condensation

There are a number of issues that come about from the fact that nearly 80% of homes in England are over 40 years old1 – and it is forecast that 80% of our existing building stock will still be in use in 20502!

The most common issues include condensation and damp, draughts, and excessive cold brought on by a lack of insulation which makes heating systems work harder for more money and less warmth. This leads many people to pay for wasted energy – which they struggle to afford as we continue to experience a cost of living crisis. According to the English Housing Survey 2022-23, over a quarter of tenants struggled to pay rent in both the private and social housing sectors3, so it is crucial that their property is energy efficient and air tight so they are able to retain heat within their property.

A national trade body is signposting social housing professionals to a range of services to find a trusted route to solve damp and mould issues in properties.

The Property Care Association, which has been in formation for ninety years, is the UK trade body for companies and professionals who specialise in the diagnosis, control and management of dampness in buildings.

Its members understand all the different variables which can affect moisture levels in properties, such as the building’s construction, style of occupation, heating, thermal performance of walls and floors, and the provision of air exchange.

For the offsite sector, the focus is not just on building efficiently but also building efficient and healthy buildings. To achieve both aims, offsite manufacturers need to be able to rely on their supply chain partners to make sure every aspect of a build is as efficient as possible. Close and early collaboration is key, as the fabric first approach demonstrates with more efficiencies achieved when important ‘hidden protectors’ are designed in from the start.

Building Product Design Ltd, which encompasses three subsidiary companies – Glidevale Protect, Passivent and Kingfisher Louvres, is an excellent example of this industry collaboration in practice and as Adam Ford, director of technical & marketing at Building Product Design Ltd explains, the company has developed
a package of specialist support and healthy solutions tailored specifically for the offsite sector.

We recognise the Ombudsman is calling for a fresh attitude to dealing with the prevailing issues and adds moving from a ‘blame’ to ‘responsibility’ culture as a key directive.

The Property MOT® flexible surveying platform answers the call for a proactive response demonstrating change and meaningful support for residents with fact-based resolutions.

The uniform framework has been developed to be undertaken by trained and certified persons via a support based licensed application resulting in the issuance of Certifications for property conditions alongside any pertinent Advisories.

Insulation technicians from energy efficiency and property improvement firm Aran Services have been brushing up their skills in fitting Glidevale roof tile ventilators.

Richard Walker, National Technical and Development Manager at Peter Cox, discusses the Homes Act and what the legislation means for housing providers…

This April, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitations) Act came into effect. The updated legislation allows tenants in England and Wales to pursue legal action against landlords who do not assist with damp, condensation or mould problems, amongst other housing issues.