Mapei – Understanding Awaab’s Law: Mould, Damp and legal Duty
Damp and mould have always been a concern in housing, but with the introduction of Awaab’s Law at the end of the month, the industry faces new responsibilities and some significant challenges. To help the sector prepare, one of our suppliers, Mapei, hosted Understanding Awaab’s Law: Mould, Damp and Legal Duty, an event that brought together contractors, suppliers and social housing landlords from across the damp proofing and water proofing sectors.
Kenwood was proud to be part of the conversation, with Business Development Manager Michael Pierri joining experts from INCA, Property Care Association (PCA) and Mouldex Ltd, to share their insights into the latest legislation and what it means for everyone going forward.
Michael Pierri comments: “I was delighted to be invited by Mapei to present at this event at such a pivotal time for social housing. With the new Awaab’s Law legislation looming, it is crucial that everyone in the sector is aware of what is expected and how to move forward.
“With over 40 years of experience under our belt, Kenwood is the leading damp proofing provider in the London area, and we’ve recently expanded our reach to Birmingham and Brighton – and everywhere in between. Our expertise has seen us involved in many prestigious projects, including The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Head office in London. Day to day though, our main work is focused on keeping homes safe and dry, Mould can start with condensation
Small changes can make a big difference. Landlords must prevent condensation by providing tenants with clear guidance, along with practical steps they can take. With the right advice, landlords can empower tenants to actively contribute to managing the problem.
As the months are getting colder, keeping rooms at 18-20 degrees will reduce condensation and mould. There are simple steps residents can take, such as covering pans whilst cooking, ventilating tumble dryers and drying clothes outdoors, where possible. Good ventilation is also key, as it regulates humidity levels, reduces the risk of condensation, and protects both the property and the health of those living in it. While damp and mould can affect any property, older housing stock is particularly susceptible because building materials naturally degrade over time. Therefore, its important these defects are investigated thoroughly and remedied quickly to prevent escalation.
At Kenwood, this is our speciality. We provide assessments to diagnose effective treatments to ensure properties are dry and safe. We’re a firm believer in fixing the source of the problem, rather than using sticking plasters to mask the problem. And this is why long-term investment is crucial to protecting both the integrity of a property and resident health. Micheal concludes: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to network with peers across the sector. I had the chance to meet so many influential people, such as James Berry (deputy CEO of the P.C.A), Tony Street a director from Wycamol, and Justin from Mapei. As we enter this new period, I hope the advice I shared, as well as the technical guidance on damp proofing and waterproofing, provided some useful direction for those who attended.
For more about Mapei visit: https://www.mapei.com/
For more about Kenwood visit: https://www.kenwoodplc.co.uk/
