by Daniela Haynes | Dec 16, 2022 | Home & Air Care
Households across the country can struggle with mould growing in their homes, but there are ways to stop it.
Damp expert Richard Brown s ays the recent coroner’s ruling that two-year-old Awaab Ishak was killed by breathing in mould – in his family’s one-bedroom flat in Rochdale – shows how serious the problem can be, reports the Manchester Evening News..
“Up until the coroner made that judgement, it had always been assumed,” he said. “No coroner had ever actually took that step and categorically stated this item has killed – and unfortunately it’s a two-year-old that’s been affected this time.”
Richard, who is a damp expert with RBBA Ltd Building Surveyors said there are ways to deal with mould in your house. He stressed that “mould is a result of condensation, mould is not the cause”.
“What is meant by that is something is occurring that is allowing the germination of the mould and it is that something that must be rectified, not the mould itself.”
He added: “If you just treat the mould, it will continue to return, as you have not got to the bottom of the root cause.
“Mould spores are present on all surfaces, and largely, these spores lie there, dormant, waiting for the elixir of life, water, to spring into life. So it is dealing with the water that offers the success in treating mould. Stop the water, stop the mould.”
Just day-to-day living adds moisture into the air. Whether it be cooking, showering or just breathing, water will spread.
Richard says the secret to minimising mould is to “minimise how much moisture we, ourselves add to the atmosphere.” The primary cause is condensation which occurs when this warm air strikes a surface and cools rapidly, leaving a wet surface and allows mould spores to spread.
“You are always going to have a certain amount of condensation on your windows in the morning, about an inch around the bottom is normal. The entire window being covered is not normal,” said Richard.
“I would suggest, if there’s that much water on the window, there is a problem not with ventilation but extraction.”
Making sure your extractor fans are properly maintained is vital, he stresses, as they can often clog up. Also, being aware of the movement of moisture, from your bathroom to your bedroom for example, is important.
“The damp will always move to the coldest room in the property,” he said. “So if you have a room that’s constantly cold and you’re showering at the far end of the property, that damp will migrate towards that colder end of the property.”
Nine times out of ten the damp is causing issues in a place the moisture was not generated.
Richard has provided a number of tips to keep moisture levels down:
This content was originally published here.
by Daniela Haynes | Dec 15, 2022 | Home & Air Care
Disrepair in Housing
The recent sector focus on managing damp and mould has prompted CHIC to ensure that our members have the confidence to deliver compliant remedial works and damp surveys through CHIC’s procurement solutions.
Whilst CHIC recognises the difficulty in maintaining assets to a sustainable condition, it believes that an effective strategic approach will help prevent poor quality homes. Tenants’ safety is and should always remain number one priority.
Different to other procurement consortia, CHIC’s member services team and senior leadership are ‘Asset Managers who do procurement’ and ‘not just a procurement consortium’. We understand the pressures large scale delivery of works can put on RP’s, so we provide a fully managed service, supporting our members through the entire procurement process.
Stephen Sharman, CHIC’s Head of Member Services says “CHIC’s mission is to work collaboratively to deliver efficiencies through procurement and commercial support, to ensure that tenants have safe, decent homes to live in. There is a lot more that some RPs can do to ensure tenants feel safe. Mould and damp are amongst many current sector challenges which need to be addressed, and accessing effective procurement solutions helps to create efficient and appropriate solutions”.
On the 22nd November, the Government sought assurance from all providers that they have a clear understanding and strong grip on damp and mould issues in their homes and are addressing risks to tenants’ and residents’ health.
Submission of this information should be made through the MSForms survey by 19 December 2022.
Letter to CEOs of large RPs regarding damp and mould [accessible version] – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
.
CHIC’s SOLUTIONS
DAMP SURVEYS
FRAMEWORK – Consultancy Services
Consultants have tendered a range of rates for specific types of project work along with competitive time charge rates.
Lot 1 – Integrated Consultancy Teams
Integrated Consultant Team (ICT) appointed to take forward projects of any works value, but generally expected to be upwards of £1m construction value providing pre and post contract services through design and construction, commissioning and in-use in accordance with RIBA stages 1-7. The ICT will prepare the tender documents to be used to appoint an Integrated Supply Team (IST) following a standalone competition advertised on Find a Tender (FTS) or already appointed by the member under a separate CHIC Framework Agreement or CHIC Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). Core disciplines include Contract Administrator, Employers Agent, Building Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor and Principal Designer.
GET IN TOUCH
.
REMEDIAL WORKS
FRAMEWORK – Multiple Elements of Built Environments
This framework gives you easy access to local qualified solutions through a wide selection of market leading contractors.
