Lewisham's building stock is predominantly Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing, with significant areas of interwar and post-war development. Damp in solid-wall construction, roof defects and structural movement are the most commonly investigated building pathology issues across the borough.
The Victorian terraces of Brockley, New Cross and Catford suffer from penetrating damp through deteriorated brickwork, structural cracking from foundation movement and roof defects including failed slates, deteriorated flashings and blocked rainwater goods. Many have been converted into flats, introducing additional defect categories.
We investigate building defects across all of Lewisham's neighbourhoods, from the conservation areas of Blackheath borders and Brockley to the mixed housing types of Catford, Deptford and Sydenham.
Investigation of penetrating and rising damp in Victorian terraced housing, including moisture source identification, pointing assessment and remediation specification.
Diagnosis of slate and tile deterioration, failed flashings, gutter defects and the consequential water damage from inadequate maintenance of period roof coverings.
Assessment of cracking patterns in Victorian terraces, including differential settlement, lintel failure, wall tie deterioration and the effects of tree root activity on foundations.
Investigation of building failures arising from flat conversions, including inadequate structural alterations, dampness from compartmentation changes and thermal performance issues.
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 ServiceCracking in Lewisham's Victorian terraces is commonly caused by differential settlement on variable ground conditions, lintel failures above window and door openings, the removal of internal walls during conversions, and tree root activity affecting shallow foundations.
Yes, we regularly investigate damp in converted Victorian properties across Lewisham. Conversions often introduce damp issues through altered ventilation patterns, blocked chimneys, incompatible insulation and changes to rainwater disposal. We identify the specific causes in each case.
A focused building pathology investigation typically takes one to two weeks from instruction to report delivery. Complex investigations requiring monitoring, specialist testing or multiple site visits may take longer, and we provide a clear timeline at the outset.
Yes, we provide building pathology investigations across the entire London Borough of Lewisham including Brockley, New Cross, Deptford, Catford, Lewisham, Sydenham, Forest Hill, Hither Green and Lee.