Stroma Built Environment provides a comprehensive mould diagnosis service for residential and commercial properties. We identify the presence of airborne spores and subsequent surface growth. Results will form the basis of remedial works to directly tackle the source and adhere to industry standards.
UK Legislation for Mould
Mould has the potential to be harmful to human health and is often a symptom of wider problems within a building. It has been defined as a Category 1 Hazard (the most dangerous) in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). According to a recent government report, 3.6% of properties were estimated to have category 1 damp and mould hazards.
Mould has gained further attention since the tragic death of Awaab Ishak due to prolonged mould exposure. Now, the UK government is in the process of introducing "Awaab's Law". This legislation specifically aims to address the problems of damp and mould in our social housing sector. It places responsibilities on both tenants and landlords to report, cooperate, investigate, and remedy any mould issues.
Mould Survey Services
Mould can grow on almost any surface and usually stems from a particular source within the property. Using non-destructive diagnostic testing, our experts can identify the areas most susceptible to mould growth and locate the root cause of the problem. This is achieved through a range of advanced strategies that enable us to see beyond the surface and trace the problem back to the source.
Our mould survey reports are easy to interpret and can be used as the basis for remedial works. It should be noted that simply clearing mould away at the surface is a temporary solution. Without comprehensive remediation of the source, mould is significantly likely to return and pose a risk to the occupants' health.
When Are Mould Surveys Required?
Mould surveys are carried out to determine the presence of mould or dampness within a property. To grow, mould typically requires warm, damp, and dark conditions with poor air circulation. Consequently, mould can often be found in poorly ventilated areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms where occupants cook, shower, and dry clothes. It can also be caused by concealed water, air leakage, or thermal bridging.
Many minor cases of mould can be addressed by the occupants through preventative measures such as opening windows, drying clothes outdoors, and ensuring the use of exhaust fans during showers. However, persistent cases should be addressed by a professional to determine if the mould is a symptom of a major problem within the structure.
Health Impacts
Prolonged exposure to mould can cause the following health issues:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes & dry skin
- Difficulty breathing
Most at risk of health issues caused by mould are people with pre-existing medical conditions, as well as pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a damp survey cost?
The cost of a mould survey depends on size of the property and the number of samples. Please get in touch and one of our expert team will be able to provide a proposal.
What happens in a mould survey?
Each mould survey will be conducted per the needs of the client. For areas of concern, Stroma surveyors will use a thermographic camera to identify possible areas of mould growth. Following this, our technicians will collect physical samples of the area(s) to identify potential mould growth.
How do you treat mould in a building?
Cleaning the surface will only temporarily improve the situation and will not address the underlying causes of the problem. Areas of mould growth should be remedied by professional teams. We can then undertake a subsequent post remediation survey to demonstrate the issue has been resolved.
Stroma Built Environment and its team of experts are here ready to discuss a range of packages for any new project. Get in touch today!