As we proceed through winter, Cornerstone are conscious of the need for a uniform approach to ensuring structural and atmospheric health 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 such issues in buildings alongside delivering key recommendations for cost-effective solutions, has served to reduce repeat cases plus, aids spending measures with a proactive ’better decision making’ based on enhanced knowledge of all contributory factors.
The survey data clearly indicates 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 at this time of the year.
Did you know 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.
Therefore, when considering insulating a hospital, it should be recognised this approach requires a more focussed aspect for the ventilation of the building. Why? 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 condensation as a nutrient for mould development.
Condensation on windows is a common phenomenon at this time of year 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 as its remaining status adds more moisture to the internal atmosphere.
In the absence of any installed ventilation measures in a ward, there may be a reliance on ‘purging’ warm moist air to the exterior via the windows. Why? Because external winter atmospheres hold less moisture than summer atmospheres such that, changing the air can aid reducing the potential for damp and mould however, it is fully recognised this is not feasible during colder periods and in these cases, consideration could be given to utilising dehumidifiers to control the closed atmospheric moisture content and reduce the potential for resultant mould issues.
Fully understanding mould spores are in the air all the time, we recognise the visual presence of a mould outbreak is not conducive to good health for any person in the hospital and, merely confirms 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 hospital 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.
Our key CPD 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.
A unique training aspect is recognising the impact of any retrofitting and net zero plans with advanced understanding of their expectations for all structural types and their everyday use. This underpins building owners/managers confidence with their accomplishments concluded in a defined approach whilst providing bespoke guidance for all occupants for an improved healthier internal atmosphere.