A series of events across the city aim to work with customers to tackle the problem
As winter approaches, Gloucester City Homes is preparing to lift the lid, pull back the covers and shine a light into dark corners to get on the case of damp and mould. Pvc Access Cap Moulding
The housing provider has been holding a series of events across the city encouraging customers to come and speak to them about their concerns.
Help from the repairs, surveyor and tenancy sustainment teams has been on hand to offer advice on reducing moisture, improving ventilation and keeping homes heated. Also present was Warm and Well, the agency working across Gloucestershire to offer energy efficiency advice to householders and arrange home visits where needed.
“It’s important to address signs of damp and mould in homes as early as possible,” explains Ashley Chapman, senior repairs supervisor. “Ignoring damp and mould issues can lead to higher long-term maintenance costs. As the problem worsens, more extensive repairs and renovations may be necessary.”
“There are things we can jointly do with customers to help tackle the problem,” explains Ashley. “It’s a process of elimination that we work through:
"Firstly, we’ll look to reduce the amount of moisture produced in the home. We’ll talk to the customer about measures they can take to reduce condensation from cooking and washing.
"Secondly, we’ll improve ventilation in the home. We brought along examples of the upgraded ventilation fans we are now installing in bathrooms which are activated automatically when a member of the household enters the room. This means they don’t have to remember to turn them on.
"Thirdly, we’ll make sure the home is heated adequately. We can refer customers to our tenancy sustainment team and Warm and Well to advise and support customers struggling with energy bills."
Gloucester City Homes has recently overhauled its response to damp and mould reports and now visits within five working days to assess the works required and arrange treatment where necessary. It is also making sure that early signs aren’t missed by asking specifically about damp and mould in the quarterly customer telephone surveys undertaken by its independent survey company.
A full damp survey involves an assessment of the structure of the property to see if this has caused the damp, a humidity check and an extractor fan check.
What has Gloucester City Homes learnt from the events?
Ashley commented: “Some of the issues customers came to talk to us about will be relatively easy to address, like replacing a broken bathroom fan, while others might need further investigation. It’s been a good opportunity to meet customers and useful for planning ahead for the winter.”
There are two more events in the series:
Thursday, September 28, 3pm to 6pm at Poet's Pantry, Podsmead Hub
Tuesday, October 3, 3pm to 6pm at Roots Café, Kingsholm
Eye Drop Cap Find out more at gch.co.uk/lets-talk-damp-and-mould