Don't be afraid to ask
Professor Michael Parrett
Consultant building Pathologist at UK,USA, Europe,Scandinavia, China and Hong Kong
"Before questioning use and occupation of the dwelling, eliminate any contribution to the internal dampness equation from the building design and/or any defects"
The main elements that produce a bad design are cost, material selection, and the design and consultation process. Take the massive increase in public housing after the Second World War, particularly up to the 1960s, when the same designs for concrete-panelled buildings were used nationwide. At the time, these were deemed to be a very cost-effective way to build mass housing quickly and expediently. Low costs were a big driver in their rapid roll-out.
Unfortunately, the heat loss from these buildings often bordered on disastrous and significantly affected the living conditions of tenants. They were very difficult to heat and most required additional insulation to try to arrest condensation, mould and damp.
Got a question to ask?
Mike Parrett is a building pathologist, chartered building surveyor and founder of Michael Parrett Associates. He is an Eminent Fellow of RICS and the lead author on the Building Pathology Damp section of isurv.