Year: 2019

Conduction, convection & radiation survey Conduction, convection and radiation –  The transfer of energy through the various states of matter; liquid, solids and gasses, and vacuums affect the building and occupants as follows:  Thermal gain and loss, sustainable construction, Building Regulation compliance, Condensation and interstitial condensation, Building position and orientation, Light, shade, plant growth, mould, fungi,… Continue reading Conduction, convection and radiation Survey

Roof detailing survey Roof Detailing – correct detailing at roof level prevents defects

Salts survey The periodic table is composed of groups (the columns) which equate to the free electrons in the outer shell of elements – 1 on the left and 8 on the right.  It is also composed of periods (rows).  The elements closes to the left and the right (except for column 8 – the Noble Gasses)… Continue reading Salts Survey

Pigeon survey Pigeons are a very serious health hazard and they will infest lofts – they cause histoplasmosis, cryptococcus and pisttacosis

Phlogiston – reality survey 1666 – Becher proposes that things are made to burn by a fire element 1703 Stahl names it phlogiston 1754 Black describes fixed air (CO2 dissolved in water – gasses dissolve in water and create acids!!) 1766 – Cavendish reports to the Royal Society that metals zinc, iron and tin generate… Continue reading Phlogiston

Non-traditional design building survey The Historical Problems of Pre-Fabricated Building – Steel, Concrete and Timber Bruce Spenser MSc MCIOB Contents During the mid-war period the government encouraged housing boom led to new forms of construction, some of which purposely mirrored the traditional stocks of the time; two of these forms, concrete and steel frame, have… Continue reading Non Traditional Design Building Survey

Japanese knotweed survey The pictures demonstrate how invasive  this is: On a recent trip to Aubusson, France I noted that the river side had been collonised with Japanese Knotweed – I also noted the novel way of dealing with the problem:  Post in Goats and let them graze it away

Gas Testing survey It would be unprofessional for me to test the gas installation and boiler as I am not certified as per regulatory requirements – however you can be assured that I will advise you minimally as follows: 1.      The heating and hot water system should be checked before purchase (and thereafter regularly)  by a Corgi,… Continue reading Gas Testing Survey

Electrical Survey Electrical Survey – Prior to use a NICEIC registered engineer should be commissioned to provide an electrical condition report which will advise of anything that veers from regulations and categorise its urgency from 1-4 (urgent).  You should ensure you utilise the most cost effective tariff.

Dry Rot – Serpula Lacrymans naturally occurs and when it finds the right conditions it will flourish and produce enzymes in order to break wood down and grow – Damp and dark it loves – just like the fungi it is