Structural Repairs Ltd

Bay window structures often need to be reinforced if the bay starts to sag or crack at the point where it meets the front wall of the property. This is due to inadequate support to the bay, and may progress over time or be triggered by a specific event. The solid parts of a bay (the sections above and below the window frames) usually consist of brickwork, pebbledash, render or tile hanging.

Bay window problems
The movement in a bay is usually the result of 3 main factors acting independently or in conjunction with each other:

Foundations under the bay are often less substantial than those of the main property and so suffer from differential settlement
The walls of the bay are not adequately connected back to the main wall of the property
Original timber windows have been replaced with inadequate uPVC that has no support in the corners
Fixing bay windows
We install a variety of well-established methods to reinforce a bay depending on the situation. The main features of most of the remedial solutions are to ensure the bay posts are adequately supporting what is above and to insert strapping to tie the bay back to the main property.

We are always happy to talk through your options in detail so please contact us if you have any concerns with your bay.

Cavity trays are most commonly retro-fitted to properties during the construction of an extension to turn an external wall into an internal wall.

Benefits of a cavity tray
A cavity tray is inserted into the external skin of a cavity wall to form a barrier between two courses of bricks. It is used to prevent moisture flowing down through the wall and bypassing external features such as a lead flashing on an extension roof. Cavity trays are often used above door and window openings.

Failure to install a cavity tray means that water penetrating an exposed area of wall above an extension is able to run down, past where the new roof joins the wall, to create damp in what is now an internal space below.

The task of retrofitting a cavity tray is seen by many builders as a laborious and troublesome task that has only a negligible benefit and, since it is often not checked by Building Control, is not given the necessary importance. Cavity trays are very important and if omitted can cause problems with damp and in some circumstances water might come pouring in.

Please contact us if you have any concerns about a cavity tray, mould, or any other damp issue.

Concrete repair can can be an effective way to deal with problems caused by failing concrete. It can reduce the time, costs and disruption caused by demolition and rebuild.

Concrete failure
When concrete fails it usually loses its strength and shape, potentially becoming inadequate for its intended purpose. The obvious signs of failing concrete are cracking, spalling (pit-marking or erosion of the surface exposing the aggregate underneath) and exposed or rusty reinforcement.

Concrete fails for several common reasons:

Steel reinforcement rusts and expands
Abrasion / erosion from traffic or water
Freeze-thaw action
Overloading
The concrete was made using a chemically reactive ballast
Repairing concrete
Modern repair systems offer high performance solutions to the common problems faced by concrete. It is usually possible to restore the integrity of a concrete structure in-situ and hence remove much of the disruption associated with a large scale overhaul.

If you have any concrete that is exhibiting signs of distress please feel free to contact us. We often give advice based on a photograph or telephone call but we can also visit your property if necessary.

Damp problems can occur in all types of property of any age. Damp can cause cosmetic problems such as peeling paint and water marks, as well as leading to mould, fungal growth and possible health concerns.

Causes of damp
Damp in a building comes from 3 main sources:

Rising from the ground
Condensation in the air
A specific problem such as a leaking gutter
One of the more common causes of damp, especially in older properties, is where the cavity in a wall gets bridged by debris.

Specific sources of damp can also come from a poorly maintained roof, failed flashings and leaking water pipes.

Finding the source of the damp
Finding the exact cause of damp starts with an inspection and assessment of the most likely sources. If no obvious cause of damp is apparent, as is sometimes the case, it becomes necessary to use a systematic process of elimination.

Solving your damp problems
We are experienced in diagnosing the causes of damp and are skilled in the latest remedial techniques.

We can clear cavities on an entire property or in isolated locations as necessary. The cleaning of a cavity in an old property is often completed in conjunction with the installation of an injection damp proof course (DPC) and vice-versa.

Structural Repairs Ltd undertakes roofing, plumbing and drainage repairs to help you keep your property watertight and free from damp, and we can repair and add ventilation to your property.

Please contact us if you have any concerns about damp in your property, such as rising damp, rotten timber, mould or water stains.

