As temperatures fall, keeping homes warm, comfortable and healthy becomes increasingly important. During the winter months, condensation and mould can become more noticeable, particularly in properties where ventilation is inadequate or windows remain closed for long periods.
For housing providers, landlords and property maintenance teams, preventing damp and mould means looking beyond the visible symptoms. Effective ventilation, well-maintained windows and doors, appropriate heating and good building maintenance all have a role to play in helping protect residents and their homes.
Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, drying clothes and even breathing release moisture into the air. When warm, moisture-laden air comes into contact with colder surfaces, including window glass and external walls, condensation can form.
If moisture is not effectively removed, it can accumulate and create conditions in which mould can develop. This is particularly relevant during colder weather, when windows are more likely to remain closed and natural ventilation may be reduced.
Windows therefore have an important role to play in the overall performance of a home. As well as providing security, weather protection and ease of operation, they can incorporate background ventilation to help maintain a supply of fresh air.
Trickle ventilators, also known as background ventilators, provide a controlled route for fresh air to enter a property without the need to open windows fully. When correctly specified and used as part of an appropriate ventilation strategy, they help dilute indoor pollutants and remove excess moisture from the home.
Keeping trickle ventilators open and unobstructed is particularly important during winter. Closing them to keep out cold air can reduce the background ventilation available and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
For window manufacturers, installers and housing providers, it is important to consider ventilation requirements when specifying, replacing or upgrading windows. Replacement windows should not compromise the existing ventilation provision, and any new background ventilators should be selected to meet the requirements of the property and relevant Building Regulations.
Trickle ventilation is not a standalone solution to damp and mould. It needs to work alongside appropriate extract ventilation, heating, insulation and effective maintenance.
The condition and operation of windows and doors are also important considerations when maintaining healthy homes.
Faulty or poorly maintained window and door components can affect how products open, close and secure. Damaged hardware, worn components and windows that are difficult to operate can make it harder for residents to use their windows as intended, including when additional ventilation is needed.
Regular inspection and maintenance can help identify problems before they become more significant. Housing providers and maintenance teams should consider:
Good window and door maintenance is part of a wider approach to protecting the building fabric, maintaining resident safety and supporting a comfortable indoor environment.
Awaab’s Law has applied to qualifying social housing tenancies in England since 27 October 2025. It requires social landlords to investigate potential significant damp and mould hazards within 10 working days and, where a significant hazard is identified, complete relevant safety work within five working days of the investigation concluding.
Emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours. Landlords must also provide residents with a written summary of investigation findings, arrange further preventative work where necessary and provide suitable alternative accommodation at their expense if the home cannot be made safe within the required timeframe.
From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 will extend the requirements to additional categories of hazards in social housing.
For housing providers, these requirements reinforce the importance of identifying problems early, responding to residents' concerns and addressing the underlying causes rather than simply treating visible mould. Advice about household habits cannot replace necessary repairs, improvements or investigations into building defects.
Residents can also help manage moisture levels and maintain good indoor air quality through some simple measures:
At Titon, our Window & Door Hardware and Ventilation businesses provide products that contribute to the performance, security and ventilation of residential properties.
Our range of window and door hardware supports the reliable operation and security of windows and doors, while our background ventilators provide controlled airflow as part of an appropriately designed ventilation strategy.
For housing providers, window manufacturers, installers and maintenance teams, considering both window performance and ventilation provision can help support a more comprehensive approach to property maintenance and healthier homes.
Speak to Titon about window hardware and background ventilation.
Our teams can provide product information, technical guidance and support with selecting solutions for your next housing project.