Case Study – Housing Disrepair
Our Approach
Housing Disrepair
We are often instructed to act as Expert Witness in Housing Disrepair related matters.
In most cases, the allegations relate to damp.
Understanding the way in which a property is designed to function is imperative in providing correct advice to our instructing party.
In this particular instance, our RICS Chartered Surveyor mapped out ambient temperature to each of the rooms along with Relative Humidity and Dew Point in order to build a picture of how the property is performing.
The ambient temperature was recorded as being 14°C
Relative Humidity was recorded as being 85%
Dew Point was recorded as being 10°C
Although Relative Humidity is just a snapshot in time, it is a useful tool in understanding how temperature (or lack of) can exacerbate the chances of experiencing condensation.
How We Helped the Client
Why It Matters
In this example, the occupants complained of a roof leak and had an Expert Report to support their allegations.
Upon inspection, our Surveyor noted that the internal ambient temperature was significantly lower than average, with an elevated Relative Humidity.
Using psychometric data, we were able to evidence how increasing the ambient temperature to within normal parameters (18-21 degrees) would significantly lower the RH and reduce the likelihood of condensation.
Of course, there are often other contributing factors at play, though understanding the inter-relationship between temperature, RH, and condensation is hugely beneficial.
Our Client was provided with a thorough Part 35 Compliant Report setting out our findings along with evidence of the same, with a conclusion that there was no evidence of a statutory breach giving rise to the issues identified.
Get in touch to see how our RICS Chartered Surveyors and Experts can help you