If any drainage problems exist it is necessary to have them investigated and repaired early to prevent the fault from getting worse and to maintain the structural integrity of your property. We can complete drainage repairs and alterations either as part of a larger scheme of refurbishment or as a standalone contract.

Problems caused by faulty drains
Drains in poor condition not only get blocked more frequently but also have the potential to cause subsidence in a property. Water leaking from a damaged drain washes the fines from the soil causing foundations to settle. The settlement of foundations usually results in cracks to the masonry above so it is sometimes necessary to combine the replacement of drains with other remedial work such as helical bar reinforcement, underpinning and repointing.

The types of drains that suffer the most are made from either vitrified clay or concrete and mainly fail either by root penetration, displaced joints, settlement or cracking. Unpleasant smells inside or outside your property can sometimes indicate a drainage problem that needs to be resolved.

Fixing drainage problems
All drains can be checked before work is started using our CCTV drainage camera. This determines the condition of the drains, the location of any defects and the extent of any necessary remedial work.

Faulty drains are usually dug up and replaced with PVC pipe, laid to the correct falls and surrounded in pea shingle. It is sometimes necessary to install additional inspection chambers, surface water channel drains for rain water, new soil vent pipes (stacks), gullies, rodding eyes and air admittance values (Durgos).

We are available to discuss any concerns you have about your drains or any other structural defect, so please contact us.

It is common to see painted buildings with cracks in the render showing through the paint work. Often the cracks in the render correspond with mortar joints in the blockwork behind the render or weaknesses in the masonry. One problem is that when a building is repainted these cracks can quickly reappear through the paint, even if filled.

Long-lasting repair
In our opinion the best solution is to use an extremely flexible, micro porous, anti-carbonation coating either with a flat or textured finish, such as a specialist flexible masonry paint. When we apply this protective coating one of the first things we do is to check for sources of damp that may affect the finished product – even a well applied masonry paint is unlikely to adhere to a damp wall. With a dry wall we remove all loose material and repair any damaged areas as well as give all surfaces a thorough clean. A stabilising solution is applied to all friable and porous surfaces with all cracks repaired using flexible fillers and / or reinforcing mesh. The final paint finish is applied in two coats, which can be chosen from over 30,000 colours.

The finished product is elastic, waterproof, washable and breathable. It has an excellent resistance to ageing and contamination and protects reinforced concrete against carbonation and corrosion. On larger projects the paint manufacturer guarantees their product for 10 years even in aggressive environments such as by the sea. The level of performance of this paint is far greater than that of other mainstream products available on the market.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding a painted wall that is cracked, damp or in an aggressive environment.

Helical bar reinforcement can be put to use in a number of ways when repairing the structure of a property. A helical stainless steel reinforcing bar has a high tensile strength which compliments masonry which is good in compression. Structural Repairs Ltd is an approved Helifix installer and has many years of experience installing their products.

Main uses for helical bars
Crack stitching
By grinding out the mortar bed joints between bricks / blocks and ‘gluing’ in a stainless steel spiral wire (Helibar) the masonry is ‘stitched’ back together. The bars are ‘glued’ in using either an epoxy / polyester resin or a non-shrink, thixotropic, cementitious grout. It may also be necessary to replace broken bricks or fill cracks in render with a concrete repair mortar. Crack stitching is commonly used in conjunction with other Helifix products or other forms of structural repair.

Remedial wall ties
The two skins of a cavity wall should be connected together using wall ties. We install several types of Helifix remedial wall tie into either old or new walls. A reason for needing remedial wall ties can be either the existing ones have corroded or, as is too often the case, not enough wall ties were inserted during construction.

Lateral restraint
Helifix products can be used to provide lateral restraint in the following situations:

reconnect separated internal and external walls;
tying external walls back to an internal floor;
supporting bulging walls;
reinstating solid walls that have delaminated and are separating.

When using helical bar to restrain a wall the repair is designed on the principle of distributing the load over many discrete fixings. By using several unobtrusive Helifix products it is often possible to achieve a less disruptive repair more quickly and cheaply than using traditional steel restraint straps or rebuild techniques.

