould. Small cases may be treatable using specialist cleaning solutions, but larger or recurring issues require professional assessment.

Consider contacting building consultants with experience dealing with schools, such as Eddisons Education, who will be able to provide bespoke advice on how to address the damp and mould.

How can I fund damp and mould removal in my school?

We understand that your budget may be tight, and repairing issues caused by damp and mould may be expensive. Fortunately, you have a few government funding options that could help you pay for the work, such as:

• Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)
• School Condition Allocation (SCA)
• Urgent Capital Support (UCS)

Our team can help you apply for each scheme to increase your chances of success. If your application is approved, we can also facilitate the building work.

Speak to our education building experts about the damp and mould in your school

Whether you need help identifying damp and mould, applying for funding or carrying out the building work to remove it for good, Eddisons Education is here to help. Our job is to ensure school damp issues do not worsen, so call 0808 301 9531 or use the form below to get started today.