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With the winter months just round the corner, as November looms, problems with damp and mould can become far more prominent . Autumntime is when many people turn on central heating systems and choose to close windows, preventing fresh air ventilation needed to allow damp air to leave a property. Unfortunately, the combination of warm and damp air can promote the growth of mould, which can prove extremely detrimental to people’s health. Rising damp occurs when moisture is drawn upwards from the ground through the masonry. Typically, properties have preventative measures built in to avoid this from happening. However, this aspect of a building degrades over time and requires maintenance when it fails. READ MORE Free bus passes could be extended to one group of under 66s Penetrating damp can be caused by, for example, a leaking external pipe or blocked gutters where water penetrates the fabric of a building from outside to inside. These are typically small and localised problems that can be easily fixed. It is important to ensure there is adequate ventilation to all areas of a property and that you use appropriate cleaning products at regular intervals to prevent mould from spreading. It is also important not to dry wet clothes indoors without allowing a regular flow of fresh air, Propertymark warns. Anaka added: “Mould can escalate without adequate heating, ventilation, incorrect use of appliances, building issues and maintenance issues which is why prevention remains the most effective answer. "Frequent inspections and access are vital, paying special attention to the exterior of the property especially ensuring gutters and downpipes are checked and cleaned annually. "Furthermore, it is important to bear in mind excess belongings stored in a room along with overcrowding, worsens condensation, and early intervention prevents a high cost later for many tenants, particularly in terms of their health, as they can be exposed to asthma, allergic reactions, and other respiratory conditions. "As winter approaches, please ensure that the conditions in your property do not allow damp and mould to flourish.”