Brickwork beaming
If a wall is in a situation where it is supported from the underneath at each end but not in the middle (e.g. over a window opening or where the foundations are spanning across soft ground) then the wall is required to ‘bridge’ or beam over the gap. As first principles state, beams loaded from the top are in tension along the bottom edge and compression along the top edge. Masonry is poor in tension so when a traditionally constructed wall is found to be beaming the bricks in tension pull apart (and cracks appear). The installation of helical bar into bed joints increases the tensile strength of a wall and holds the masonry units together. We design and install Helibeams and all our designs are checked and warrantied by a Helifix engineer.

Why we recommend Helifix
helifix-logo-gradient
Helifix are the inventors and market leaders of this modern system of masonry repair that utilises stainless steel wire twisted to form a helix. Not only do Helifix have the pedigree associated with inventing the product but they are also part of a multi-national construction materials group and provide arguably the best technical support of their peers in the country. Helifix products offer a non-disruptive solution for the structural stabilisation of solid walls, cavity walls, random stone walls, rubble filled walls, blockwork and calcium-silicate brickwork. Products by Helifix are used for masonry repair in locations ranging from garages and residential properties to blocks of flats and bridges.

All Helifix work comes with an 10 year Helifix warranty covering the design, materials and workmanship, is also covered by a professional indemnity insurance policy and is further protected by the Consumer Protection Association (CPA). All designs are checked by a Helifix engineer and all products are tested and quality assured. Helifix have a dedicated team of in-house engineers that check every one of our designs before it is installed.

Helifix products can be specified by your engineer, a Helifix representative, a loss adjuster, a surveyor or us. If you or your construction professional specifies a helical bar product by a different manufacturer (e.g. Thor Helical, Wallfast, Twistfix, Brickfix, Permagard, Ancon, Helix, Target Fixings, Helical Systems or Sure Twist) please contact us because we can achieve the same result using Helifix products but with some added benefits.

If, for some reason, it is an essential stipulation that your job is completed using an alternative product then Structural Repairs Ltd are able to install the helical bar of your choice, albeit without some of the additional benefits offered by Helifix. Please contact us and we can talk through your options.

A lintel is used over a door or window to hold up the wall above. Lintels are commonly made from steel, concrete, stone or wood. Lintels are almost always required, unless an arch is present.

Lintel problems
If a lintel is not present or is inadequate the wall ‘sags’ over the opening and visible cracks start to appear. If the wall is being held up by the door or window frame the load can sometimes cause the frame to bend and occasionally result in glass panes cracking. In extreme cases the brickwork can become loose and even fall out.

Lintel replacement and enhancement
We retrofit lintels and upgrade undersized lintels either from inside or outside the property. If it is necessary to disturb the wall outside we match the new brickwork, render or pebbledash as best as practicable. Sometimes lintel replacement takes place in conjunction with new windows or doors being fitted, all of which we can do if you require.

We install steel lintels (such as those made by Catnic and IG), stone lintels, decorative lintels and concrete lintels. We can replace cast in-situ concrete lintels with deep-section prestressed concrete lintels and can upgrade failing timber lintels.

Please contact us if you suspect one or more of your lintels has failed and we can help you rectify the problem.

Movement joints allow floors and walls to expand and contract. Movement joints can also be used to enable different parts of the same wall or floor to move independently, which can be necessary if they are built off different foundations or supported in different ways.

Why movement joints are important
The amount a wall or floor moves is often small but can be enough to cause cracking and sometimes destabilisation. Structural Repairs Ltd can retrofit movement joints to both floors and walls, either to an engineer’s design and specification or as specified by our in-house team. Movement joints are commonly retrofitted to long walls where thermal expansion is more pronounced. Where possible we hide movement joints behind rainwater downpipes or other convenient features.

Creating a movement joint
The construction of a movement joint can involve the installation of slip ties, remedial wall ties, flexible filler and prefabricated covers. In conjunction with the installation of a movement joint we can undertake other works such as rebuilding or repointing brickwork, installing Helifix masonry stabilisation or applying a plaster skim on internal walls.

