TECHNICAL BULLETIN
ISSUE 32 AUGUST 2019
MOISTURE BALANCING ACT CONSIDERATIONS FOR SURVEYORS JAMES BERRY ACABE, BSC HONS, CSRT, CSSW TECHNICAL MANAGER, PROPERTY CARE ASSOCIATION
A growing population, high property values, housing shortages, and increased occupation density have contributed to marked changes in the way we occupy homes in the UK. Alongside these changes other factors have impacted on the internal environment of homes. For example, the cost of fuel has risen rapidly which has helped to drive measures for greater fuel efficiency supporting international obligations on carbon reduction. These Government backed programmes that deliver insulation and draught proofing have also changed the ability for some buildings to shed atmospheric moisture. As a result, moisture related issues such as condensation and mould are becoming more commonplace in UK dwellings and disputes between landlords and tenants over causes of dampness are happening more frequently. Moisture held in the air has always been of great importance to all surveyors. Whilst the ventilation industry and building regs has moved a very long way to satisfy the needs of housebuilders, people in older houses and flats still struggle with moisture-related problems such as condensation and mould. In the past, condensation and mould growth problems have rather flippantly been dismissed as a problem created by the occupant. However, these problems can be complex
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with alteration to moisture production impractical. In many instances, adjustments to heating and ventilation are easier than moisture production alterations if there is no obvious excessive source of moisture. Understanding how to balance moisture production, insulation, energy input (heat) and ventilation as well as a good technical understanding of the science of air moisture and condensation is the key to eliminating condensation and mould.
