Trade body advice to stop big chill’s impact on homes

Householders in Orkney are being urged to be vigilant to the impact of the cold spell on their properties.

National trade body, The Property Care Association (PCA), is warning people that the chilly weather can take its toll on air quality indoors.

The PCA is offering a free online guide with tips on reducing the effects of condensation — which can become a particular issue, usually in poorly heated, badly ventilated and energy inefficient homes.

Steve Hodgson, Chief Executive of the PCA, said: “In these adverse conditions dampness associated with condensation can affect homes which usually present no obvious problems.

“And in areas where mould is already an issue, the excessive cold can lead to surfaces streaming with water.

“To avoid such issues, it’s important to try and keep the air inside as warm as possible.

“Ventilation should not be reduced. In very cold weather the air outside is relatively dry and this is needed to maintain a level of moisture balance that supports a healthy living environment.

“We also advise that roof void hatches are not opened to stop pipes freezing, as this just puts heat into the atmosphere and moisture into the roof space, which in turn is likely to freeze anyway.”

The PCA’s free to download guide is available here.