Expansion on Wetting

Expansion on wetting survey New clay bricks undergo a slight expansion when new.  If restrained this can lead to cracks and bulges, often near quoins (corners).   If unrestrained the brickwork may slide on the DPC.  This movement will occur early in the life of the building and for up to some 20 years.  Any damage… Continue reading Expansion on Wetting

Brickwork Stain Survey

Brickwork staining survey Brickwork stains – bricks may be stained as follows: Cement staining from mortar and concrete Lime running Dirt, grime, soot and smoke Oil, grease and tar Organic Growths Paint and Graffiti Efflorescence Yellow or green efflorescence (Vanadium salts) Iron Staining Manganese staining

Brickwork traditional survey

Traditional Brickwork survey 1/1.5 brick thick Flemish bond, Lime mortar, originally weather struck and cut/flush pointed.  The brickwork and lime mortar allow the property to breathe, moisture from precipitation etc. being absorbed and released. The chimneys would be open and assist the breathing process.  The internal walls would be lime plastered to allow the property… Continue reading Brickwork traditional survey

Pre-Fabricated Building Survey – Timber

Timber buildings survey Pre-1980 poorly designed timber buildings resulted in condensation occurring within the timber frame, leading to the risk of wood rot, and without adequate fire-stopping in the cavities, so that in the event of a fire the flames would have been able to spread unchecked.  A TV documentary exposed these problems in 1983… Continue reading Pre-Fabricated Building Survey – Timber

Pre Fabricated Buildings – Steel and Concrete

Steel and concrete building survey 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 had some problems, mainly from corrosion of the ferrous elements.  Indeed, some were designated defective… Continue reading Pre Fabricated Buildings – Steel and Concrete

Cavity Wall Survey

Cavity Wall Survey Cavity wall construction – Brickwork outer leaf, tied to block work inner leaf with wall ties and a 75mm cavity.  The cavity acts as a water barrier.  The properties construction prevents damp by a horizontal damp proof course 150mm above ground level and vertical damp proof courses at openings where brickwork and… Continue reading Cavity Wall Survey

Basement Survey

Basement Survey Basements are constructed from one of the following techniques: Excavations: The surrounding areas are either retained by: Battering back Contigious piling Temporary works Masonry construction: A concrete floor slab is formed and concrete walls or block work are formed of the slab – Water barriers will need to be linked into the walls… Continue reading Basement Survey