Our Survey
Ltd. carries out inspections to your instructions on properties in relation to basement waterproofing and rising damp, as well as timber defects such as infestations by wood boring beetle (woodworm) and decay such as Wet Rot and Dry Rot. The purpose of our inspection is to provide a report, justification, specification, and quotation for our proposed works and treatments.
The inspection is carried out by specialist qualified staff holding Certified Remedial Treatment Surveyor (CSRT), Certified Surveyor for Structural Waterproofing (CSSW), as recognised by the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association. Additionally they have passed the examinations of the School of Waterproofing, as well as many manufacturers exams and training courses.
Our senior surveyor alone has over 26 years surveying experience. Ltd offers an honest, balanced and informed opinion which is not restricted to any single manufacturer or pay-related bonus/commission scheme, thereby enabling us to provide our clients with a reliable report, giving justification for our works, indentifying the extent of such work and the proposed specifications, with a realistic quotation in relation to your instructions.
Basement and waterproofing surveys: We have knowledge and working experience of most waterproofing systems in buildings and structures. In 1990 The British Standard Institute published a “code of practice BS8102 Protection of structures against water from the ground”. This publication has resulted in a major impact in how buildings should be waterproofed and caused much rethinking on the specification and extent of works now involved with the design principles in and providing a fit-for-purpose waterproofing system. Cavity Drainage systems are proving to be very reliable; indeed BS8102 states that Type C (Drained protection) “waterproofing is considered the most effective and trouble free”. It is less demanding on the structure, with improved installation procedures. However, this system is not suitable in all locations and situations, increasing the need for you to call on our broad experience and knowledge to design and install a waterproofing system you can rely on to perform efficiently.
Rising damp surveys: The correct identification of the causes of damp within a property is fundimental to providing the correct rectification methods and specifications. We believe that the eye of experience when assessing a building is invaluable and a crucial part of the diagnostic procedure. We also use moisture meters (resistance or capacitance based) to provide a profile or pattern of moisture meter reading (without significant damage to the existing decorations) to assist and confirm our visual observations. Our surveyors endeavour to indentify contributing factors such as defects to rainwater goods, external ground levels, condition of the external rendering or pointing to the brickwork, condensation and air flow within the building, in relation to the use of the building and the materials used for construction and decoration.
Timber Surveys: Visual inspection from outside is most important in identifying potential areas and causes of internal timber decay and rot in a building. Of particular importance is defects to roofs, rainwater goods and plumbing drainage plus sub floor ventilation, ground levels and abutting structures. Internally we assess the impact of an external defect by exposing timbers where practical. To assist our diagnosis we use moisture meters, but nothing surpasses the eye of experience.
In occupied properties, our inspection is normally restricted to the readily accessible timbers only, as the fitted floor coverings and furniture limit the extent of our inspection. Ideally we would like all such obstructions to be removed prior to our arrival. We strive to give as best as possible an assessment and identify the specific species of infestation by wood boring beetle, determine whether it is old and no longer active, and advise if treatment is required. With timber rot/decay we identify the cause, the proposed extent and methods of treatment, and other associated building work. If a complete condition and assessment of all timbers within a building is required we recommend that a fully intrusive inspection be considered. This will require the removal of areas of wall plaster, to expose embedded timbers such as lintel above windows, wall plates etc.The opening up of floors adjacent to the external perimeter walls of the property is essential. This type of inspection is available at a cost.