The Knowledge Transfer Project is a one year study in the Reduction of Damp and Mould in Renovated Properties, with the £30,000 assignment co-funded by UCLan and the Mistoria Group.
The project team consists of Dr Arman Hashemi (Principal Investigator), Dr Champika Liyanage and Professor Karim Hadjri from the Grenfell-Baines School of Architecture, Construction and Environment in UCLan. The study will commence on 1st January 2014 and take place in 7 Salford and Liverpool based properties. The study will be seeking solutions as to how damp and mould issues can be prevented through better construction detailing, methods, management and process. In addition, investigators will be pursuing more effective maintenance strategies to reduce the re-occurrence of damp and mould problems.
The project will involve installing data loggers in the case study buildings to collect data such as temperature and relative humidity for a minimum of 6 months. Computer simulation will be used to identify the effects of design alternatives on the risk of dampness and mould growth in the properties.
This is a very important study." said Dr Hashemi. "It is estimated that 35% of families in UK rented houses suffer problems with dampness and mould growth. It is also estimated that 11% of the indoor air quality associated illnesses in Europe are due to building dampness. Our aim is to improve the living standards, health and wellbeing of the UK population as a whole by improving indoor air quality in their homes. The Mistoria Group has vast experience with refurbished properties that might have suffered similar issues. We are delighted for their collaboration and expertise, in helping us move this project forward."
As one of the leading providers of student accommodation, we are excited to be collaborating with the University of Central Lancashire and look forward to the results of their research." says Mistoria Group's CEO, Mish Liyanage. "The presence of mould, damp and condensation in property undergoing or having undergone refurbishment, has the potential to cause real stress for tenants, parents, landlords and lettings staff. We welcome any proposed solutions in addressing these problems, which can then be shared with industry experts."
