Why ventilation matters
The expectations on a damp surveyor has never been greater and undoubtedly this is in part due to the high standards that the PCA members have set. The days of being a one trick pony are quite rightfully in the past and a broad understanding of all forms of dampness is now essential.
This is a point that was made clear with the release of the Joint Position Statement – Investigation of Moisture and its Effects in Traditional Buildings. Since the release of that document, and more significantly the ruling on the incident in Rochdale, it has become abundantly clear that enquiries to deal with issues caused by high humidity has gone up exponentially. You all made this very clear at the regional meetings and the preservation sector open meeting earlier this year.
It is clear that people's expectation on what is acceptable when it comes to dampness is changing. The dependency on good ventilation looks set to increase but the reality is, ventilation is too often done badly. However there seems to be some reluctance to embrace ventilation as a more mainstream part of the preservation industry, which in part, seems to be the result of the great race to the bottom where it is not seen as the specialist industry it so clearly is.
Be part of the conversation!
This is part of the conversation we will be looking to have at the upcoming Residential Ventilation Group (RVG) meeting on Wednesday 10th May at 11:00 - our first residential ventilation group meeting for the year. We will also be discussing the development of our ventilation sector qualification and provide some insight into how the course and qualification are taking shape.
We would like you to be part of the conversation. This is open to anyone in membership and will be held at the PCA Office in Huntingdon. A full copy of the agenda is available, but items for discussion will include:
- The new ventilation course and qualification
- The application of Approved Document F in existing buildings
- Commercialisation of ventilation
As always, to ensure we have sufficient chairs and lunch for all attendees, please notify us of your intention to attend by emailing James Berry on: [email protected]. If you have any queries, please contact the office on 01480 400000.