DEFECT ANALYSIS AND DIAGNOSIS SERVICES
COVERING SUBSIDENCE AND DAMP ETC
Defect Analysis and Diagnosis
Before any significant remedial building or building maintenance works are commissioned, it makes sense to survey the structure and fabric of the building and carry out defect analysis to identify defects such as subsidence, damp and dry rot, we can then advise of their long term implications so we can provide the specification for the work to be undertaken.
The process can also be used to assess the quality of recent works where a concern has been identified, and estimate the potential costs for a prospective buyer.
A report by The Landmark Information Group states “European research (undertaken by Swiss RE and the Swiss Institute of Technology) in July 2011 warned that climate change could magnify the already significant increase in property damage as a result of subsidence. The new model predicts subsidence will worsen and spread in Europe with some areas seeing more than a 50% increase in the next 25 years. This follows an actual 50% increase we see today compared with the period 1951-1970.”
What is Subsidence? What is the definition of subsidence?
“Subsidence is the vertical downward movement of a building foundation caused by the loss of support of the ground beneath the foundations. Subsidence results in cracking and hence property damage. A more simple definition is ‘Subsidence may be defined as a downward movement within the ground’ (Anumba and Scott, 2001). This downward movement of the ground supporting the building causes damage when the movement is often uneven.”
Craig Associates have a detailed knowledge of building structures and materials used and we are able to provide a full defect analysis of buildings and their component parts for both commercial and residential buildings of all ages.
