Building Pathology Flashcards
What is settlement?
Settlement is the downward movement of the ground caused by a load consolidating the soil below it or causing displacement of the soil.
What is sulfate attack (concrete)?
A reaction between the concrete and the ground bearing slab where the presence of sulphates are within the hardcore/soil or introduced via water. This creates a new compound that expands within the concrete to cause cracking.
What properties would you typically see sulfate attack?
Properties between 1945 and 1970.
What may give you false readings from a protimeter ?
Metals, salts, the meter being uncalibrated, sudden changes in temperature and condensation.
Can you list some deleterious materials?
Lead, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls,
What other methods are there for measuring moisture?
Calcium Carbide meter
How does a calcium carbide meter work?
Testing a weighed sample of drilled masonry which has been taken from a sample area. This placed in a container with calcium carbide in a separate section of the container and sealed. The container is shaken and if it produced acetylene gas, moisture is present. Readings are from 0-5.
What are common defects in Georgian Buildings?
-Damp basements
- timber lintel failure
-corroded cast iron railings bursting stone works.
-Water paths through parapets, hidden valleys and internal gutters .
- Springy floors resulting from decaying timber floor joists mainly caused by poor cross-ventilation in narrow, long terraces.
-Blocked internal gutters.
What are common defects in a Victorian Property?
- Lead water pipes
- Shallow foundations/footings to double height bay windows
-Blocked air vents to ground floors causing condensation and rotting timbers.
-nail sickness
-failing brick arches
-Removal of chimney breasts but not stacks which caused them to be unstable.
What is wood rot?
The decay of wood due to moisture and subsequent growth of fungi that feed on wood.
What did you replace the roof with to Hyde Park Square?
I replaced the roof covering with a EPDM single ply .
Why did you recommend a EPDM membrane for Hyde Park Square?
I recommend an EPDM Membranes because they have a long life span if maintained appropriately, hard wearing, no naked flames, environmentally friendly as made from recycled material and lightweight.
Why was the roof to the stair core for the Portsmouth Student Accommodation Building survey not accessible?
No stairs to access it and climbing would not be safe.
What causes mold?
Water ingress from leaks, condensation, poor ventilation and/or high humidity.
What are common defects found by building surveyors?
Cracks, damp, leaks, timber decay and rot.
What is dye testing and why did you suggest obtaining one for the Portsmouth Building Survey?
Dye testing involves applying a coloured dye to targeted roof areas, tracing the water flow path and accurately pinpointing the source of leaks or water ingress. I suggested obtaining one as it is non-invasive and cost-effective.
What current legislation was considered when undertaking the building survey to the Bristol property?
Control of asbestos 2012, Fire Safety Act 2021, The building regulations, EPC/ MEES, Equality Act
What documentation were you provided prior to your survey?
Leases and Licenses, Planning documentation, EPC, Insurance, Title Plan, Wayleave agreement with Virgin Media
What areas could you not practically inspect and why?
Foundations and floor voids as we were unable to expose the foundations and we were not permitted to linger within the office spaces where the floor boxes were located due to the sensitive nature of the work.
Why was the roof considered to be in poor condition?
The solar reflective paintwork was fading, there was a build up of vegetation and debris to the roof and rusting edge protection.
When were cement mortars introduced?
1824
What causes blistering to asphalt roofs?
-poorly detailed upstands;
- a failure to provide effective vapour control; or
- water ingress into a roof deck.
What should the falls on a flat roof be?
CIRIA (Flat roofing: design and good practice, CIRIA/BFRC, London, 1993) recommends a minimum fall of 1:80 or greater, although this is often not attained. Deflection of the roof deck can lead to the reversal of falls away from outlets and to ponding.
What British Standard governs the selection and use of reinforced bitumen membranes?
BS EN 13707:2004
