Damp, condensation and mould are unsightly aspects of a building but, did you know they are only ‘symptoms’ of a problem and finding the root cause is vital in rectifying them
David Bly, Director of Cornerstone Management Services Limited, an independent surveying company providing damp and mould-related surveys across the UK for typically social and local authority housing, the National House Building Council, care homes and hospitals, explains their findings and how their reported transparent outcomes have served to provide cost-effective solutions across the industries they serve.
“Following a reported issue, our significant number of surveys to date indicate 92% were healthy buildings. For example, the structure was dry and did not display any clear defects; however, where defects are noted, their rectifications are prescribed with a defined.
“Therefore, there is a greater emphasis on determining how everyday moisture generation is managed alongside ventilation adequacy. Whilst we are transparent in determining what root causes may be, our clear understanding serves to provide key knowledge in a recognisable format that removes blame and replaces it with did you know”.
The UK has significantly varied constructions of housing, commercial and residential buildings consisting of many construction styles, periods, ages and, most of all…geographical location and orientation.
Why are healthy buildings important?
Because how structural materials behave is also a consideration when reviewing buildings for their current health in terms of warmth and structural behaviour when faced with prevailing weather conditions that aligns with indoor activities.
By definition, a healthy building should be one that does not experience any defects that could contribute to its comfortable environment, and with elements installed to manage the internal atmosphere, it should be operational and ‘adequate’ in its delivery.
It is recognised certain aspects are either broken, isolated or simply too noisy to operate, leading to periods of non-use that, alongside ‘normal’ contributory factors including everyday breathing, cooking, bathing, washing, etc., can lead to noticeable issues that are not readily understandable.
Cornerstone has witnessed many problems of varying levels of impact. Its goal has always been to investigate what aspects led to creating a credible long-term solution, not a ‘plaster’ repair.
For example, why is mould in one ceiling area and not others? In simple terms, if an area of the structure is not at the same temperature as the remaining areas, it can act like a magnet for warm, moist internal air whereby, when it comes into contact with the colder surface, at certain times of the day condensation can occur and is a nutrient for mould spores that will be in the atmosphere. Hence, mould in one location can readily release spores to travel through a building.
As a company that provides advice for landlords, tenants, and homeowners alongside all building occupants in a language that supports their understanding, we encourage the delivery of queries that will be answered in a recognisable format for immediate attention.
Moisture, mould and ventilation, for example, did you know?
Drying clothes internally can introduce 4.0 – 5.0 litres of moisture into the atmosphere. Whilst this may be the only option, there are alternatives.
Mould on contents is indicative of elevated atmospheric conditions and not structural moisture.
Mould on contents is indicative of elevated atmospheric conditions and not structural moisture.
Inadequate ventilation can result in prolonged internal pollutants with VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released from everyday activities.
With a host of moisture metering equipment available, interpreting recorded readings is essential in determining whether there is a moisture-related issue or if the electronic device is being influenced by secondary elements, such as foil, backed plasterboard, or salts in the structure, or whether moisture is on the surface or in the structure.
How do we assess, interpret and manage damp, condensation and mould problems?
In general, the indication of an issue takes time for it to develop. For example, mould can take several days to germinate, and even penetrating dampness takes time. Therefore, in many cases the onset problems are driven in the main by periodic trends that, if left unnoticed, can result in visual evidence on surfaces and personal items.
Therefore, there is a desire to share more knowledge about the fundamental aspects attributed to dampness, condensation, and mould for early interventions and a proactive action plan. But what is the starting point?
Cornerstone recognises that introducing IoT electronic sensor devices can provide sought-after early warnings; however, recognising the cause of an ‘alert’ is crucial in determining a viable solution and the property condition before installation.
Property Health App
With experience embraced by a host of clients across many sectors, Cornerstone developed a unique SMART Knowledge platform that serves to deliver timely guidance for the issues, why, where it is and what can be undertaken in a recognisable process.
Alongside an embedded knowledge base, those entering the app are met with simplistic step-by-step reasoning, likely causes, and effective immediate solutions for timely dealings. It also provides key guidance for removing mould with suitable products.
Being able to readily embrace knowledge in a 24/7 manner can uphold the need for timely intervention of such issues whilst providing SMART Knowledge for future healthy living, working, learning and recovering locations.
In addition, more can be sought from our key CPD Damp, Condensation Mould and Ventilation accredited courses.
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
