Ask an Expert
The following frequently asked questions are listed below to assist you when you are thinking of contacting us. Your query however may be with reference to an issue which is not listed. Whatever the issue please feel free to contact us using our
contact us page should you wish to receive initial technical advice. We will respond to you as quickly as possible. Remember to complete as much information as possible. Our response will be more effective if we have more information!
How do I know if my house has subsidence?
Subsidence manifests itself as cracking in the external and possibly internal walls of the house. Progressive subsidence tends to generate diagonal cracks and such cracks are visible inside and out at the same time and in the same location. It is unlikely there will be cracks only at first floor level. Subsidence cracks can often be followed down to ground level. It is rare for subsidence to generate just one crack in isolation; there will be other cracks and/or distortions. Subsidence can also cause distortion of windows and doors and reduce their functionality. Another problem is whether or not a crack in a wall is recent. All buildings move and crack. It is quite common for cracks to be identified when they have in fact been present for many years. If you are worried your house is suffering from subsidence then
contact us and we will be able to help.
Repairs to your home following damage caused by a sudden event such as flood, vehicle impact, escape of water or storm?
If you've suffered damage to your house or garden, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along, but this doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll be pleased with the result. Be prepared for the dodgy cowboy builders and repair companies who may try and exploit the situation. Never agree to have work done by someone who knocks on your door. If you believe the damage needs dealing with urgently speak to your insurance company first. If you need to be represented or need a professional to supervise the repairs, and also ensure that repairs are being reinstated under the terms of your insurance cover, then just
contact us.
Why do I need an independent chartered engineer?
You really need a chartered engineer to diagnose whether you have subsidence or any other type of structural problem. Anyone can call themselves a surveyor or an engineer. Check that the person inspecting your building has either CEng MICE or CEng MIStructE as a qualification.
Contact us to get a qualified professional to inspect your property if you suspect you have subsidence or structural building defect damage.
What is monitoring and how long does it take?
Monitoring refers to the measurement of cracks and distortions in a property to determine if structural movements are taking place. Typically, such monitoring is restricted to using tell-tales (studs) fixed across certain cracks in the walls. Level monitoring is another method for determining if a property is stable or continuing to move. This technique in most cases can be completed by simply taking relative levels around the damp proof course, or, other suitable features that would normally be level all around the building. If your property needs to be monitored then we can monitor it for you. Just
contact us and provide us with your information.
Why do my trees have to be cut down?
Clays shrink and swell depending on how much moisture they have in them. Trees extract moisture and cause shrinkage, foundations therefore move down and maybe up again and cracks appear. Removing the tree is an appropriate remedy. Taking the tree out enables the clay to take up moisture and the clay swells literally lifting the house back close to its starting position. Once this has taken place, the house should remain stable and foundation underpinning is not likely to be needed. We can arrange for a tree report to be prepared for you or we can appoint one of our recognised tree contractors to remove the tree for you. All will be managed by Bryer Consulting Ltd. Just
contact us.
What is underpinning?
Underpinning is defined as the downward extension of a foundation to a firm formation within the ground. The purpose is to transfer the building loads to more stable soils that exist at greater depth. Depending on the depth required, and the extent of superstructure damage, underpinning may be undertaken in the “traditional” form which is with mass concrete. Where the extended foundation needs to reach beyond say 2.0m, piling is the preferred method. Just
contact us if you need design assistance.
What is crack stitching?
Crack stitching is a method for repairing cracks in masonry. To make sure the bond and integrity of masonry is properly reinstated, cracks are raked out and short lengths of stainless steel are embedded into the mortar to transfer load and stresses across the broken joints. The repair is simple and is well within the capabilities of a competent general builder. We can design and supervise repairs where crack stitching is required. Just
contact us.
What is thermal cracking?
Thermal cracking affects most masonry structures. All building materials move as a function of expansion and contraction caused by variations in temperature. These movements generate stresses within the materials. When the stresses reach a certain level, the material cracks and effectively form a joint to allow the expansion and contraction to continue. Please
contact us if you need us to reassure you that the crack has just occurred as a result of thermal movement.
What is roof spread?
Roof spread is a problem where a timber roof becomes distorted because there are inadequacies in its design. Sometimes, roof spread happens because the roof covering has been changed from slates to heavier concrete tiles. Roof spread is not a sudden event, and collapse is very unlikely unless it is left for a long time. If you have concerns then please
contact us.
What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
The Party Wall Act is a piece of legislation that requires building owners to advise their neighbours of certain works that could affect a party or boundary wall or any building within certain distances of certain types of work. The Act confers rights to building owners and adjoining owners but fundamentally it seeks co-operation between parties.
Where works to a property fall within the Act, party wall notices are served. Provided there is agreement between parties for works to be carried out, the requirements of the Act are fulfilled.
If there is disagreement, then the Act sets out the procedure to be followed to resolve any dispute. Accordingly, if there is a dispute, repairs to a property may be delayed. If you need further advice or assistance then please
contact us.
What is CDM?
The New Health and Safety Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2007 came into force on 6 April 2007. The CDM regulations require designers and contractors to properly consider hazards and risks and then remove or reduce them as far as practicable. CDM regulations place duties on clients, designers and contractors. For all projects, there should be an audit trail showing due diligence in the consideration of health and safety issues. If you need further advice or assistance then please
contact us.
