The Property Care Association (PCA) has revealed the itinerary for a unique two-day event, which brings together national and international perspectives to investigate a major issue currently affecting UK properties – excess moisture in buildings
The trade body’s 2018 International Residential Ventilation & Preservation of Buildings Conference takes place on the 14-15 June at The Slate, University of Warwick, in Coventry.
To accommodate the significant interest shown in the subject of excess moisture in buildings, the event has moved from the PCA’s traditional one-day property care conference format to a two-day event this year.
The agenda for the first day includes an insight into residential ventilation, which the PCA says is critically important to tackle issues with a new generation of humid homes.
The second day looks at preservation in buildings, including defects in cavity wall insulation, the specification of pre-treated timber and an overview of the threats from emerging insects to timber in UK construction.
Speakers and panellists include representatives from RICS, the University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (UCL IEDE), UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings and Bangor University. Dr Fernanado Sarce-Thomann of Chile will give an international perspective on acceptable limits of excess moisture in buildings.
The conference is open to both PCA members and non-members alike.
Steve Hodgson, Chief Executive of the PCA, said: “The 2018 International Residential Ventilation & Preservation of Buildings Conference will cover a subject area of increasing importance nationally.
“We are looking forward to sharing the latest research, perspectives and best practice over the two days.”
As well as the conference, the PCA has a range of initiatives to address the increase in excess moisture in buildings being reported in UK homes.
They include the development of a Residential Ventilation Group (RVG), the publication of a ‘Code of Practice for the Investigation and Provision of Ventilation in Existing Dwellings’ and a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (UCL IEDE).
The PCA says a number of influences are contributing to the rising trend of excessive moisture in homes predominately linked with modern living – including increased levels of occupation and rising fuel costs, as well as a drive to make homes more energy efficient.
The trade body also cites efforts to reduce air leakage through draught proofing and retrofit insulation, as well as the changing climate patterns – featuring warmer, wetter weather – as being of significance.
The PCA has produced a video offering a comprehensive overview of the issues faced.
Featuring interviews with academics at University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (UCL IEDE), the short film is available to view at http://www.property-care.org/professionals/moisture-buildings/
Further details can be found at http://www.property-care.org/conferences.
