This year, The Sleek Easy Ltd. received a call from Christine and Edwin, a couple in Somerset who had been battling recurring damp and mould in their 13-year-old bungalow. For years, they had managed to address the issue themselves, but as their age and health conditions began to take a toll, they realised they needed professional help. That’s when they reached out to us for assistance with mould removal.
As fate would have it, this request coincided with a unique opportunity for collaboration. Laura Summers, founder of The Sleek Easy Ltd., and Leonard Carey, founder of DampSmart had recently completed a social incubation program together. Inspired by their shared commitment to finding innovative solutions for housing challenges, they decided to use this situation as a chance to test a collaborative, holistic approach to damp and mould.
When Laura and Leonard visited Christine and Edwin, the couple were enthusiastic about becoming “test pilots” for this new solution. The first step was to install sensors in their bungalow for a two-week period. The data gathered revealed some key issues: a cold bridge around the property and high moisture levels, both of which contributed to the recurring mould problem.
Using the data as a guide, The Sleek Easy Ltd.’s Building and Maintenance Team conducted a detailed investigation. They discovered a 5mm gap between the external soffit board and the brickwork, creating a cold bridge, and identified an extractor fan positioned near the soffit board. This fan was inadvertently drawing warm air back into the property, further exacerbating the damp conditions.
Armed with this information, we got to work. Our team carried out thorough mould removal and sealed the gap in the soffit board to eliminate the cold bridge. The extractor fan was also repositioned to prevent it from reintroducing warm air into the bungalow.
Once the repairs were complete, we conducted a second two-week survey to assess the impact of the changes. The results showed that the cold bridge issue had been resolved, but the relative humidity in the bungalow remained high. At this point, Christine stepped in with a solution of her own. She explained that Edwin had a habit of keeping windows closed and avoiding the use of the radiator. Determined to take charge, she insisted on making a change. Christine also purchased two small dehumidifier units, which helped improve the indoor conditions significantly.
A third survey confirmed the progress. The property had gone from being at high risk of damp and mould recurrence to showing minimal signs of the issue. Christine and Edwin were thrilled with the results, and their home was finally a healthier, safer place to live.
Looking ahead, the couple is planning to install a loft ventilation system in the new year to further improve air circulation and maintain the long-term health of their home. This addition will ensure that the conditions which contributed to damp and mould are kept at bay for good.
For Christine and Edwin, this collaborative approach saved thousands of pounds in ongoing damp and mould treatments. More importantly, it provided them with the tools and knowledge to manage the issue proactively. By combining advanced technology, expert repairs, and practical lifestyle changes, we’ve demonstrated how understanding, treating, and preventing damp and mould can make a real difference.
“At The Sleek Easy Ltd., we’re proud to work with partners like DampSmart to create lasting solutions for challenges like this. Together, we’re not just treating problems, we’re helping people reclaim their homes and improve their quality of life.”
Laura Summers founder The Sleek and Easy Ltd
Find out more. Contact us at dampsmart.co/contact or get in touch with Laura, Tamsin and the team at info@thesleekeasycleanltd.co.uk
Authors: Leonard Carey and Tamsin Southby