There are three important requirements for a healthy home – Ventilation, Insulation and Heating.

Ventilation will remove condensation which can produce mould and spores. If these aren’t removed they will cause health problems to occupants and even visitors. Also a popular way to dry your washing is to hang it in a room with the sun shining in, especially in winter. This is not recommended as it is another way to fill your house with condensation. Moisture will get into the carpet, curtains and the insulation. Moisture comes at you in all directions including from our bodies, the kitchen and bathroom. If you are continually getting condensation, open a window. If it still continues you may need a dehumidifier to dry out the house.

Insulation even in a hot climate is useful as it will also keep out the heat. If you have moisture in your roof cavity it will drip onto the insulation and it will stay wet. This will cause mould in the ceiling. This will continue until the moisture is removed, which passive ventilation will do. Double glazed windows are good insulation and are usually standard in new and rebuilds now.

Heating is also important and must be done properly. The easiest way to heat (and cool) a house is to install a heat pump as they are very efficient. When you are looking to replace your roof, think about a lighter colour. Most roofs are dark colours (why is that?) and on hot days reach high temperatures which can fry an egg! Hot roofs also will heat up the roof cavity which is not ideal if it isn’t ventilated.