General Household Maintenance
Structural
- Check the roof for leaks and broken tiles regularly.
- Fix leaky plumbing as soon as possible.
- Ensure weep holes on the outside of the building are not blocked. Weep holes allow drainage of water and the escape of
- vapour pressure from internal walls.
- Over winter and spring the weep holes in window frames (aluminium frames) can get clogged. If clogged, water will stand
- in the lower window frame sections.
- Check for doors or windows that may have broken seals.
- Ensure vents and air ducts are not clogged.
- Check for leaky toilets and that bathtub & kitchen sinks seals are undamaged.
- Swollen or crumbling walls or buckling floor boards should be removed.
- Check for stained ceiling or wall tiles.
Cleaning
- Clean your bathroom frequently.
- Clothes & shoes must be dry before storing them
- Clean evaporation trays in air conditioners & refrigerators frequently.
- Cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers should be cleaned according to manufacturer’s instructions and refill with fresh water daily.
- Wipe away moisture on windows and walls to keep your home dry.
- Carpets &rugs should be regularly aired & cleaned to prevent mould harbourage.
- If flooding occurs it is important to clean & dry the area immediately or preferably within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growing. Water-damaged carpets & building materials can harbour moulds & bacteria. It may be necessary to remove the carpet as the mould may be impossible to remove completely.
Wardrobes & cupboards
- Allow plenty of ventilation in wardrobes. Leave doors open if possible.
- If your wardrobe has been affected by mould growth, investigate the source of moisture and treat as soon as possible. Remove mould and allow to completely dry.
- Use a semi-gloss paint on wooden surfaces. Untreated woods are more prone to moisture absorbency than semi-gloss painted surfaces and treated timbers.
Other
- Consider installing sky lights in darker areas.
- Minimise the number of indoor plants.
- When filling your bath, add cold first, this reduces the steam produced.
- Let the sun into your home by opening curtains.
Garden Maintenance
- Don’t let the building foundation stay wet. Provide drainage from roof guttering and slope the ground away from the foundation of the building.
- Ensure garden beds are not higher than the foundation of the building. This will prevent moisture migrating into the wall.
- Clean roof gutters regularly.
- Downpipes should drain into soakwells to ensure drainage away from the house.
- Prune overhanging trees near the roof.
Remember: When cleaning mould you must remember to wear gloves, glasses or goggles, and a respirator or face mask to protect yourself from mould spores