Reinforced concrete is made by fixing steel reinforcing bars into place before the concrete is poured on top. Timber shuttering is often used to form the shape of the finished concrete structure. The reinforcement helps the concrete to resist high tensile and compressive stresses.

Using reinforced concrete
An engineer or architect may choose to build a structural component from reinforced concrete because it is both durable and relatively cheap. We take the engineer’s designs, build the shuttering, fix in the reinforcement (having drawn up a bar bending schedule if necessary) and pour the concrete as per the specification.

Reinforced concrete is often part of a foundation design or larger scheme of works. We can complete the reinforced concrete component either in isolation or as part of a larger contract and we are happy to provide quotes as needed. As with all jobs that are engineered we find it easier to get a high quality result when we have an open dialogue with the engineer. We usually talk through the finer details of a design with the engineer before and during construction to ensure that it meets the specification and is built to a high standard.

Please contact us if you require the construction of any reinforced concrete, have some existing reinforced concrete that is failing or have any other concerns about your property. We are happy to chat on the phone, review your designs and meet face to face.

Remedial wall ties are used to replace existing wall ties which have failed or are causing masonry problems. They can also be added to cavity walls which were built without enough wall ties in the first place.

Why use wall ties
Wall ties are pieces of metal that join the outer skin to the inner skin and are required to prevent the external skin from bulging. In a typical cavity wall the internal skin takes the loads from the floors and roof and the external skin provides a watertight outer layer. In the past it was common to build cavity walls using wall ties made from mild steel, either untreated or galvanised. Over time these wall ties can corrode (rust) and expand. The expansion of the wall ties can weaken the masonry by pushing the bricks or blocks apart, and when the corroded ties rust through they no longer provide a link between the two skins of masonry.

Inspection and remedial work
We install Helifix remedial wall ties to resolve the problem of failed or inadequate wall ties. The appropriate remedial tie is specified following an inspection at which point other structural problems can be investigated. Our remedial wall ties are guaranteed by Helifix for 20 years with an ‘industry backed’ warranty scheme that is both underwritten and endorsed by the Consumer Protection Association. Existing wall ties are located using a metal detector and isolated to prevent them causing a problem in the future.

We complete impartial and evidence based inspections and provide a report of our findings. Please contact us to discuss any concerns you may have with your property.

Repointing becomes necessary when the existing pointing work on a masonry wall becomes defective and no longer provides a defence against water entering the wall. When pointing deteriorates to the extent that water freely penetrates the external skin there is an increased chance of damp in the property, the process of frost weathering is worsened and the chance of wall tie failure is more likely. When repointing a traditionally constructed brick wall the first step is to rake out the mortar between the bricks to a depth of approximately 20mm. Once the dust has been washed out new mortar is trowelled into place.

Carrying out repointing work
In some older or historic properties lime mortar is used to protect the structure as a sacrificial component, being weaker than the surrounding brickwork and cheaper to repair or replace. It also wicks moisture away from the masonry allowing it to evaporate and has self-healing properties to increase the life of the wall.

Walls can be repointed in patches or as a whole elevation. We mix the repointing mortar to best as possible match the colour and texture of the existing pointing. The main types of repointing we do are ‘bucket handle’, ‘weather struck’, ‘birds beak’ and ‘recessed’ but we can do others on request. Repointing work is often carried out in conjunction with other repair work such as helical bar installation and underpinning.

Please contact us if you have any concerns about faulty pointing on your property or any other structural defect that may be worrying you.

Retaining walls are used to hold back soil or earth. They may be used in general landscaping, to enable building into a hillside or as part of the property such as a basement wall.

Problems with retaining walls
There are many examples of retaining walls that are either poorly built or not well designed. The loads applied to the back of a retaining wall by the ground and any groundwater are often underestimated whilst the restoring effect of the foundation and the wall itself is often overestimated. It is for these reasons that retaining structures are some of the most common to suffer failure.

Building a retaining wall
A retaining wall built by a lay person is usually strengthened by increasing the thickness of the wall and perhaps building some additional piers at intervals along its length. Retaining structures designed by a structural engineer normally include steel reinforcement and substantially more concrete.

