Council Tenants advised about how to avoid condensation problems

CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council spends around £12,000 a year dealing with reported cases of dampness in council properties, when the problem is simply condensation.

Since June 2009, Property Services teams have received approximately 1,400 calls where tenants have reported what they believe to be dampness.

 

But around 80 per cent of these calls turn out to be condensation issues, which means the authority loses valuable inspection time – not only wasting resources, but also impacting on the waiting list for genuine repairs. 

A further £15,000 a year is spent on engaging a third party to provide tenants with a second opinion, if they request it.

Mark Davies, building services manager, said: “We are, of course, happy to visit any of our premises where tenants have concerns that there may be damp.

“However, we are trying to educate tenants about the differences between dampness and condensation, and how they can help to stop problems caused by condensation.

“Aborted calls do cost the authority a considerable sum of money each year, but we hope our tenants will help us keep these costs down by following our simple advice.”

Condensation is caused by excess moisture in the air which settles on cold surfaces such as walls and windows.

If left, black mould spots can grow, particularly in areas where air cannot circulate, such as behind curtains or furniture.

Excess moisture in the air is commonly caused by cooking or showering, or by drying clothes indoors, and can be easily solved by opening windows or using extractor fans and air vents to allow moist air to escape.

Black spots left in areas that have not been dried can be easily cleaned with a general household cleaner. They are not harmful to health.

Dampness is a more serious problem caused by moisture getting in to the property from outside, rather than being generated on the inside of the property.

Simple ways to avoid black spots caused by condensation include using lids when boiling food, using extractor fans when cooking and showering, making sure air vents are left open, and clear of obstruction, and opening windows slightly each morning to allow moisture generated through sleeping to escape.

For further advice, call 01267 234567 or visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk