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Surveys Inspection and Diagnosis Image Gallery

Images taken during our surveys of inspection and diagnosis techniques.

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  • Today I've been back to PCA (Property Care Association) headquarters attending a course on condensation presented by the grandfather of knowledge Mr Grahem Coleman. The course was titled 'A diagnostic approach to understanding condensation, atmospheric moisture and mould' and beleive it or not, this is the third time ive sat this course. So why sit the course again?.... Well even as a professional that practices daily the teachings within this course, there is often so much information delivered in that its almost impossible to absorb and retain 100% of the information. Over the years technologies advance and legislation and codes of practice both for inspection and repair change and get updated. Sitting the course for a third time simply makes sure that with the condensation season looming that i'm upto date with any recent changes, fills in the gaps where information has faded over the years and reinforces my knowledge as a true professional and specialist in the world of atmospheric moisture, condensation, damp and mould.  Attending both new and old courses also provides the perfect opportunity to meet up with new people within the industry and share knowledge and experiences.  Many thanks to Grahem, as always another well presented course.
  • Our latest bit of research
  • Gravimetric Analysis
  • Masonry sampling for moisture and salts
  • Sampling for gravimetric testing
  • Working in the lab
  • Gravimetric testing process
  • desiccant chamber for gravimetric testing
  • Moisture profiling
  • Sample taking for gravimetric analysis
  • Moisture profiling
  • Gravimetric Analysis
  • I knew you were there, hidden just trying to catch me out but i found you!!!!  
  • Back out surveying some of York's most historic and interesting buildings yesterday. The Motor House, Skeldergate Bridge, York, occupied by a fantastic little restaurant
  • Cavity wall inspection to determine cause of extensive efflorescent to the brickwork.  
  • A rather unusual photo. This picture shows vegetation growing from a the installation holes of a  previous retrofit chemical injection damp proof course, how strange........ Exactly what implies we'll find out during our internal inspection. 
  • The best thing about being a surveyor is that every day is a surprise and just when you think you\'ve seen everything, these\'s always something else that astonishes you. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw these telescopic air vents installed into the external walls of this semi detached property in York. Externally the ground levels had been raised which resulted in very similar internal floor level - external ground level. As a consequence the air bricks which provided ventilation to the sub-floor environment had been comprised which had resulted in part of the front reception floor requiring replacement due to decay. The contractor whom undertook the work clearly attempted to improve the sub-floor ventilation and installed these telescopic air vents. Instead of installing the properly embedded within the wall however, they were installed externally which the client believed was the correct method of installation, almost unbelievable........
  • Solving damp issues is all about correctly identifying and resolving causes as appose to simply treating symptoms. Too often we find properties repeatedly treated for damp with multiple damp proof course installations yet despite this, the problem returns, why?  Fundamentally, the issue lies with the cause. It doesn\'t take a genius to work out when a structure is wet and decaying, most of the time this is clearly visible. It does however take an expert understanding of buildings, construction and damp to understand why moisture is present, the extent of the problem, the cause and corrective action.   Too much trust and faith is placed in contractors who simply believe the answer to all damp problems is to drill a few holes and inject a chemical, as if damp repellent chemicals are the mystical resolution to all issues dampness related simply because they are approved by the BBA (British Board of Agreement) and are reinforced with a manufacturers guarantee. This image is of wall with 4 damp proof course installations: 1 x physical bitumen 2 x chemical injections and 1 x syphonic system, really??? Were all these systems necessary or do you think there has been a few cases of misdiagnosis here, we\'ll let you decide. When in need of expert advice for damp diagnosis and repair don’t hesitate to ask, Our damp and timber reports are only undertaken by experienced and fully qualified surveyors who hold the National Qualification for remedial surveying C.S.R.T. awarded by the BWPDA / PCA, our industry body. This proves that our surveyors have been independently examined and tested, proving their extensive knowledge and expertise. Dryfix Preservation Ltd  “Yorkshires Leading Damp & Timber Specialists”    
  • Our survyeor Russell rafton gets stuck into these timbers during an inspection into a sub floor. 
  • Russell Rafton our building surveyor undertaking surveys on historical monuments in the city of York 
  • Kitting up getting ready to undertake a timber inspection in a very dirty and dark sub-floor. 
  • Thermal inspection assessing the performance of our specialist drying systems. 
  • Pole camera inspection of a chimney and roof using our remote cameras and DVR tv screens. Our specialist survey equipment means that no area is inaccessible for inspection. 
  • Pole camera inspection of a chimney and roof using our remote cameras and DVR tv screens. Our specialist survey equipment means that no area is inaccessible for inspection. 
  • Pole camera inspection of a chimney and roof using our remote cameras and DVR tv screens. Our specialist survey equipment means that no area is inaccessible for inspection. 
  • Pole camera inspection of a chimney and roof using our remote cameras and DVR tv screens. Our specialist survey equipment means that no area is inaccessible for inspection. 
