Damp, mould and ventilation in a Berwick rental
Showers, exhaust fans and where the steam goes.
In short: Mould and damp, and ventilation, are separate standards, but in practice they fail together.
Mould and damp
This standard rules out mould or damp that the building itself causes. High readings at shower walls are an early sign.
Ventilation
Bathrooms, toilets and laundries need a window, vent or exhaust fan.
Where fans end up
Fans ducted into the roof space push steam into the timbers, which can bring mould back into ceilings.
Kitchen water
The kitchen standard needs a sink with hot and cold water. A leaking tap is a simple fix to make before listing.
Fix the cause
Clean mould after the source is dealt with, or it returns.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Berwick. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