In addition to the increased concrete and steel there are finer details that are also important: the size, shape and location of the foundation, the position of reinforcement within the foundation, how the reinforcement connects the foundation to the wall, and how the reinforcement interacts with the wall itself.

Structural Repairs Ltd builds retaining walls to engineers’ specifications, whether designed by your engineer or our team, to ensure they do not crack or move. We guarantee our work and provide a certificate on completion. Please contact us if you have a retaining wall that has problems or have designs for a new or replacement retaining wall.

Roof repairs are often prompted in response to a specific fault, but we can undertake routine maintenance and inspections to help you avoid emergency repairs. Whether you have a water leak, missing slates or tiles, a dislodged lead flashing or a chimney that needs repointing we are here to help.

Common roofing repairs
Chimney overhauls
Repointing
Mortar haunching and flaunching
Chimney pots
Cowels
Repair and renew lead flashing
Traditional lead
Modern high performance aluminium mesh and bitumen alternative
Gutter realignment or replacement
Build and repair box gutters in GRP (fibreglass) or lead
Repointing or rebedding of ridge tiles and hip tiles
Rebuild or repair parapet walls including
Repointing
Painting or treating with a waterproofing product
Coping stones
Repair valley or box gutter behind parapet
Remedy damp problems
Strip back and rebuild valley or repoint as necessary
Rebuild or repoint verge
Replacement soffits and fascias
Internal roof strengthening
External roof repairs are sometimes completed in conjunction with internal roof strengthening or other building services. Please contact us to discuss your concerns whether a roof repair has been specified by your engineer or is an observation of your own.

Steel beams and columns, also known as RSJs (rolled steel joists) or steel sections, are often used when removing walls or chimneys in a domestic environment. Almost all steelwork needs to be designed by a structural engineer and inspected by a Building Inspector.

Installing RSJs
When installing a steel beam or RSJ to allow the removal of a wall or chimney one of the first stages is to install temporary propping. We are able to design temporary propping schemes in-house at no extra cost as part of the package of services offered. With the building adequately supported openings can be cut for pad footings and padstones. With the footings or padstones in place the steel section(s) can be positioned either by hand or using a mechanical lift.

When the steels are in place the original brickwork and floor joists are supported by the new steel using bricks or slate to fill gaps as necessary. Once the new steelwork is providing the support, the props are removed, the remainder of the wall below is demolished and the site is cleared. We can box in the steels and plaster the walls and ceilings or, as is preferable for some of our clients, leave the making good process to be completed by another contractor.

Bi-fold doors
A recently developed architectural feature that requires a structural opening is the bi-fold door. We create structural openings to an engineer’s designs and can either install the bi-folds or coordinate with a specialist door fitter. As with all structural work we can either leave the client to complete the making good or finish the plasterwork and skirting boards etc.

Party walls
If a home owner is affecting the party wall in any way, for example removing a chimney on a boundary or using a dividing wall to support the end of a steel beam, a Party Wall Notice should probably be served. Please contact a party wall surveyor if you would like specific advice on Party Wall matters.

Quotations for structural openings
When obtaining a quote for the creation of a structural opening it is first necessary to employ a structural engineer to design the steels. We are able to recommend a structural engineer or work with a structural engineer of your choice. With a copy of the calculations we can see what is required and arrange a visit if necessary. Feel free to contact us if you need help at any stage through this process.

We both supply prefabricated steel or make custom steel components on site depending on the needs of each individual case. Structural Repairs Ltd ensures its work is completed in accordance with all regulations and laws. We aim to keep important spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms as functional as possible during construction. All work is completed to a high level of safety and once works are complete we leave site clean and tidy.

Steel-framed structures are designed with a life expectancy to make them practical to build and use. With proper repair and maintenance it is often possible to extend the life of a steel structure at a lower cost and with less disruption than would be incurred by total replacement. We repair steel frames found on cranes, pylons and masts as well as other steel structures but one of our specialities is the repair of steel framed houses (houses built of non-traditional construction). We can also repair damage caused by accident or malicious intent.

