Witnessed repeat damp and mould issues would tend to suggest the journey is likely to be lengthy with a recommended change in approach
Damp, condensation and mould are visible negative aspects in a building but did you know they are only symptoms of a problem and finding the root causes is key to successful rectifications?
David Bly, managing director of Cornerstone Management Services, an independent surveying company undertaking damp and mould-related surveys across the UK for typically social and local authority housing, NHBC, care homes and hospitals, explains repeat issues appear to remain a key undertaking in the absence of impact knowledge.
“With a significant number of damp, condensation and mould-related surveys undertaken to date, our experience remains clear in that designated remediations and redecoration services have not successfully dealt with the issue.”
The problem with repeat remediation
“There are a number of root causes for these problems and in many cases, we
have witnessed singular remediations and retrofits aimed at resolving them that have led to repeat events such that, as they are visible defects in a home or place of work, the underlying wellbeing of the occupants is of a greater concern with repeated visual outbreaks.”
Cornerstone has witnessed many problems of varying levels of impact and it has always been its goal to investigate what aspects led to its creation for a credible long-term solution and not, a “sticking plaster” repair.
Why mould appears in specific areas
For example, why is mould in one area of the ceiling and not in 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.
Therefore, if a mould wash was to be undertaken, would it solve the long-term expectation?
Short-term fixes vs long-term solutions
We recognise atmospheric management is a key undertaking in every building as it serves to break the cycle of persistent conditions algae-related outbreaks require.
However, replacing an extractor alone may not solve the problem because its performance, ducting capability, location in the dwelling, door undercuts etc can all aid
or indeed impact the device performance.
Impact awareness
This ‘impact’ recognition is, in the opinion of Cornerstone, based on experience and everyday witnessing, a key missing undertaking with all expert trades delivering their installation in compliance with associated regulations but missing an overview of the anticipated outcome for the occupants alongside any guidance and
“did you know?”.
Each damp or mould issue delivers a description of how, why and where it has developed and has been Cornerstone’s journey to review their patterns, locations and all contributory aspects for a defined recommended solution.
The challenge of UK building diversity
With varied constructions, periods, styles, ages and orientations of buildings in the UK, not all expected remediations deliver the anticipated outcome. Why? 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 can also align with any indoor activities.
In short, do we need to press?
It is a significant consideration with evidence suggesting a clear gap in trade synergy, impact outcomes and everyday use, or not, of the intended improvements. With the removal of blame, there remains a defined opportunity to consider the called for uniform framework for all expert trades and consultants with a centralised goal to
recognise installation effectivity for a building as a whole. This would enable cross-trade sectors to embrace experience with recognised outcomes for all ahead of potential repeat issues.
Cornerstone’s vision
It is Cornerstone’s goal to replace “I didn’t know that” with “I now know that, and it worked”.
If you would like to learn more or, request details of our CPD-accredited damp, condensation mould and ventilation courses, contact us now.
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