One-Stop Rising Damp Reference Launched

May 26, 2011 - PRLog -- With a strong grounding in academic research and scientific findings, ‘The Rising Damp Information Centre’ has been compiled by the Property Care Association (PCA) in response to requests from both property professionals and the general public for an insight into facts about the problem.
Available at http://www.property-care.org/the-pcas-rising-damp-information-centre the online resource features a video giving a background to rising damp, presented by the PCA’s general manager, Steve Hodgson.
The video includes an interview with rising damp expert Graham Coleman, who has also produced a paper available to view at the online centre, entitled ‘Rising Damp – The Truth Not The Myth.’
Also included are informative fact sheets and technical documents - and a research paper from Dr Zhongyi Zhang of the department of Mechanical and Design Engineers at The University of Portsmouth.
In the paper, entitled ‘A Review Of Rising Damp In Masonry Buildings’ Dr Zhang writes that: “rising damp is an age-old and ubiquitous problem. It has been causing many problems to masonry buildings with health, environmental, social and economic implications.”
Steve Hodgson of the PCA said: “The development of this online information centre will help people make informed choices about rising damp.
“Conclusive scientific evidence gained through field inspections and sampling - backed by laboratory testing - concludes that the effects of rising damp are present in tens of thousands of buildings in the UK alone.  
“The complexity of rising damp is reflected in the sheer amount of research and investigations into the subject.
“It is therefore important that diagnosis of causes of damp are undertaken by fully trained professionals, who will consider all potential sources and causes of dampness before arriving at a final conclusion.”
The online information centre joins other guidance from the PCA on the subject, including a RIBA approved CPD, entitled The Treatment of Rising Damp and Preservation of Timber.

This CPD outlines the strengths and limitations of damp diagnostic procedures, introduces the latest materials used for the treatment of rising damp in buildings, and also gives details of modern methods used for damp cellar and basement conversions.

A brief history of timber preservation and the latest treatment formulations, together with the control of dry rot/fungal decay are also covered.

Noted for its training and technical expertise, the PCA is the UK trade body representing property professionals working in the areas of structural repair, damp proofing, timber preservation, structural waterproofing and flood remediation.
The Association is a member of TrustMark the scheme supported by the Government, to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements.
To find out more about the PCA log on to http://www.property-care.org
ENDS
The PCA is the UK trade body representing property professionals working in the areas of structural repair, damp proofing, timber preservation, structural waterproofing and flood remediation. The Association is a member of TrustMark, the scheme supported by the Government to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements.
The PCA - which has high standards of vetting for potential contractor members and carries out rigorous audits on existing members – incorporates the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), which has been in formation for more than 75 years.
As well as delivering a trusted repair procedure, PCA members are able to carry out specialist surveys as part of the house-buying procedure  to identify potential problems – as well as a range of other services  designed to preserve and protect homes and buildings across the UK.
To find a PCA member log on to http://www.property-care.org and select the ‘Find A Member’ service.
Press release issued by Jane Shepherd of Shepherd PR Limited, on behalf of the Property Care Association, telephone 01538 308685, mobile 07985 129315.