Winter can be a challenging season for upkeep in rental properties. Less internal ventilation, colder temperatures, and increased humidity create the prime conditions for damp and mould to flourish. For residential landlords and building managers, therefore, taking proactive measures throughout the year to prevent these issues can help to maintain the structural integrity of the property and the comfort and health of residents.
Read on to find out more:
Conducting Regular External Inspections
The best way to keep on top of damp and mould is to catch it at an early stage, or, even better, to prevent it before it starts. To do this, it’s important to conduct thorough inspections of each property’s exterior. Bad weather in the winter can exacerbate damage to important structures, allowing moisture to infiltrate the building. Start by checking:
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Pipes and guttering: check for any leaks, blockages, or damage that could let water overflow and seep into the property through the brickwork.
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Downpipes: make sure that your downpipes are properly aligned and function correctly to avoid water accumulating near the foundations of the building.
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Seals on windows: inspect all windows for broken seals, cracks, or faulty panes that could allow damp air to enter.
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Structural damage: look out for any cracks in the walls, missing roof tiles, or places where water run-off accumulates.
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Identifying Internal Risk Factors
Within the property, there are often visible signs of damp and mould that can be identified during your building inspections. Watch out for:
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Peeling wallpaper and stained paintwork – these can indicate the infiltration of moisture behind the walls.
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Condensation on windows and walls – this can lead to mould growth if not addressed.
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Defective plasterwork – crumbling or weak plaster may indicate an underlying damp issue.
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Cold spots – cold or ‘icy’ spots on the walls often arise from inadequate insulation, so this may need an upgrade.
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High humidity – a hygrometer can be used to identify areas of the property where humidity is consistently high.
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Proactive Solutions With Bathroom Shower Pods
One of the most cost-effective ways for building managers to mitigate the damp risk in their estate is by addressing the area most prone to excessive moisture – the shower room or bathroom. Installing completely enclosed shower pods in place of conventional tile and trade cubicles delivers a variety of long-term benefits.
For example, unlike traditional tiled showers, our Advanced Showers shower pods are engineered without acrylic sealant or grout, which can degrade over time and become breeding environments for mould. The seamless and nonporous surface of shower pods is extremely resistant to mould buildup. Moreover, shower pods are designed to be completely watertight, which eliminates the risk of hidden leaks that can lead to rising damp underneath the wall or floors.
Bathroom Shower Pods UK: Find Out More
Advanced Showers are one of the UK’s leading providers of leakproof shower pods to the private rental sector. To find out more about the benefits of our products for rental properties, please download our free Shower Pods Guide, or contact us to discuss your requirements.
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