There are a number of initiatives underway aimed at improving the future health of all buildings in the UK but are they working – and how do we embrace all improvement aspects for a consolidated method?
Having surveyed in excess of 4,500 structures reported to be suffering damp, condensation, mould or heat related issues, our reliable data confirms an ongoing inconsistent approach to resolving reported problems.
There is no formal correlation across industry expertise when assessing and delivering “improvements” in our buildings and, with no uniform impact assessment on a host of installed elements, we continue to run the risk of repeat problems due to a lack of understanding.
And, in the absence of a combined platform recognising all trades, their installation impacts plus secondary traits installed to uphold performance criteria, an “improvement” and its impact on other elements of the dwelling plus occupancy understanding, we continue to run the risk of not accomplishing the expected outcomes.
A healthy building should not experience contributory defects that could impact its comfortable environment
Recognising todays new builds embrace a host of insulation measures to reduce the carbon footprint and uphold the net zero journey, while this is a recognised futureproof process, how the current building behaves and what it requires to maintain its desired healthy environment are key to securing a long-term approach.
Existing standards, guidelines and certifications are recognised measures of compliance for a building and its use.
However, they do not readily align to the ongoing everyday aspects necessary to maintain healthy environments.
For example:
- What if guidance was provided linked to how an extractor is operated aligned to where it is installed?
- What if guidance was given to the use of background trickle vents and periodic opening of windows particularly in the winter period?
- What if guidance was given to recognising generated atmospheric moisture behaviour?
- And, what if guidance was given to key nutrients and timelines for visible mould?
Our evidence-based data is being utilised by major organisations involved with improving
the health of our buildings in the UK based upon current trends both physical and atmospheric.
A consequent outcome is the recognition of a key solution for future proofing our approaches to healthy buildings: knowledge!
In the absence of SMART Knowledge delivering simplistic, recognisable and credible reasoning behind many everyday activities in all buildings, our opinion is the reported problems will continue and likely increase with future warming, insulating and sealing of our buildings.
Evidence-based knowledge is now being shared with all parties in a unique complimentary platform:
PROPERTY HEALTH
- Download the App
- Add the issue
- See the response
- Read the guidance
- Plus ‘Did you Know’
- Escalate – when you need it!
Cornerstone recognises all expert trades and their specific deliverables are in accordance with individual regulatory compliance.
However, the repeat issues noted readily align to a vacant collective recognition of root causes.
For example, a new extractor installed typically requires recognised:
- Ducting length, integrity and insulation.
- Location in or near a window.
- Door undercut to the ‘wet’ room.
- Overrun or continued operation after use.
- Door closure after use.
While these replicate recognised existing traits, experience suggests this is not always embraced and, in the absence of guidance and knowledge, inadequate ventilation for whatever reason is the main cause of the reported secondary problems.
A called-for Uniform Framework (Housing Ombudsman) is a key deliverable for bringing together all key trades and stakeholders targeted at delivering expert installations alongside guidance for their location, use and impact.
Additional support includes the type and orientation of a building, occupancy level,
door and window operation in a recognised “did you know?” and not blame approach.
The rationale for a uniform process should embrace four key aspects:
- Knowledge – for all.
- Diagnosis – in a consistent manner.
- Resolution – armed with secondary guidance.
- Management – with proactive support.
When a complaint has been made, we are now in a reactive process.
The Property Health App delivers a proactive understanding of recognised symptoms,
contributory elements and how to deal with the visual problems prior to any form of
escalation.
Mould has more than one root cause, hence a raft of recognisable guidance measures
can aid immediate intervention and aid required expert remediations with uniform
understanding.
Lesley Jackson, head teacher. and Nick Newton, site manager at St John the Evangelist RC Primary School in Bolton, used the app to inspect their school building and commented:
- “This is a very easy-to-use app especially for a non-specialist.”
- “Using it encouraged us to insect the whole school.”
- “A case number is useful for referring back to a specific report.”
- “When mould was noted, the app enabled us to upload images that guided us through questions and visual prompts.”
- “The assessment was instant.”
- “I immediately saw how this tool could support our day-to-day responsibilities with managing a busy school environment.”
- “The report gave a summary of problems along with why it may have occurred.”
- “I would definitely recommend the Property Health app for homes as well as other public buildings.”
- “All information is free with three levels of paid premium upgrade options if you need an expert.”
Time to change from a reactive process to a proactive process.
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