National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a new training programme to help develop the skills of surveyors involved with homes that could be affected by dampness resulting from inadequate ventilation.
'Evaluating ventilation in existing buildings' has been created to give professionals the skills and confidence to make informed evaluations of the ventilation in homes.
The one-day course is aimed at those already involved in surveying buildings, who recognise that understanding the way buildings deal with airborne moisture is becoming as important as dampness in the walls.
It provides delegates with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and understand background infiltration and fixed ventilation, and to evaluate the effectiveness of ventilation systems 1-4 as defined in approved document F of the Building Regulations.
Students will also be taught how to use their informed site observations to assess the risk and understand the implications of moisture-related problems.
Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the PCA, said: “Condensation and mould is now the most common form of dampness in buildings. High fuel costs, insulation and draught-proofing compounded by the changing ways we occupy our homes have resulted in higher levels of indoor moisture.
“Unfortunately, despite this, many homes still lack adequate provision for air exchange or have fans installed that fail to deal effectively with these changing internal conditions. The result is poor indoor air quality, dampness and mould.
“It is becoming essential for anyone that inspects buildings to understand the significant role that ventilation plays in delivering comfortable, healthy and safe homes. This new training course delivers the knowledge that surveyors must now have.”
The programme was launched in June at the PCA’s two-day International Residential Ventilation and Building Preservation Conference.
The first course will be held on July 31 at the PCA’s training centre in Huntingdon, at a special rate of £100 plus VAT (normal rate £185 plus VAT).
The issue of effective ventilation is a major focus of the PCA. In addition to its training programme and the International Residential Ventilation and Building Preservation Conference, other initiatives from the PCA include the development of a Residential Ventilation Group (RVG), the publication of a Code of Practice for the Investigation and Provision of Ventilation in Existing Dwellings and a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (UCL IEDE).
The PCA has also produced a video offering a comprehensive overview of the issues faced.
