What our 2019 Building Preservation Conference Promises
The PCA’s International Building Preservation conference has always been about best practice and shaping the future of the industry. This year our theme is ‘Respecting the Past – Embracing the Future’ with a big emphasis on the future direction of the industry and we have a cracking line-up of industry-leading speakers for you to listen to, connect and network with.
The Importance of Damp & Timber Defects
Chaired by PCA’s CEO Steve Hodgson, the first session of the day looks at “The Importance of Damp and Timber Defects in Property Sales”. For many in our sector the housing market has formed the backbone of their businesses and this session will look at how this process is evolving. Our first speaker of the day Paul Cutbill, Countrywide Surveying Services, will be giving a perspective from one of the largest Surveying Practices in the UK.
Dr Duncan Philips, Listed Building Surveys will then be introducing a joint methodology developed by the PCA, RICS Heritage and Historic England looking at best practice in surveying ‘traditionally built buildings’ for pre-purchase purposes. This methodology focuses on a holistic approach to dampness and includes understanding of ground, rain and atmospheric water. It also set a unified benchmark for what is expected from pre-purchase surveys, this session really is a must-see for all who undertake pre-acquisition surveys.
The final speaker in this session is Robert Stevenson, BLM Law, who will be looking at the consequence of not providing the right information on pre-purchase reports and how to stay out of the dock, especially in a world where people seek speedier solutions to report writing.
Damp in all it’s Forms
The second session looks at “Damp in All its forms”, chaired by Dr Paula Lopez-Arce who will briefly introduce the work she she has been doing on monitoring atmospheric moisture in buildings. Then we are extremely pleased to have Graham Coleman, an icon of the preservation industry looking at the significance of subfloor ventilation and the impact it has on preserving the life expectancy of a suspended timber floor. I will be the session’s next speaker, taking attendees on a whistlestop tour of the evolution of damp control. A representative from Historic England will then present their recent paper on methods of monitoring moisture.
Emerging Challenges
Emerging Challenges forms the theme for the third session and looks at some of the new legislation and standards which will influence our industry. Lady Renee-Marie Young, National Landlords Association will be focusing on the Homes bill which came into force in March 2019 and what implication dampness and mould may have on landlords. Understanding this act and the impact it could have on landlords is a key issue at this time.
We are delighted to have Dr Peter Rickaby as our next speaker, who will be looking at ‘Driving retrofit quality’. There has never been greater pressure to reduce our carbon footprint and this inevitably will involve improvements to our exisiting housing stock. Peter will be looking at how we avoid the unintended consequences of poorily designed retrofit and the role ventilation plays.
The final speaker in this session is Robin Lancashire who will be looking at the potential problems caused by dampness in modern forms of timber construction. A subject that has been briefly raised at previous conferences and we are delighted to have Robin cast a spotlight on these potential problems.
Lunchtime Workshop – A New Feature!
A new feature for this year is a workshop hosted by PCA’s Dr Paula Lopez-Arce, whereby Paula will present the protocol and tool she has been developing as part of a collaboration between PCA and University College London. This project looked at providing surveyors with a tool to diagnose atmospheric moisture related problems such as condensation and mould. This 30-minute (max) workshop will be held during the lunch break and is open to all who attend and what’s more, extra CPD points will be available giving delegates the opportunity maximise their learning for the day – you won’t want to miss it!
Time to network
There will of course be the usual opportunity to network and catch up with friends and colleagues, check out the trade stands and see the latest innovation and developments in the industry.
And now for something completely different!
We are very pleased to welcome back Nicholas Donnithorne, Rentokil, following his very successful presentation last year to bring us something completely different and the promise to get up close to wood destroying insects!
Expert Question Time
As in previous years, the final session will be made up of an ‘Expert Question Time’. Here we will be continuing the theme of ‘Embracing the Future’ and reflecting on many of the key topics of the day, discussing how industry embraces this change, what challenges it will face in doing so and the opportunities that will arise from it.
From dampness in its many forms, to bugs and beetles, the conference programme for this year really does boast a great mix of all elements of the building preservation industry.
Have you booked your place?
To book your place, please get in touch via the button below. If you have any queries, contact [email protected].
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