Damp diagnosis and mould remediation

Rainbow International are one of the UK’s leading experts in diagnosing the causes of damp and condensation, which can lead to mould, combining a full diagnostic process with a plan for remedial action, along with a programme to eradicate the mould problem.

Insurers, homeowners, landlords and tenants can all benefit from the comprehensive service offered by Rainbow International, across the UK.

Mould is classed as a category one risk to health, as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System 2000, which is the same class as asbestos. The Environmental Protection Act (1990) classifies mould as a statutory nuisance that must be treated.

The Rainbow system incorporates a 3 level process when considering Damp and Condensation issues in any property in the process of mould removal, and damp removal:

Risk Assessment

Prior to any survey we will carry out a full risk assessment including an assessment of ACM (Asbestos Containing Materials)

Survey

Rainbows fully experienced technical team will then carry out a survey on the property, to identify possible causes of damp penetration and condensation inside the property. They will check for the following:

External

General state of repair of the property – evidence of poor maintenance, often the source of water ingress and penetration into a property, including:-

• Brickwork, rendering & mortar
• Roof – condition of roof tiles or flat roofs
• Downpipes & guttering
• Flashing around chimney stacks and in adjoining elements
• Damp proof membrane – any evidence of missing, breached or faulty DPM
• Waste pipes
• Outside doors
• Window units (paying particular attention to double glazed units and any lack of ventilation)
• Air bricks – check for blockages
• Measurement of moisture, humidity and temperature in all building materials with hi tech measurement equipment. This will confirm the conditions in the property as either damp and at risk of mould contamination, or dry and comfortable living conditions.

Internal

Internally, the Rainbow technicians will check for visible damp conditions and evidence of mould contamination.

Damp and mould will often be concealed within the building structure – for example in cavities, under floorboards and behind skirting boards.

Wherever mould is evident, there is usually much more of it hidden within the building structure. We employ a wide range of sophisticated technical equipment to identify and analyse the contamination in these hidden areas, such as Endoscopes and Borescopes with attached Inspection cameras which allow a detailed internal visual inspection in hard to access areas, without major disruption or damage to the building and its contents/decor.

Remedial action

Following the survey a full report will be issued to the landlord, homeowner, plumber or other instructing party, which will provide a complete analysis of the causes of damp and mould, and a course of remedial action will be proposed which will eradicate the problem, by getting rid of the mould. However, the damp that causes the mould also needs to be eradicated so our programme will also suggest ways of getting rid of the damp.  Upon approval of the summary of works Rainbow will commence the treatment, which depending upon the nature and severity of the damp and mould will include the following treatments:-

• Washing, spraying or fogging of the affected areas with an appropriate anti-microbial will sanitise the contaminated surfaces.

• Removal of plaster and wood where contamination is severe or dry/wet rot has taken hold.

• Air Manager – an air sterilisation unit which will kill all airborne spores released from mould infestation can be deployed if necessary.

• Installation of drying equipment regime – a combination of dehumidifiers, airmovers & heaters will be deployed to ensure moisture and relative humidity levels are consistent with healthy living conditions.

  Monitoring of drying regime – to guarantee suitable damp free conditions are maintained.

• Installation of appropriate ventilation systems (if appropriate).
• Stripping out and replacing of units and building materials that have been affected beyond repair by the damp or mould.
• Redecorating following cleaning and sanitisation.
• Sign off/handover – following treatment and drying of property, a certificate will be issued which will confirm the home is conducive to a healthy living environment and is free from damp and mould.