Prevention of moisture and mould damages in buildings
Samuelson, I.
2000
Proceedings of Healthy Buildings 2000, Vol. 3 3
investigation, microbial growth, micro-organisms, moisture, moisture damage, remedial measure, quality assurance
Samuelson, I., (2000), "Prevention of moisture and mould damages in buildings", Proceedings of Healthy Buildings 2000, Vol. 3 3.
| Abstract: |
| Today, although our knowledge of moisture and the damage caused by it is sufficient not only to enable us to design and construct new buildings without any risk of damage, but also to maintain and investigate old buildings, new cases of damage continue to arise. This may be due to the fact that knowledge of the right way to build and maintain has not reached all stages of the building process.
Moisture causes movement or even deterioration of building materials and increases the riskof gaseous emissions from materials. Its presence is also necessary for the growth ofmicro-organisms. In order to avoid moisture and mildew damage in new buildings, or whenrenovating existing buildings, the design must be such that all elements, including connectionsand penetrations, are designed and constructed in such a way as to remain dry during normalmoisture loadings. In addition, they must be able to withstand occasional water loadingwithout serious damage occurring. Over and above this, materials on building sites must beprotected against precipitation and dirt.
If damage has already occurred, investigation must help to identify the cause of the damage. Itis not until the cause is known that suitable remedial measures can be applied. The workneeds to be detailed, and quality control applied to its implementation. Finally, the resultsmust be inspected, both in respect of the technical performance and for any effects on theoccupants of the building.If microbial growth has occurred, it must always be thoroughly removed if there is anysuspicion that the growth can produce a deterioration in indoor environment conditions. Thismeans replacement of materials, grinding down or cutting away any attacked surfaces ortreating them with fungicide. However, the use of fungicides is not recommended if there isany chance that they might affect the indoor environment. Fungicides should never be usedinside buildings: indoor attacks must be cleared by grinding or cutting away the materials, orby replacement. However, in the case of parts of buildings that are normally exposed to highmoisture levels, and where there is always some growth, it is not equally clear that suchgrowths should always be removed. |
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