Steel-framed houses
Many steel frame houses were built in the 1960’s with a design life of 50 years. In the past few years mortgage companies have been alerted to the fact that there may be an increased risk associated with non-traditional property types so insist on a full structural survey prior to lending. Often the engineer finds rust on the stanchions which if not addressed could lead to more serious problems. Usually we work directly for the homeowner either to resolve issues as outlined in an engineer’s report or as part of a routine maintenance plan as is advised for steel frame houses. On completion we provide the client with a certificate that is recognised by mortgage companies for lending purposes.

Repairing domestic steel-framed properties
The repair of a steel frame house requires us to open up the wall externally and sometimes cut holes in the plaster finishes internally to gain access to the frame. With adequate access provided we clean, treat and repair the steelwork as necessary. Together with a chartered structural engineer we have developed an unobtrusive yet effective repair system. Furthermore it is usually necessary to remove cavity wall insulation if present, install vents in the roof if none are fitted and lower ground levels next to the walls to reduce the chance of water reaching the steel frame. As standard we reinstate all brickwork, plasterboard, floor finishes and skirting boards with a first coat of filler applied to plaster surfaces inside. If necessary we can redecorate.

Please contact us if you have a steel framed property or any other steel structure that may need repair.

Metal-framed houses in the UK
Below is a comprehensive list of metal-framed houses in the UK that we are familiar with. Even if your property type is not listed, we are still likely to be able to help you.

Adams
AGB Modular 6
AIROH Temporary Bungalow
Aluminium Bungalow BL8
Aluminium House
Anchorloc
Arcal
Arcon
Arcon Temporary Bungalow
Arlon
Arrowhead
Atherton
Atholl 1926
Atholl 1945
Atholl 1951
Anderson Permanent House
Bailey Stratton
Beanland No 1
Birmingham Corporation
Birmingham Corporation Type ST
BISF Type A
BISF Type A1
BISF Type B
BISF Type C
B-J
Boyd
Braby
Braddock
Braithwaite
British Housing
Broadway
Brodie
Buchan
Buckwyn
Canister
Clements
Conatus
Connell
Copeland
Cornes
Coseley
Coventry Corporation
Craig Atholl
Crane
Cranwell
Cruden
Cussins
Denis Poulton
Dennis
Dennis-Wild
Discus
Dorlonco
Duplex Sheath
Falkiner Nuttall
Fewac
Fillod
Fincast
Formula
Fromson
Gateshead Corporation
Gee Walker & Slater
Grenfell Baines
Grid
Hawthorn Leslie
Hillcon
Hills Presweld
Hitchins
Homeville Industrialised
Howard Type A
Howard Type B
IBIS
Integer
Intercon
Kelvin
Keyhouse Unibuilt
Kingstone
Langlands
Liverpool Corporation
Livett-Cartwright
Lowton-Cubitt
Macfarlane
Mackay H & Sons
MC2
Mark
Minox
Modform
MOHLG 5M
Mucklow Plan
Multispan
New Georgian
Nissen-Petren
Northern Ideal Homesteads
Nuttall Building System
Nuttall Mk II
Open System Building
Opperman
Paragon
Parcrete
Phoenix Temporary Bungalow
Portal Temporary Bungalow
Procol
Quality
Reith
Resiform
Riley
Roften
Rothschild
Rotinoff
RTB Temporary Bungalow
Rubery Owen
Sanders-Foster
Scott & Middleton
Seco
Shipston Aluminium
Spaceway
Steane
Stewart & Lloyd
Structural and Mechanical Engineering
Stuart
Stuart Scheme II
Swiftplan Multiflex H
Symplex
Telford
Thames
Thermostatic Steel House
Thorncliffe
Town & Vale
Trellit
Trusteel 3M
Trusteel Mk II
TSB
Tubrick
Turner & Newall
Unitroy
Universal Temporary Bungalow
Universal Type I
Universal Type II
Veneercraft
Waldic
WH
Wilson

Strengthening a timber-framed roof can become necessary for a number of reasons. Replacement roof tiles may be heavier than those the structure was designed to support, timbers may have become rotten, other planned structural alterations may necessitate strengthening or perhaps the structure was not strong enough in the first place.

