Feedback on previous surveys is always welcomed
We offer comprehensive surveys and reports and always invite questions and comments about our advice! Feedback on previous visits is always welcome, including this update on a Damp Checks basement survey. It’s also very useful to get updates on developments of a surveyed property. One such email arrived recently from a couple near Llansawel in Carmarthenshire, South Wales. The Cottage is located in lovely rolling Welsh hills with amazing views and wildlife all around. The problem? The cottage had been renovated but needed extra space for storage and a larder for fresh garden produce. Not wanting to lose the wonderful views, they decided to build downwards with a new basement. The basement was fully excavated and the concrete structure cast around its reinforcement rods. The concrete roof of the basement was finished with a patio area and the basement access was to the side of the patio.
How can Damp Checks help with waterproofed basements?
David Taylor previously trained in property restoration for both flood and fire damaged properties. Training was provided by the employer using BDMA and IICRC training schedules. Later he was also further trained and qualified by the Property Care Association Ltd (PCA). With the PCA, David has qualified as a Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments (CSRT). He also trained and qualified as a Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW). This means, regardless of the style of waterproofed structure, he is familiar with all options and guidelines within BS8102. Damp Checks always insist on covering all aspects of our work with the relevant training.
“Help, we have mould and damp in our new basement!”
We were contacted by Evelyn and Tony as they thought their new basement was leaking. They were seeing mould growth all over their basement and we know this is unhealthy and needed to be stopped. They also said the builder had finished building the basement but was no longer returning calls. There’s never any excuse for a contractor not returning calls, especially when being asked for help. We completed a full assessment and survey with an emailed report with our findings. It is such a shame the builder refused to help because the general build quality appeared good. It was only some design points they seemed to have overlooked. Had they chosen to swallow their pride, they could have fixed the issue and learned valuable lessons for future jobs.
The update on a Damp Checks basement survey
My findings in this basement were that the waterproofing aspects had generally been completed well and were holding up well, but the ventilation was non-existent, and it was this that was causing mould problems. Another issue needing attention was that there were no drainage rodding points for the ground drainage that had been installed, and these need annual assessment to ensure they remain clear and able to remove any head of water from next to the wall structure. After suitable ventilation was installed, the problems were fixed as the mould growth had stopped. I am waiting to hear if they were able to trace the ground drainage pipes.
