During each winter period Cornerstone are conscious of the need for a uniform approach targeted at ensuring structural and atmospheric health for all those who live, work and learn in them and, in the absence of a full understanding of likely causes for reported damp, condensation and mould we will likely continue to experience these issues through the colder periods.

Our history surveying these repeated issues alongside delivering key recommendations for cost-effective solutions, has served to reduce case numbers and spending measures with a proactive ’better decision making’ based on enhanced knowledge of all contributory factors.

The survey data clearly indicates inadequate ventilation being the foremost cause and, combined with fact-based reasoning in a recognised format, has served to arm everyone with bespoke guidance for how the issues can be managed, particularly during the winter periods.

Typically, did you know condensation on windows is a common phenomenon during the cooler periods and only serves to confirm warm air has come into contact with the colder glass. The best approach for this is to wipe it clear every morning as its remaining status adds more moisture to the internal atmosphere.

Drying clothes internally is not a ‘blame’ activity but did you know, it can deliver approximately 4 litres of extra moisture into the atmosphere that needs to be removed to avoid it becoming stagnant on surfaces leading to the reported issues.

And, the existing permeability of a structure i.e. it’s leakiness, is a key recognition prior to any intended ‘improvements’ as it affects the prevailing atmospheric conditions alongside the internal comfort of those working and being cared for in the buildings.

In the absence of any installed ventilation measures in a building, there may well be a greater reliance on ‘purging’ warm moist air to the exterior via the windows. But why open windows in the winter period? Because external winter atmospheres hold less moisture than summer atmospheres and, a cross-flow of fresh drier air for approximately 30 minutes will replace the warmer yet damper internal air. This brief undertaking results in drier internal air taking less time to reheat than maintaining warmth in warmer damp air.

Cornerstone recognise this is not always feasible during colder periods in a number of situations such that, consideration could be given to utilising dehumidifiers for periods to control the closed atmospheric moisture content and reduce the potential for resultant mould issues due to their ‘atmospheric cycle being broken’.

Therefore, when considering insulating a building, it should be recognised this approach requires a more focussed aspect for ventilating the building because, if the warm moist air is allowed to remain, it will come into contact with colder structural surfaces that, at certain times of the day, will result in beads of condensation - a key nutrient for mould development.

We recognise the visual presence of a mould outbreak is not conducive to good health for any person in the building and, it serves to confirm there is an atmospheric issue that has resulted in its development. It is not the fault of a cold structure nor is it the fault of natural moisture generation by those occupying and working in the building as a whole.

The ‘fault’ can be attributed to managing the atmosphere because mould takes a number of days to develop and therefore, in the absence of ‘breaking the cycle’, mould will likely develop.

To assist all who are involved with managing and occupying affected locations, our key CPD Accredited Damp, Condensation and Mould workshops explain the nutrients and time requirements for mould, how it behaves once established, what occupants/Managers/business owners can undertake to uphold effective repairs whilst ensuring ventilation ‘adequacy’ from a structural and atmospheric perspective plus, removing the mould once the issues have been determined in an effective manner to significantly reduce the potential for its return. In addition, a clear understanding of the differences between damp and mould are delivered in order to seek competent outcomes in the absence of singular, inappropriate and costly plaster applications.

This unique training also discusses the impact of any retrofitting and net zero plans with advanced understanding of their expectations for all structural types, everyday use and geographical locations underpinning building owners/managers confidence with any accomplishments concluded in a defined approach alongside providing bespoke guidance for all occupants for an improved healthier internal atmosphere.

To learn more of Cornerstone or discuss any issues with an expert, contact us now: