Practical Experiences from Several Moisture Performance Assessments

Reliability of the detection of moisture and mould damage in visual inspections

“…Data relating to detection methods of moisture and mould damage has been collected from assessment reports in the moisture and mould damage database. The same database has also been used for analysis in previous studies [13][14][15] from other perspectives.…”

“…The age groups are A) 'before 1950', B) 1950-1959, C) 1960-1969, D) 1970-1979, E) 1980-1989 and F) 'after 1990. The structures are divided into subcategories 1) ridge roof, 2) flat roof, 3) slab-on-ground, 4) wooden ground floor with crawl space, 5) concrete ground floor with crawl space, external walls in 6) concrete, 7) timber framing, 8) log, 9) masonry-or 10) mixed frame building, 11) wall in soil contact, 12) concrete intermediate floor, 13) wooden intermediate floor and 14) partition wall. A similar classification was also used in a previous study [15].…”

Prevalence and extent of moisture damage in Finnish housing

“…Indoor moisture damage and mould is a major issue in Finland and subject to significant public and political interest, despite its prevalence in the Finnish building stock being relatively low compared to elsewhere in Europe [1]. While definitions of moisture damage and indoor mould are inconsistent, studies have estimated moisture damage to occur in 52% of Finnish homes [2], with 80% showing signs or present of past moisture damage [3]. Exposure to indoor moisture and mould can lead to various physical health concerns in occupants, such as asthma and respiratory symptoms, and the associated stress can contribute to poor mental health [4].…”

“…The dominant moisture problems come from roof and pipe leaks, diffusing humidity from the soil and interstitial condensation of moist air as it diffuses outdoors. This means that moisture problems are usually hidden within the structure of buildings [2], levels of surface condensation and visible moisture of mould are low, and building occupants may not be aware of damage until they smell mould or exhibit symptoms of exposure [7]. The presence of structures at particular risk of moisture and mould damage may vary across different building types depending on construction methodologies.…”

Commentary: Severe Sequelae to Mold-Related Illness As Demonstrated in Two Finnish Cohorts

“…Nordic countries and especially Finland have a long tradition in public health research on mold and dampness ( 16 – 18 ). Standardized moisture performance assessments were already established in the 1990s and widely used ( 19 ).…”