COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, March 25, 2019
MOTION NO. 2
MOTION: Councillor Emma Hendrick
That this area committee calls on management to conduct an extensive report into cause of dampness and mould in council houses, specifically but not limited to houses in Glenshane, Brookview, Ard Mór, Mac Uilliam and the infill housing in Fettercairn. Management should report back findings to the area committee.
REPORT:
The Council will undertake an inspection of those properties identified to the Housing Maintenance section in relation to Dampness and Mould on a case by case basis. In reporting a damp problem to the Council for inspection purposes the tenant should advise as to the location of the damp area in the house.
- Damp patches on ceilings may be caused by roof leaks or a pipe leaking in the roof space.
- Damp areas on the chimney breast of the house may indicate that failure of the flashing at the base of the chimney may be responsible.
- Damp patches below windows may be due to a cracked or damaged window sill.
The Council will investigate the matter and carry out remedial works, if required.
In relation to Mould Tenants are advised that Condensation is caused mainly by not opening windows, especially in Bathrooms, or by drying clothes in rooms with no windows or vents open. If unchecked this Condensation appears as black mould on walls and the edges of windows. If small black spots appear on the walls or other room surfaces, this is the start of mould growth. Any sign of mould growth indicates the presence of moisture. The mould growth spots should be washed off and the affected areas sterilised.
If the moisture is caused by condensation it is a sign that the level of moisture in the room needs to be reduced or that the heating, ventilation or structural insulation, or all three of them, need to be improved.
Tenants can reduce condensation by ensuring kitchens and bathrooms are properly ventilated by opening the window or using an extractor fan, closing doors to prevent steam spreading through the house and using the heating system in the home to maintain a constant temperature thereby reducing cold areas where condensation can occur. Tenants should ensure that all vents in the walls are open and not blocked and that extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens are properly utilised.
The Council will investigate the matter of Mould growth and carry out remedial works, if required or advise the tenant accordingly as to how to deal with the generation of condensation.