A site-based hands-on training course providing the opportunity to take part in an intensive moisture and mould investigation and using all the latest technologies and equipment.

It has been designed for those that have already completed the Level 3 Award course on damp, mould and condensation in buildings, and this course provides the opportunity to put the theory into practice. It will provide a valuable insight into inspections, observations and analysis that should be carried out as well as the practical equipment that may assist in the diagnosing of moisture and moisture related defects such as mould, infestation, and wood rot.

This is offered as an in-house course on a group booking basis and will involve on site investigations at properties arranged by the client. Each course ideally will have a maximum of 12 attendees and will be taught by at least two Environment Study Centre expert tutors who will take attendees through the practicalities of moisture investigation, but outlining theory based on best practice, standards and authoritative guidance.

We will focus on:

• Understanding the importance of the desk top analysis prior to the site inspection.
• Understanding the building type and its relationship with moisture performance.
• The building’s external envelope. Looking at possible sources of moisture ingression. This will include roof coverings, flashings, defective brick, rendering and pointing, blocked and damaged above and below ground water drainage, raised ground levels, evidence of the existence of problems with cavity walls (if present), damp proof courses and membranes.
• Investigation of problems caused by changes made to the building, including retrofit (if the building has been retrofitted).
• The building context which will include the geography around the building including orientation and the buildings position on the UK weather zone map. Plus taking account of the buildings use and changes in use.
• Undertaking a systematic approach to the evaluation and assessment of moisture risk together with the recording of relevant information
• Undertaking inspection of cavities (if present) above the damp proof course, including using a borescope to inspect inside cavities, plus understanding the implications of what can be seen including debris, wall ties and cavity wall insulation.
• Use of a damp meters, with the opportunity to use both Protimeter and Tramex type electrical equipment. Damp meters include:
  • Microwave
  • Conductivity
  • Capacitance
  • Carbide
• Understand the environmental conditions inside building. This to include moisture risks relevant to penetrating damp, condensation, mould. This to include the relation with the buildings condition, use and moisture generation, heating, and ventilation. This to include the equipment used to understand such issues.
  • Hygrometers (both Tramex and Protimeter types)
  • Thermometers
  • Data loggers
  • Anemometers
  • Thermal imaging cameras
• Undertaking salt analysis and the use of salt analysis kit.
• Using thermal imaging camera in moisture investigations.
• High level inspections using a pole camera.
• Assessing ventilation and using a vane anemometer with a hood along with interpreting the results.
• Assessing mould types visually, along with taking swabs and using on site testing equipment.
• Examining drainage.

The course will also express the importance of photographic evidence, including thermal imaging and the accurate recording of data gathered.

The above describes the range of issues and elements of the building which could be analysed together with the equipment used. However, this will all depend on the type of building, what can be covered in the time allocated and specific needs of the client. We can develop bespoke to the clients’ requirements. The typical duration is from 9.30 to 3.30 on each day, but this is subject to agreement with the client.

ESC will provide all tools and equipment necessary to conduct the workshop, but attendees are encouraged to bring along and use any equipment that they employ.