Recent Projects

Hampstead Damp Survey 

Recently one of our surveyors undertook a damp and moisture ingress survey on this modern property, located in Hampstead.

Alpine Surveys were instructed to undertake an in-depth assessment of the property, guaranteeing to find the source of the problem.

In order to ascertain the true cause of damp, we always undertake a thorough and detailed investigation of the property.

Initially we obtain any important history regarding previous or present issues.

We undertake a detailed assessment of the properties exterior and assess every room where a full property survey was instructed, or the selection of rooms where a partial survey or areas of concern were instructed.

In this case the survey was undertaken on 3 problem areas.

The client had previously undertaken various works to try and eradicate the problem however the issue was still persistent.

They called upon Alpine Surveys to establish exactly where the problem was originating from, and to provide them with specific recommendations in order to eradicate the problem.

In this case the surveyor undertook a survey on 3 specific problem areas that were suffering from incessant damp problems.

The surveyor assessed the lounge, adjacent hallway and the associated external walls.

Whilst assessing the exterior it was established that a few bricks had spalled on the upper left area of the right pitched roof just under the fascia board.

This level of deterioration will allow water and moisture to penetrate through and into the structure.

Furthermore, the surveyor also noted a gap extending the entire width under the hall windowsill, which would also allow moisture ingress, which will migrate down through the structure.

Internally, the hallway had blown plaster and paint peeling on the wall above the front wall adjacent to and on the side partition wall adjoining the lounge.

This level of deterioration is a result of the defects noted externally.

The RD levels (Relative Damp Levels) on the lower area of the ceiling were up to 389.

The high moisture levels are a result of the defects noted externally.

In addition to this during the assessment of the lounge, the surveyor found that the walls and floor generally appeared to be in a reasonable condition, apart from the upper area of the rear sliding door adjacent to the side glazed window.

This level of deterioration is a result of moisture penetration from the balcony above.

Our surveyor gave specific recommendations to rectify the exterior defects, in order to correct the internal issues, these were included within our standard comprehensive report.

Damp Survey Stanmore

Initially we assessed the exterior of the property in the region of the bedroom, and found that there were visible signs of moisture penetration into the stone corniche above the windows, which we believe will migrate down into the structure and room beneath.

After investigation from within the bedroom above in apartment 15, we found that there were no visible signs of deterioration within the bay balcony.

However, we understand that during inclement weather, the rain water holds within the balcony, and drains slowly.

This indicates that there is possibly a blockage within the drainage pipes leading from the hopper.

We found that the sealant around the windows was defective, and this will increase the risk of moisture to penetrate around the frame.

In the master bedroom, there has been an ongoing issue with damp and mould within the bay window for approximately three years. The mould is the result of condensation.

When assessed the en-suite extractor fan did not appear to be working, and the owner stated that they have not heard it working. We later found that the extractor fan has been isolated.

When activated, and then tested, we found that the extraction capability was poor. Therefore there is an increased risk of airborne moisture escaping and causing condensation elsewhere.

Damp Survey London County Hall

Recently our surveyors undertook a very interesting damp survey on a famous landmark you might recognise, London County Hall.

London County Hall is the building that used to be the headquarters of London County Council and later the Greater London Council.

The Grade II listed building is situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, with Westminster Bridge next to it.

Alpine Surveys were instructed to undertake a damp and moisture ingress survey, in order to ascertain the cause of moisture ingress into the building.

During the survey it was quickly discovered that the external condition of the building was severely deteriorated.

The building was originally commissioned to replace the mid 19^th-century Spring Gardens headquarters.

Since construction in 1911 specific areas of the building such as, the roof coating, adjacent roof valley and chimney stack had deteriorated.

For 64 years the County Hall served as the HQ for the local government of London, during the 1980’s there was a lot of political conflict and the front elevation of the County Hall frequently served as a billboard for opposition slogans which were visible from the Palace of Westminster.

As the property ages, the level of absorbed moisture increases within the structure.

The moisture is absorbed into the structural materials and despite evaporation and extraction a certain amount will remain as residual moisture.

Over the decades the residual level will increase, unless mechanical drying is undertaken.

Furthermore, the surveyors established externally that the defective bituminous coating and internal render had trapped the saturation within the structure, in turn increasing the level of deterioration.

This property was built using a solid construction; therefore, it does not have a cavity to allow air circulation between wall skins, and to stop moisture migrating from the outer wall skin to the inner skin.

Our surveyors can conclude this specific information from the top of the range equipment they use and their years of experience.

After a surveys completion we always provide our clients with a thorough, in-depth and comprehensive report, detailing the surveyor’s specific findings and recommendations for remedial works that need to be undertaken in order to eradicate the problem(s).

Did you know…

• The building was opened by King George V in 1922.
• The site was previously occupied by four properties: Float Mead (flour mills), Pedlar’s Acre (wharves and houses), Bishop’s Acre (factory) and the Four Acres (workshops and stables).
• It is faces in Portland stone in an Edwardian Baroque style.

GRADE 1 LISTED CONVERTED BARN TIMBER SURVEY 

Grade 1 Listed Building

Take a look at this stunning Grade 1 listed barn that sits comfortably in open luscious fields, located in the charming village of Titchfield.

Constructed in the early 1400’s, The Great Barn is now used as a theatre which specialises in Shakespeare plays.

Alpine Surveys were instructed to carry out a part timber survey on the property, carry on reading to find out more.

Yesterday morning our surveyors were up bright and early at this beautiful grade 1 listed barn.

The Great Barn, located in the opulent village of Titchfield is now a converted theatre which specialises in Shakespeare plays.

Originally instructed to be built by Henry V in the early 1400’s, the barn was built to centralise grain storage and was constructed of timber clad, however in the 16^th century, stone from Titchfield Abbey was used to re-construct the gable ends of the barn.

The barn is approximately 50m long by 15m wide, it seats up to 170 people making it a perfect venue for weddings and events, as well as being a theatre.

A little bit of history about Titchfield Abbey…first built in the 13^th century, it was home to a community of Premonstratensian canons. The canons lived like monks but also served as local priests.

Once the Monastery was suppressed, Sir Thomas Wriothesley transformed the buildings into a grand Tudor mansion called Place House.

Stone from the Abbey was used to construct many other buildings, as well as being used to re-construct part of The Great Barn.

Alpine Surveys were instructed to undertake a part timber assessment on the property in order to ascertain how rainwater run-off from the new drivaeway could increase moisture penetration and deterioration.

All surveyors have over 15+ years of experience and are equipped with the latest technology and equipment that allows them to analyse and assess the most troublesome of issues.

In this scenario the surveyors clearly established through using the correct methods, that the new functional driveway would not increase moisture penetration.

Here at Alpine Surveys, we always guarantee our findings, otherwise you can have your money back.

Did you know, The Great Barn is the largest producing theatre in the world and is the 3^rd largest historic barn in Europe.

Dog Rescue using thermal imaging drone