Damp, mould and fire safety
Damp and mould
This winter, more than others, is a difficult time for preventing mould. The best way to prevent it is to ensure your home is well-heated and ventilated, which may be more difficult due to the increased Cost of Living.
Mould is caused by excess water and is often the result of condensation. If mould is not dealt with it can lead to problems which can damage the condition of your home and even affect your health.
However, the good news is that most problems with condensation and mould can be sorted out quickly if the moisture in the air is reduced and mould is cleaned away properly and regularly.
What causes condensation?
Adding moisture to the air is inevitable – when you sleep your breathing can release up to a pint of moisture into the air. But the main causes of condensation at home tend to be due to everyday living such as heating water for cooking, baths or showers.
In addition, building defects such as leaks and insufficient ventilation or faulty extractor fans can also increase condensation, these should be reported immediately.
Where does mould grow?
Mould can grow on any surface, so if you spot any mould, it’s important to take early action as it can spread quickly.
Mould can typically be found on or next to windows, in the corners and edges of rooms, and behind and inside wardrobes and cupboards (especially if they’re against an outside wall). It can even grow on clothes, bags and shoes if they’re put in wardrobes when wet or stored too tightly to allow air to circulate.
Reporting condensation, damp and mould
If your home has condensation, damp or mould, it’s important to take steps to manage it. If condensation, damp or mould are identified, please make sure to let us know so that we can work together to resolve the issue.
Please contact Axis on 0800 056 7068 or email ccharepairs@axiseurope.com and they will arrange a visit to assess the situation and arrange any remedial works and repairs.
Fire safety
Your wellbeing and safety is important to us. Fire safety continues to be a priority and is something we can all play a part in maintaining.
Fire Doors
When used correctly, fire doors help to reduce the spread of smoke and flames. This allows time for evacuation and reduces fire damage. Blocks of flats will have fire doors located throughout the building and it is important that these remain closed at all times, unless they are fitted with electronic magnetic catches or door guard devices that automatically close when the fire alarm sounds.
Check your fire door
1. See if your door has a label or plug on the top or side of your door.
2. See if the gaps around the top of your door are less than 4mm around when the door is closed. Although the gap at the bottom of the door may be slightly larger, you ideally should not be able to see light coming in from under the door.
3. Check that seals around the door are not damaged.
4. Ensure that hinges or screws are in place and secured.
5. Check that the door closes firmly onto the latch and doesn’t stick to the frame or floor. Fire doors do not work if they are unable to open easily or can’t be closed properly.
Please note that these checks are not a substitute for official repairs. Residents should not carry out any repairs to their own fire door. If you notice that your fire door fails any of these at home checks, please contact 0800 054 6710 to raise a repair or email maintenanceinbox@ccha.biz for works to be carried out.
Report a repair