Roof strength
The roof of a property must be strong enough to support both its own weight and that of any additional loads such as snow or solar panels. If any of a roof’s components are not strong enough (e.g. rafters, purlins, joists or struts) then it is likely to move. In addition to the roof supporting the loads there must not be any detrimental effects on the walls below. Movement can be either in the form of the roof timbers deflecting, the walls pushing out (roof spread) or a combination of the two. It is also necessary to consider uplift from wind forces.

Carrying out strengthening work
In most cases it is possible for us to install additional timber and metalwork into a roof to bring it up to strength. If there has been major roof spread or deflection of timbers then it may be necessary to dismantle and rebuild the roof itself or the top few courses of the walls below.

We complete roof strengthening either under the guidance of an engineer or directly for a client. All strapping is completed in accordance with the appropriate Building Regulations Approved Documents. Once a roof has been strengthened it is sometimes necessary to repair the roof covering, flashings or walls below.

If you have any concerns about your roof or would like us to provide a price for works then please contact us.

Underpinning is the process of extending the building foundations to a greater depth. This can be required due to settlement or to facilitate works which would otherwise undermine the existing footings.

The process of underpinning
If a property’s foundations are not deep enough they can be underpinned to get them to a suitable depth. The soil beneath the existing footings is excavated in 1.0m or 1.2m long bays (or pins) and filled with concrete. When the concrete has cured the gap between the top of the new concrete and the underside of the original foundation is filled with a dry packed grit and cement mixture. The pins are excavated in a prearranged sequence to eliminate the chance of the property moving during the works.

Foundations are usually modified based on an engineer’s designs and require a certificate from a Building Inspector on completion. We complete all works in accordance with local authority regulations, with risk assessments and method statements supplied as required.

If your property requires underpinning or you have any concerns about foundation movement please contact us. We are happy to talk through your situation and tell you how we can help.

Proper ventilation is crucial to ensure a healthy environment within a property and to look after both the occupants and the property itself.

Problems with insufficient ventilation
A lack of ventilation is one of the key causes of damp in a property which can not only ruin decorative finishes but also cause structural problems, and sometimes cause or exacerbate medical conditions for the occupants. Condensation resulting from poor ventilation can lead to mould forming on floor joists, in roof spaces, on internal walls and on plaster surfaces. In some cases mould is followed by wet rot and/or dry rot. Condensation will not form either if moist air is able to exit a building or if a room is heated to a temperature greater than the dew point (when condensation forms).

Improving ventilation
We install both passive and active air vents wherever they are required to encourage the flow of humid air out of a building. Our ventilation schemes are usually combined with modifications to a property’s central heating to give a complete and appropriate solution. The passive vents we install form an economic method of ventilation that connect internal and external air spaces, but are insulated to reduce the negative effects of cold outdoors air. We also install active ventilation systems that are triggered by the humidity levels in a room with the incoming air being warmed by means of a heat exchanger.

We install air bricks and roof vents to ensure air has a clear path to travel from one side of a property to the other, reducing condensation and preventing rot in cavities, floor voids and roof spaces.

Please contact us if you have any concerns about damp in your property or any other structural defect. We can sometimes give advice based on a photograph or telephone call. If it necessary for us to visit your property we can make an appointment that suits you.

Wet rot and dry rot are both caused by fungus growing on damp wood. Finding the source of damp is a priority when addressing rot.

Wet rot
Wet rot requires more humid conditions than dry rot. Sometimes simply removing the source of damp is enough to solve the problem, on other occasions it may be necessary to cut out the rotten timber and replace with new.

Dry rot
Dry rot is less common but potentially more harmful because it can travel through and across building materials other than timber and requires much less damp in order to survive. When treating dry rot the affected timber should be replaced and neighbouring timber treated with fungicide. All affected masonry should be sterilised.

Treatment and repair
The treatment of wet and dry rot is usually combined with treatments for damp and ventilation. Please contact us if you have any concerns about damp, rot, or any other structural defect in your property.