Lot 1 – Multiple Building ElementsThis Lot on the CHIC Multiple Elements of Built Environments framework is for the renovation or regeneration of individual properties dwellings or schemes including Attached & Adjacent Buildings including Extensions, Bathrooms, Canopies, Decoration, Demolition, Doors, Electricity Generation (Photovoltaics), Electrics, Environmental Improvements External, Environmental Improvements Internal, Fascias, Soffits & Bargeboards, Guttering & Downpipes, Heating, Kitchens, Piling, Remodelling, Roofing Flat, Roofing Pitched, Wall Insulation External, Wall Insulation Internal and Windows.
GET IN TOUCH
.
THE DISREPAIR CHALLENGE
In May 2022, CHIC hosted a leadership discussion on disrepair. We were keen to bring together representatives of our members with a range of contractors, consultants, manufacturers and other suppliers which make up our supply chain partnership.
CHIC had been hearing more ‘noise’ from members about disrepair. Not only had national television news coverage shone a light on examples of disrepair horrors faced by some tenants, but the issues had been examined by the Housing Ombudsman and social landlords were reporting an increase in claims. So, CHIC thought it should examine the views of its various stakeholders through round table discussions.
Findings from the session can be found here: https://www.chicltd.co.uk/the-disrepair-challenge
Evidently with the more recent focus on Damp and Mould, there are still more important discussions to be held. If you feel that CHIC should hold another roundtable discussion to share updates on progress, please let us know.
The post Tackling damp and mould appeared first on CHIC Ltd..
This content was originally published here.
by Daniela Haynes | Dec 15, 2022 | Home & Air Care
An expert has shared his top tips on how to beat mould in your home – and stop it coming back. It follows a recent coroner’s ruling that a two-year-old boy was killed by breathing in mould in his family’s one-bedroom flat.
It shows how serious the problem can be – but there are steps you can take. Richard Brown, a damp expert with RBBA Ltd Building Surveyors, is keen to stress that ‘mould is a result of condensation, mould is not the cause’.
Our day-to-day living adds moisture to the air – cooking, showering and even breathing. Richard told the MEN the secret to tackling damp and mould is to ‘minimise how much moisture we ourselves add to the atmosphere’.
He said: “What is meant by that is something is occurring that is allowing the germination of the mould and it is that something that must be rectified, not the mould itself. If you just treat the mould, it will continue to return, as you have not got to the bottom of the root cause.
“Mould spores are present on all surfaces, and largely, these spores lie there, dormant, waiting for the elixir of life, water, to spring into life. So it is dealing with the water that offers the success in treating mould. Stop the water, stop the mould.”
‘The daddy of all damp causes’ he says, is condensation, which occurs when this warm air strikes a surface and cools rapidly, leaving a wet surface, ‘which in turn germinates these mould spores that are always present’.
Richard said: “You are always going to have a certain amount of condensation on your windows in the morning, about an inch around the bottom is normal. The entire window being covered is not normal.
“I would suggest, if there’s that much water on the window, there is a problem not with ventilation but extraction.”
He said the ongoing maintenance of extractor fans is vital, especially over cookers as they clog up. It’s also important to remember that damp will move around in the house, from bathroom to bedroom for example.
He said: “The damp will always move to the coldest room in the property. So if you have a room that’s constantly cold and you’re showering at the far end of the property, that damp will migrate towards that colder end of the property.”
Nine times out of 10, where the damp is occurring is not where the damp has been made. So how do we limit the amount of moisture in the atmosphere to stop the moisture providing the growth?
Richard’s top tips for stopping mould growth
This content was originally published here.
by Daniela Haynes | Dec 14, 2022 | Home & Air Care
Carpet mould is a serious problem that can cause many inconveniences for home and business owners. Mouldy carpets are unsightly and can emit a strong pungent smell. Health problems caused by carpet mould occur when residents or employees spend extended time on carpeted areas. Mould spores can cause respiratory issues by causing allergic reactions or infections in people with allergies to them.
Additionally, carpet mould can affect the aesthetic appeal of your carpet. It will cause unsightly blotches and spots on your flooring that will be extremely difficult to remove. Furthermore, if your indoor air doesn’t circulate your carpets, mould spores will accumulate in one area- making it much harder to clean it. Only running large A/C units will exacerbate this issue, as constant circulating cold air will disperse the mould spores throughout your home or office.
Why is carpet mould such a big issue?
Carpet mould is also a major issue for businesses that have carpets in their building’s main areas. mouldy carpet problems are quite obvious when people walk on them. These problems are even worse when employees spend time in such carpeted areas while at work. Carpet mould can stain and damage fabric easily since it’s also wetter than other surfaces. With all this in mind, it’s no wonder so many buildings have bad carpet mould problems!
Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done about poor indoor air circulation when residents and employees spend time in carpeted areas. People with mould allergies are stuck with the same issues as everyone else when the air circulation near their carpets is poor. However, there is a way to make your carpets less bothersome, with these tips.
- Cleaning carpets with hot water extraction
Carpet cleaning should always begin with a deep clean using hot water extraction method. Hot water helps remove dirt and grime that may have been trapped in the fibres of the carpet over time. In addition, steam can help loosen any mould spores that may be present on the surface of the carpet. Steam cleaners employed by carpet mould removal services work well for this purpose.
- Use a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can help remove moisture from the air surrounding the carpet. Moisture tends to attract mould spores, which thrive in damp environments. A dehumidifier can help reduce humidity levels in the room and prevent mould spores from germinating.
- Remove carpet padding
If possible, remove the carpet padding before beginning the cleaning process. Mould grows best in moist conditions, and if the carpet is not covered, it can become a breeding ground for mould. If the carpet padding cannot be removed, consider placing a plastic tarp under the carpet to keep it dry.
- Add baking soda
Baking soda is a natural antimicrobial agent that can help eliminate mould spores from the area around the carpet. Baking soda works great as a carpet cleaner because it removes stains and odours without leaving behind any harsh chemicals. Simply sprinkle baking soda directly onto the carpet and let it sit until the odour dissipates. Then vacuum the area to remove the baking soda.
- Hire experts
Hiring a qualified, reputable professional with a job warranty is the ideal way to handle mould. Experts are familiar with the procedure because they have performed carpet cleaning in Melbourne and carpet mould removal treatment on several occasions. They have received carpet cleaning training, so they are aware of the best methods for your needs. Experts are also equipped with automated mould removal instruments and safe chemical mixtures that effectively but gently remove mould growth in your carpets.
- Vinegar
Vinegar is a good remedy for any mould issue because it may kill as much as 82 per cent of all fungus species. Simply put the mixture of water and white fermented vinegar in a spray bottle and liberally spray the affected area with the mixture. To eliminate the mould, gently sponge it with warm water after 20 minutes.
Summing it up
Carpet mould is a major problem that affects many homes and businesses alike. Mouldy carpet issues are easily avoided by following the recommended cleaning procedures outlined above. A few preventative measures includes keeping your home’s humidity levels low and maintaining clean air circulation around your carpet. You should also ensure your windows don’t leak condensation onto your carpet. Regular carpet cleaning Melbourne can also help maintain the carpet. All of these steps will help you keep your carpet clean and mould-free.
However, mould may be challenging to remove from the carpet after it has been exposed. If replacing the carpet is not an alternative, the issue might be resolved with a thorough cleaning by , they have the expertise to deal with carpet mould effectively.
The post How To Get Rid Of Mould From Carpets? appeared first on Squeaky Clean Rugs.
This content was originally published here.
by Daniela Haynes | Dec 13, 2022 | Home & Air Care
A damp expert has revealed the secrets behind dealing with mould in homes. Richard Brown said mould can be so serious it can kill and has now revealed his top tips on how to tackle the problem
Richard said mould is caused by condensation and only treating the mould will not stop it from returning. The ‘root cause’ must be tackled as well, he says.
It comes after a coroner ruled Awaab Ishak, 2, was killed by breathing in mould. He was living in his family’s one-bedroom flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, when he died.
The secret to dealing with damp is to ‘minimise’ how much moisture we add to our environment, Manchester Evening News reports. Cooking, having a shower and breathing are all ways moisture is added to the air.
Richard, who works with RBBA Ltd Building Surveyors, said ‘mould is a result of condensation, mould is not the cause’. He added: “What is meant by that is something is occurring that is allowing the germination of the mould and it is that something that must be rectified, not the mould itself.
“If you just treat the mould, it will continue to return, as you have not got to the bottom of the root cause.” Condensation is the ‘daddy of all damp causes’ and occurs when warm air hits a surface and cools quickly.
It ends up leaving a wet surface which ‘germinates’ mould sores which are present on all surfaces. By stopping the water, you stop the mould, Richard said.
About an inch of condensation around the bottom of windows is ‘normal’ during the mornings. But if there is more water, it means there is a problem with ‘extraction’, he said.
Maintaining extractor fans is vital, especially those placed over cookers. Damp will also move to the coldest room in the property, he added.
Often, where the damp is occurring is not the source of where it was made, Richard went on to say.
Top tips for stopping mould growth
READ NEXT:
This content was originally published here.
by Daniela Haynes | Dec 9, 2022 | Home & Air Care
Just as with grout, black mould growth on silicone sealant is not uncommon but if the area is not cleaned regularly, moisture and condensation can build up and create a higher chance for mould to spread. Cleaning enthusiasts have shared how to remove mould without scrubbing or damaging the sealant.
This content was originally published here.
