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The Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Sun
Warning signs of hidden damp and mould in your home – it could cost you thousands and damage your health
BUYING a home is a very exciting time, and many believe summer is the best time to do it when the better weather can make things easier for viewings and moving. But when the sun is shining and the temperatures are warmer, you might not notice things that could indicate problems in the winter months. 3 3 While you're looking at big-ticket items like kitchens and bathrooms, it's easy to miss subtle warning signs of bigger problems. And these issues could quickly turn your dream home into a nightmare - even costing you thousands of pounds further down the line. For example, small indicators of mould could easily be hidden while you're viewing a property and your attention is elsewhere. So, in a bid to help, property experts have revealed that three subtle signs could indicate that a home has a major dampness and mould problem. Kevin Barzegar, from award-winning estate agency Kaybridge Residential, said these red flags are surprisingly common but frequently overlooked. He said: "Too many buyers get caught up in the aesthetics and forget to look for the warning signs that matter. "They're focused on whether they like the layout or imagining their furniture in the space, rather than looking for problems. "Estate agents and sellers know this, so they'll often schedule viewings during optimal conditions, like bright sunny days when condensation is minimal, or after the heating's been off for hours so musty smells have had time to dissipate. "Damp and mould issues can affect not only your wallet, but your family's health too." "Finding these issues before you buy gives you negotiating power, but discovering them after completion could cost you thousands in repairs." 1. Paint bubbling or uneven finishes Most people don't pay attention to the paint job because they know it's likely that they'll repaint anyway. However, the experts have urged people to take a closer look when entering a prospective home. Paint that's bubbling, peeling, or has an uneven finish often signals water damage lurking behind the walls. This is particularly telling when you spot it in unexpected places, like behind furniture or near ceilings. They have also encouraged people to pay special attention to areas where walls meet ceilings, around window frames, and behind radiators. Even small patches of discoloured or textured paint could indicate a much bigger problem underneath. Kevin says: "Water trapped in walls will always find a way to show itself. 'Fresh paint might cover the problem temporarily, but it can't hide the telltale signs forever.' 2. Musty or sweet, stale odours Many estate agents can hide smells with cleaning products or air fresheners, but the property pros have urged people not to be fooled by this. Take a moment in each room to breathe normally and notice any unusual odours, as they could be hiding something worse. Your nose is one of your best tools during a house viewing. Musty, earthy, or sweet stale smells are dead giveaways for hidden mould growth, especially in rooms with poor ventilation, like basements, bathrooms, or converted loft spaces. Kevin said: 'If you walk into a room and something doesn't smell right, trust your instincts. "Sellers often try to mask these odours with air fresheners or candles, but the underlying smell will still come through.' KEVIN has also shared some practical inspection techniques, beyond these three warning signs, that could save you thousands. Bring a torch - Dark corners, cupboards under stairs, and basement areas often hide the worst problems. A simple torch can reveal staining, discolouration, or mould growth that you'd miss in poor lighting. Don't ignore small patches - That tiny dark spot near the skirting board might look harmless, but it could be the tip of the iceberg. Small patches of mould or damp often indicate much larger problems hidden from view. Use your nose as much as your eyes - Walk through each room slowly and pay attention to changes in odour. Different types of mould and damp produce distinct odours, from musty basement smells to sweet, sickly scents. Kevin says: 'I always tell my clients to take their time during viewings. 'Spend at least five minutes in each room, open cupboards, look behind furniture if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions about anything that seems off.' 3. Condensation when rooms are 'well-ventilated' Excessive condensation on windows, in addition to being a result of poor ventilation, could signal rising damp or inadequate insulation. If you notice water droplets or fogging on windows in rooms that appear to have good airflow, dig deeper. Check window sills for water damage, peeling paint, or soft wood. These are all signs that condensation has been a long-term problem. Kevin explains: "Condensation that persists even when windows are open or ventilation seems adequate is a red flag. 'It often points to moisture coming up from the ground or trapped within the building structure.' 3
BBC News
25 minutes ago
- BBC News
NI kids football camp moved because of "horrendous smell"
A children's football camp in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, has been moved because of a "horrendous smell".Organisers of the summer club at St Mary's GFC said: "In the interests of the safety of our 90 children attending the camp and the 12 Tyrone coaches, who have been exposed to the most horrendous smell over the past two days from Sawgrass/Northway, we feel like we have been left with NO other choice but to relocate our Tyrone Summer camp."People living in the area nearby have complained for over three years, about the smell from a nearby compost factory is owned by Sawgrass Substrates Ltd (SSL) and makes a special type of compost for growing mushrooms, by mixing together hay, water and chicken litter - which is leftover bedding, and is made of things like sawdust, chicken poo and kid's summer camp has now been moved to the Tyrone GAA Centre in Garvaghey for the last two days of activities. A spokesperson from the SSL factory said that the increase in smell might be because of planned work to replace a biofilter in the factory."While a temporary and localised increase in odour may occur during the removal of existing media and the initial conditioning of the replacement system, every effort will be made to minimise any disruption to the said this work was "critical for the long-term effectiveness of its odour control system".The company also said "it remains fully compliant with all statutory requirements and operates strictly within the parameters of its relevant waste licenses" and "is committed to being a responsible neighbour and takes all feedback seriously." However, people who live close to the factory in Killeeshil have said that their lives have being affected by the bad smell for March 2024, residents protested outside the factory, and in May more then 200 people gathered outside Mid Ulster Council offices to voice their concerns.A local primary school and Gaelic Athletic Association club have also said the smell was affecting children's everyday lives 2024, Principal Louise Quinn from Cabragh primary school, said the smell had prevented children from using a sensory garden on the school grounds."It does vary, sometimes we get it in the mornings and sometimes late afternoon, and wind direction seems to play a part." she said. A spokesperson from Mid Ulster District Council said: "Given the lengthy period and extent to which the council has received complaints in relation to this site, the council is currently undertaking a complete case review of this matter."It is anticipated that the case review process in respect of alleged statutory nuisance will be completed by the autumn."
