Damp and Condensation in Residential Buildings.

This qualification provides knowledge and understanding relating to damp and condensation in residential buildings. It includes the signs and symptoms of damp and condensation, the risks they may pose, and how these could be remedied.

Learning Outcomes

• The different forms of water and how it behaves and affects residential buildings, such as understanding the various defects water may cause and the impact on the health and wellbeing of occupants
• Sources of water in residential buildings, including looking at the various ways water can enter a building such as rising damp. Exploring how good construction detailing minimises water related problems
• Understanding damp and condensation in residential buildings, including causes of condensation, why changes in moisture content affect building materials, how hygroscopic materials can affect moisture in buildings, and the associated risks with condensation such as mould and health issues
• The process of collecting physical information about a dwelling to assess damp and moisture, including visual inspection, use of moisture meters and thermal imaging, measuring relative humidity and air quality testing
• Understanding the implications for property owners who fail to manage moisture in buildings, such as health issues, the impact on property value and saleability, increased maintenance costs and legal & liability issues