damp and mould

Awareness around mould and damp amongst housing tenants is at an all-time high. A recent Housing Ombudsman spotlight report highlighted the need for all housing providers to ‘adopt a zero tolerance approach to damp and mould interventions’. 51% of renters surveyed have experienced damp and mould problems, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Safeguard Europe.

Moisture, such as steam, vapour or water droplets can accumulate in our buildings over time. James Ayres, co-founder and operations director, Lime Green Products Ltd, explains why considering moisture build-up is so important and explores what measures you can take to help drying out.

Moisture in properties

Moisture can accumulate in a variety of ways in homes, workplaces and properties. It’s inevitable, with two active people in a home estimated to produce over 13 litres of moisture per day, through breathing and activities, such as boiling a kettle, showering and drying clothes. This is in addition to moisture, as a result of driving rain or building defects, that can enter the building fabric in solid wall buildings.

To meet disrepair challenges, uphold the Housing Ombudsman Reports and assist the Net Zero journey, an executive paper is now available discussing how this can be accomplished.

A Property MOT® serves to identify the best-practice and innovative approach upholding necessary changes in culture, behaviour and approach.
Uniformly certifying the health of a building will not only confirm the structural condition but, provide expert guidance to meet the new challenges demonstrating a zero-tolerance to damp and mould.
David Bly, Director of Cornerstone Professional Services (UK) Ltd, the company behind the development and introduction of the Property MOT® system explains why the process is key to delivering the changes in a uniform process.

Housing Associations and their residents have faced many challenges during the COVID Pandemic, not least of all undertaking repairs and maintenance. Whilst some minor issues can be delayed, it is essential homes remain habitable and safe so some repairs and ongoing maintenance can still be carried out. But how can this be done safely? James Kane, from condensation and mould control specialist Airtech Solutions, explains more on what steps both engineers and households can take to protect each other during work in a home.

A poll of tenanted households, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Safeguard Europe, the UK’s leading specialist in damp-proofing and waterproofing technology, has revealed a new North-South divide.  Renters living in the South are more likely to encounter damp and mould in their homes than those living in the North.

The poll of 1,154 tenants, conducted earlier this year, found that in London, the East of England and the South East, the highest proportion of tenants reported encountering damp or mould while living in rented accommodation at 63%, 60% and 56% respectively. Meanwhile, fewer tenants had experienced such problems in the East Midlands, the North East and Scotland at 39%, 39% and 40% respectively.

Following decontamination, redecoration of most mould-afflicted properties will be required and Safeguard Europe now offers a choice of products in its Dryzone range to deliver a high-quality decorative finish to stained walls and other surfaces.