Daily Mail
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
'Absolutely crazy' road junction that baffles drivers and cost taxpayers £5.5m is nominated for top design award
Locals are furious after a controversial road junction which cost taxpayers £5.5 million and has been dubbed a 'deadly playground' was nominated for a top design award. Last year the junction in Finchampstead, Berkshire, underwent a £5.5million makeover which saw it painted with an oak leaf design rather than traditional white stripes in a bid to make it more 'pedestrian-friendly'. The new layout caused anger among locals who described it as an 'accident waiting to happen'. At the time, more than 1,400 people demanded changes to the new intersection design. But now the redesign has been shortlisted in the Active Travel Scheme of the Year category as well as Line Marking and Street Design. Wokingham Borough Council has also said the junction has been named Best Community Project in the Landor LINKS Active Travel Directory and Yearbook 2025-26. Adrian Betteridge, Wokingham Borough Council's executive member for transport, said it was 'great' to see the project recognised. However, responses from fellow residents has been uncertain - with many slamming the council for the redesign. One resident, Jackie Robinault, told the BBC she was 'amazed' it had been shortlisted, and described the redesign as 'a disaster'. She said: 'I think it was a waste of money - I think it was better as it was. 'People seem to have forgotten that it's a roundabout, don't know what to do when they get here.' Another local, Alex Sykes, also told said the confusion over priority was a problem. He said: 'Some people dither and very sensibly go 'what do we do', and some people bomb it and go straight over... I wouldn't give it any awards for innovation, to be honest.' One local said the leaf patterns are, whilst 'pretty in design' - highly confusing for drivers and pedestrians. They added the design is an 'accident waiting to happen' and a 'complete waste of public money'. The local said: 'Leaf patterns'. Patterns! 'Do you know that's important on roads? Clarity! Not patterns. 'Clarity, so everyone is acting in a predicable and uniform manner. 'They have done the opposite here. It might look pretty but prettiness is not what road users are looking for in road traffic markings. 'What we need, is to approach a junction and know immediately who has right of way, who has to give way, and what rights pedestrians have. 'Here, we are all bemused. 'It is an accident waiting to happen and a complete waste of public money.' Another stated the definition of a zebra crossing and questioned why the community are part of an 'experiment'. They said: 'A zebra crossing (British English) or a marked crosswalk (American English) is a pedestrian crossing marked with white stripes (zebra markings). 'Normally, pedestrians are afforded precedence over vehicular traffic, although the significance of the markings may vary by jurisdiction. 'Any reason why we're part of an experiment, why not use a Zebra crossing, you know the one that's in the Highway Code? 'I looked up leaves but nothing in the Highway Code about leaves on the road!' One person compared the redesign to a deadly playground. They explained: 'It looks like a playground! So deadly for children who are going to think they can play in the road.' A resident slammed the redesign, dismissing it as a zebra crossing because local children allegedly wanted to play 'hop scotch' on it. She said: 'This is not a zebra crossing, it's an accident waiting to happen. 'I'm a good driver and drive with care and attention to all but not everyone does. 'There needs to be clear lights like every other crossing and don't even get me started on the leaves. 'A child wanted to play hop scotch with them a couple of days ago. 'I suggest this gets rectified according to the highway code before there's a terrible accident.' One local said the design is not appropriate for people with visual impairment or guide dogs. They explained: 'This is dangerous for those with visual impairment, and for children who might think this is a new playground game. 'Did you consult Guide Dogs for the Blind, for example, to see if they are training their guide dogs to navigate random pretty patterns and know this is where their partner crosses?' Many say they 'cannot believe' the 'bizarre' redesign was implemented and approved by National Highways. They added: 'This is bizarre to say the least. 'Drivers should be focusing on the road and potential hazards not being confused and distracted by leaves painted onto the surface. 'It should be painted as a normal roundabout that people are familiar with and know how to deal with when approaching. 'This is plain daft and I can't believe highways approved such a scheme.' Wokingham Borough Council said a study found pedestrians crossed the road in less time and drivers gave way more often. A monitoring road safety audit will take place in October.
