PCA in call to tackle damp and mould ahead of ‘condensation season’
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) is issuing a call to householders in Belfast to prevent damp and mould.
The organisation is urging residents to follow their ‘Control of moisture in your home’ guide, which sets out how householders can improve indoor air quality and reduce moisture.
The moves comes as the UK starts to enter ‘condensation season,’ the time of year that, as temperatures start to drop, excess moisture caused by everyday activities such as cooking, laundry and bathing collects on windows and walls.
In some cases, this can lead to further problems including damp which affects the structure of the home, and mould, which can have negative health impacts.
Sarah Garry, Chief Executive of the PCA, said: “Excessive amounts of moisture can lead to condensation, mould growth and damp problems, but we can limit the humidity build up in our homes by controlling moisture production, room temperatures and ventilation.
“Helpful advice on how to achieve this is set out in a guide we produced in collaboration with TrustMark, which provides householders with key advice to help them live in healthier homes.”
Tips featured in the guide include:
- Understanding the ventilation system in your property and how it works
- Limiting moisture production by always using an extractor fan if available
- Drying clothes outside when possible
- Cleaning and maintaining ventilation systems, especially those with filters.
TrustMark is the UK’s only government-endorsed quality scheme for work carried out in or around homes and, as one of the founder Scheme Providers, the PCA works closely to improve standards and undergoes extensive annual audits to ensure members are up to standard and adhering to best practice.
PCA member businesses specialising in damp are required to have qualified specialists on board who will have obtained the Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings (CSTDB) qualification.
Sarah Garry added: “This guide will not only provide householders with essential advice on how to avoid issues with damp and mould, but also signpost them to businesses that they can trust.
“If there is water-based damage in a property and identifying the source is proving problematic, we recommend speaking to a PCA member specialising in damp and mould, all of whom are TrustMark Registered Businesses.”
The PCA has also recently collaborated with housing association Golding Homes to produce a short educational video, produced as Awaab’s Law comes into force, which provides information on improving indoor air quality.
The Healthy Homes video is available at: Keeping your home healthy
For more information and advice about damp and mould, go to: www.property-care.org