It is generally acknowledged that research into moisture risk and safety in buildings has been ignored in the UK (and indeed in much European funding) for many years. There is therefore a lack of research capacity as well as understanding in this area.
The UKCMB intends to change this situation by working with all sectors, including academia, government, industry, media and the public to ensure clear and proportionate attention is given to the issue of moisture in buildings in funding and research. It is essential that moisture research and consequently, training, guidance and public information are increased in both quality and quantity, as quickly as possible. In this way the known moisture risks in retrofit, changing lifestyle, and climate change can be integrated into current policy, standards and practice, and unknown risks are considered and spotted as they develop. Dealing with known risks requires focus on data, methodologies and current construction process. Dealing with unknowns means taking a systemic, contextual and comparative approach and working in a multi-disciplinary and creative way.
Recent projects
Indoor Mould Testing and Benchmarking
Although indoor mould growth is an extremely common phenomenon in the residential building stock in the UK, there are still not…
Moisture and health in buildings: A scoping study of the effects of moisture in buildings upon occupant health in the UK
This project will review research globally on the effects of moisture in buildings upon occupant health. Moisture issues in relation to the larger questions…
Moisture guidance for new homeowners
This project aims to produce a guide for new home owners and tenants on how to avoid moisture problems in new homes. To be…
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) investigating dampness in buildings
The Property Care Association (PCA) and UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (UCL IEDE) have formed a…
More projects ►
Outputs
Moisture guidance for existing homeowners
This project aims to produce guidance to homeowners on how to avoid moisture problems in existing homes. To…
BSI White Paper: Moisture in Buildings
It is recognized that moisture can damage the structure and internal environment of buildings. British and European Standards support the relevant legislation, regulations and…
Mould Testing and Benchmarking: a public report
The understanding of indoor mould is complex and sometimes contentious. Reputable organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the US based Institute of Medicine…
Health and Moisture in Buildings report
Buildings which are too damp or too dry can be bad for occupants’ health. This fact has been well established by many reports including…