David Bly, managing director of Cornerstone Management Services, a company providing independent expert property health surveys, is of the opinion more can be done for fighting year-on-year damp, condensation and mould issues in buildings
For many involved with managing and upholding structural health, it could be argued there needs to be a reset with regard to how structures are assessed for these reported issues and embraces those occupying new builds.
With a proven history providing independent expert surveys into the root causes of damp, condensation and mould, our findings clearly confirm a number of varied causes from construction-bound moisture to the majority being inadequate ventilation of a building when occupied.
Our experience has highlighted installation issues that can, and do, contribute to the resultant problems and, with a gap in “impact knowledge” for any installation on the building fabric and/or the occupants, the chances of a reported problem remain high in the absence of noting the issue and working back from its location, its patterns and its severity to create a defined root cause.
Witnessed examples include new extractor installations affecting the existing and future permeability of the building, leading to potential secondary impacts with occupants’ everyday activities plus, poor ducting, inadequate door undercuts, open trickle vents in wet rooms, alongside misaligned ventilation services in kitchen and bathrooms.
Indeed, the everyday “use” of any installed devices plays an important role in fulfilling ventilation adequacy but, equally, residents advising they have not received applicable guidance is a common comment and, can typically relate to understanding the performance of extractors in and around open windows, leaving doors open, trickle vents open next to working units etc with many an occupant comment being “I didn’t know that!”
In addition, there have been a number of instances where we have witnessed loft insulation moved aside to facilitate a reinstall or reconfiguration of an extraction device, with it not replaced post-works resulting in temperature differentials across the surfaces.
Such a knowledge aspect of “why is mould there and not over there?” can and does align temperature differences across the surfaces as a whole, resulting in possible periods of minor condensation when the cold surface meets the internal dew point temperature resulting in a key nutrient for mould spores that are in the air all the time.
Cornerstone is of the opinion any blame for likely occupant contributions to the internal atmospheric moisture load can be replaced with “did you know…” since many occupants may not be aware of the impact some everyday activities have on the internal conditions as a whole and sharing knowledge and guidance in a defined recognisable manner could be a significant consideration when commencing an investigation into a reported problem.
We know the UK has a myriad of building stock construction types, periods and methods, and, with this in mind, any inspections for reported damp and mould or indeed any designated structural or atmospheric improvements must, in our opinion, embrace these important elements as they can all play an active role in maintaining desired structural health goals.
With a recognised goal for decarbonisation ahead, in the absence of structural and atmospheric understanding, could we witness more problems in the future due to a gap in their joint expertise?
And, with new legislation calling for timely responses to reported issues plus qualifications for those dealing with managing property health, are we ready as a collective?
CPD training for understanding damp and mould
Our CPD-accredited training for understanding damp and mould for all administrative and technical staff levels is an option for implementing a greater understanding through organisations seeking to not only underpin solutions with greater confidence but, submit recognisable knowledge in a simplistic manner for occupants at the outset for immediate guidance and measures capable of assisting likely causes and minor measures for early resolution attempts.
With a greater understanding for all involved, including occupants armed with more feasible understandings of their property and atmospheric management, this will not only aid reducing the annual spend but, will reduce any “respend” activities armed with a greater understanding of improvement expectations.
Cornerstone is of the opinion an improved approach can be achieved by rethinking how complaints are recorded, how responses are managed and how credible knowledge in arecognised format can be utilised and delivered to occupants for greater understanding and improved conformity.
To aid this journey, Cornerstone is sharing its knowledge in a unique Property Health Application that allows landlords and property managers to register their staff or occupants online in full GDPR and privacy compliance with immediate 24/7 guidance for a visual issue alongside simplistic yet key opportunities to resolve the matter ahead of a formal complaint.
If this issue is not resolved, images and notes can be sent back to the landlord/manager for a proactive resolution.
The knowledge is delivered in a sensible and recognisable format for all concerned and, if complex cases still persist, Cornerstone remains ready to assist – when you need them!
A greater understanding of structural and atmospheric behaviour with a uniform approach will underpin landlord confidence with their improvements concluded in a defined approach while providing bespoke guidance to occupants for an improved healthier internal living and working condition.
In addition, key trend data for ongoing stock management is a system deliverable since each landlord/management company will likely be maintaining a host of structural types and geographical locations across the United Kingdom.
To learn more of the unique application and how you can obtain a complimentary trial period, or discuss any issues, scan the QR code or contact us now.
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.