Client: Domestic
Timberwise was requested to do a survey for this solid brick, ground floor flat in London. The property was occupied and furnished by the client and the weather was overcast but dry at the time of the survey. The inspection was restricted by fitted floor coverings and limited to the front reception room and bedroom.
External Observations
The inspection of the external parts of the property sub-floor ventilation and other features would require immediate attention.
At the time, it was noted that there was inadequate ventilation to the timber floors in the front, rear and right elevations. Obstructions to the air vent will reduce the air flow and put the timbers at an increased risk of attack from fungal decay. The existing damp proof course was noted to be from chemical injection.
Wet Rot Observations
Photos provided before the initial survey revealed wet rot decay to the floor coverings beneath the decorative flooring and to the end of the joists within the master bedroom rear corner.
The inspection for wet rot on the ground floor was not possible due to the obstruction of fitted floor coverings. Inspection is based upon a close but not intimate examination of the areas specified. Inevitably there may be timbers which could not be inspected by our surveyors fully or at all without opening up those closed areas.
Recommendations
Timberwise technicians recommended the following remedial treatments:
- Protection and preparation work, including taping down polythene dust sheets and hardboard to the floor of the designated work area to reduce residual dust setting.
- Removal and reinstatement of the lower woodwork to the area as marked on the sketch plan made by our technicians.
An area of two meters squared of the wall plates and floor joists will be removed and reinstalled. - All ends in contact with the masonry will be wrapped in a damp proof membrane.
- All new and existing remaining timbers within the treatment area will be protected with LignaTek fungicidal gel.
Results
Our survey was completed to the best quality despite the restrictions in place. Timberwise then offered professional and expert advice based on the findings of the initial inspection.
Do You Want to Request a Survey?
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