Barnet's suburban housing stock ranges from interwar semi-detached homes and 1930s terraces to post-war estates and modern developments. Cavity wall failures, roof deterioration and subsidence on shrinkable clay soils are the most common building pathology concerns across the borough.
Cavity wall construction is widespread in Barnet's interwar and post-war housing. Common defects include cavity wall tie corrosion and failure, bridged cavities from mortar droppings or poorly installed insulation, and inadequate cavity trays that allow moisture to track across the cavity into the inner leaf.
Subsidence and ground movement are a recurring concern in parts of Barnet underlain by shrinkable London Clay, particularly where mature trees are present. We investigate the relationship between ground conditions, tree root activity and foundation performance to provide clear diagnoses.
Investigation of wall tie corrosion, bridged cavities, failed cavity insulation and damp penetration across the cavity in Barnet's interwar and post-war housing stock.
Assessment of concrete tile, clay tile and slate roof covering deterioration, including underlay failure, batten rot, valley and hip defects and chimney flashing failures.
Investigation of structural cracking related to clay shrinkage, tree root activity and foundation inadequacy, including crack monitoring, level surveys and ground condition assessment.
Diagnosis of damp and thermal performance issues caused by defective or inappropriate cavity wall insulation, including blown fibre, bead and foam systems.
RICS regulated building condition surveys for residential and commercial property.
View ServiceRICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3 reports for property purchases.
View ServiceParty wall advice for extensions, loft conversions and basement projects.
View ServiceCavity wall ties corrode over time due to moisture exposure, particularly in older galvanised ties used in interwar and early post-war construction. As ties corrode, they expand, causing horizontal cracking in the outer leaf, and eventually fail, allowing the outer wall to become structurally independent and potentially unstable.
Yes, we investigate cavity wall insulation failures where insulation has caused damp penetration, been installed in unsuitable wall types, or degraded over time. Our investigations include cavity endoscopy, moisture profiling and thermal imaging.
Parts of Barnet are underlain by London Clay, which is susceptible to seasonal shrinkage and swelling. Subsidence is most common where mature trees are present near buildings with shallow strip foundations, a typical combination in Barnet's interwar housing.
We carry out detailed roof inspections including external assessment from ladders or drone survey, internal inspection of roof void timbers, assessment of coverings, flashings, valleys and rainwater disposal, and where necessary, targeted opening-up to investigate concealed defects.