DAMP FREE STANDARDS
The presence of Dampness, Condensation and Mould Growth
in dwellings is a hazard to the health and safety of the occupants and
under the "fitness standards" renders a dwelling unfit for
habitation.
Dampness and Mould Growth constitute a "Statutory
Nuisance" under the Environmental Protection Act, and Landlords face
heavy penalties, often running into tens of thousands of pounds, when a
court finds against them.
It is essential therefore, that whenever "new
build" projects are conceived, refurbishment of existing housing
stock is contemplated or individual property repairs are carried out,
great care should be taken to ensure that the dwellings are made, and
kept, damp free.
Based on the Laws of the land, on building regulation
guidelines, on medical evidence, on University research and other
information in the public domain, the standards to be met are:
That there must be no dampness throughout the dwelling.
That there must be no mould to be found in the
dwelling.
That there must be no timber decay to be found in the
dwelling.
That the relative humidity is able to be maintained at,
but not exceed 50%, so that it cannot sustain mould growth.
That the moisture content of the structural timbers
must not exceed 15% so that fungal decay cannot develop or thrive.
That the moisture content of the brickwork and plaster
must not exceed 15% so that fabric deterioration is minimised and organic
materials in contact do not absorb excess moisture.
That there must be no build up of gasses, from heating
appliances or organic decomposition to pollute the internal air supply.
That there must be a complete air change throughout the
whole property every hour to dispose of damp polluted indoor air.
That Heat losses must be kept to the minimum whilst
providing adequate ventilation so as to save the occupants money.
That the best practicable Energy Conservation measures
should taken to protect the Environment and to save money for both the
occupant and the Nation as a whole.
These standards though easily achievable, are all too
often neglected sometimes in the search for cost cutting, though more
often because of lack of knowledge as to the availability of equipment and
systems capable of meeting all these criteria.
The most likely reason however, is that people simply
do not know, because these standards, being the minimum requirements under
diverse Acts of Parliament, numerous regulations or guidelines, even
individual needs or aspirations, have, up until now never been clearly
defined or compiled.
© Kiltox – July
1999 – May not be reproduced without our express written permission
|
![[New!]](../images/logos/animatednew60x36.gif){kind=small}
