It's a picture we've seen a hundred times: winter comes around, and mould starts to rear its ugly head. That's exactly what happened at a charming three-bedroomed, semi-detached, north-facing rental property, surrounded by lush gardens and some very large trees.
Whilst no one's health was immediately at risk when we received the call, the landlord was keen to get to the bottom of the issue before it worsened, or spread to cause damage to the building materials.
Under the landlord's instruction, we were able to get straight to work conducting a thorough mould survey to assess the damage and identify its root causes.
What did the mould survey reveal?
- The house’s north-facing position and tree shade made it quite chilly.
- The tenant, living alone in the three-bedroomed property, was struggling to keep it warm.
- We identified some classic culprits: poor insulation, bad ventilation, and some failed window units without trickle vents.
Mould issues we found:
- Under the eaves: A common mould spot due to limited insulation in the roof space.
- Bathroom: High moisture from bathing, with no mechanical extraction. The property required better ventilation.
- Kitchen: Another moisture hotspot. The extractor fan didn’t vent outside, suggesting a ventilation upgrade was needed.
- Windows: Some double-glazed units had failed, lacking trickle vents and letting in too much moisture.
- Exterior wall: The front wall’s render touched the ground, causing bridging around the front door. To resolve the issue, it needed trimming at ground level and a new drip bead.
Quick fixes? Sadly, no easy solutions here.
With a detailed report outlining the extent of the spread and the likely causes, the landlord received practical guidance on the changes they could make to rectify the problem and keep their property in top shape.
If you’re facing similar issues or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help keep homes safe, warm, and mould-free!
Get in touch with us on 01234 655333