  • Period structures absent from a damp proof course are inevitably susceptible to wicking moisture through capillary movement, commonly referred to as rising damp. Period properties were however generally plastered with lime based renders which would allow moisture within the structure to freely evaporate. The lime render itself would not prevent dampness, although would act as a control measure allowing moisture to evaporate.  Internal decor would have also been provided with breathable finishes such as lime wash. Some surface pitting or salting will inevitably occur to the internal finishes as this moisture moves through the structure carrying within it soluble ground water salts. Consequentially occasional redecoration of the internal finishes would be required with a breathable paint or lime wash, although this should be regarded as normal and accepted/tolerated in a period building plastered in lime. This image is was taken in a listed period property plastered in lime where the finishes have tarnished slightly with the free movement of moisture and ground water salts. These walls simply require brushing down and decorating. In a property of this period  the use of none breathable finishes such as wall papers and none breathable paints should be avoided these will perish due to moisture and also act as barriers preventing moisture within the walls freely evaporating. 
  • Damp magnesium oxychloride flooring causing corrosion of carpet grippers. Magnesite flooring is not commonly used at the current time but was very popular for domestic applications in the period 1920 to 1940, and for Local Authority housing between 1945 and 1960. Magnasite was commonly applied on top of concrete ground floor slabs and is made from a mixture of calcined magnesite and magnesium chloride solution with various fillers (e.g. wood flour, sawdust, asbestos). It was typically laid between 10 and 25mm thick, but two coat applications could be up to 50mm thick. Magnesite floorings are very vulnerable to dampness and if there is any doubt about moisture protection, it should be replaced.   Where in contact with moisture magnesite produces a weak solution of hydrochloric acid due to the presence of chlorides which may migrate from the magnesite into the concrete below and corrode any reinforcement, gas or water pipes.     Magnesite is also electrically conductive therefore using electrical resistance meters will give a full scale damp reading even if the material is dry.  Most magnesite floors are now coming to the end of their life, and only if they can be guaranteed to remain unaffected by moisture can they be used as a screed to receive other floorings, otherwise the flooring should be replaced. Crucially, because magnesite is water soluble, it will return to its previous state if exposed to enough water. 
  • Damp magnesium oxychloride flooring causing corrosion of carpet grippers. Magnesite flooring is not commonly used at the current time but was very popular for domestic applications in the period 1920 to 1940, and for Local Authority housing between 1945 and 1960. Magnasite was commonly applied on top of concrete ground floor slabs and is made from a mixture of calcined magnesite and magnesium chloride solution with various fillers (e.g. wood flour, sawdust, asbestos). It was typically laid between 10 and 25mm thick, but two coat applications could be up to 50mm thick. Magnesite floorings are very vulnerable to dampness and if there is any doubt about moisture protection, it should be replaced.   Where in contact with moisture magnesite produces a weak solution of hydrochloric acid due to the presence of chlorides which may migrate from the magnesite into the concrete below and corrode any reinforcement, gas or water pipes.     Magnesite is also electrically conductive therefore using electrical resistance meters will give a full scale damp reading even if the material is dry.  Most magnesite floors are now coming to the end of their life, and only if they can be guaranteed to remain unaffected by moisture can they be used as a screed to receive other floorings, otherwise the flooring should be replaced. Crucially, because magnesite is water soluble, it will return to its previous state if exposed to enough water. 
  • This has to be my favourite image of late. One of the problems with the building industry is a lack of communication, ignorance  and understanding between trades. This home owner recently employed a company to retrofit install insulation to the external facade of their solid walled terraced house. The investment at best, is only likely to be recovered after 10 years of the insulation being situ. As an alternative to extending the boiler flue and ensuring the insulation was as continuous as possible they boxed the insulation around the existing flue pipe creating a large cold zone in the insulation and creating a resting plinth for water to sit upon and migrate between the insulation and the wall. This poor detail is more than likely going to cause the home owners an issue in the near future. A better knowledge for the method of installation and communication between the insulation installers and a plumber could have prevented this problem.   
  • This has to be my favourite image of late. One of the problems with the building industry is a lack of communication, ignorance  and understanding between trades. This home owner recently employed a company to retrofit install insulation to the external facade of their solid walled terraced house. The investment at best, is only likely to be recovered after 10 years of the insulation being situ. As an alternative to extending the boiler flue and ensuring the insulation was as continuous as possible they boxed the insulation around the existing flue pipe creating a large cold zone in the insulation and creating a resting plinth for water to sit upon and migrate between the insulation and the wall. This poor detail is more than likely going to cause the home owners an issue in the near future. A better knowledge for the method of installation and communication between the insulation installers and a plumber could have prevented this problem.   
  • This is very unusual. A double damp proof course split over a single course of brick. These builder back in the 1950\'s were very conciencious. The purposes of this double installation was due to solid floors at the rear of the property and to alleviate a breach of teh first DPC by the floors, therfore a second dpc was installed above floor level. 
  • Giant hygroscopic salt crystals. The extent of salt within these walls clearly highlights a long terms progressive issue with ground water movement through the structure. Ground water salts are primarily Chloride and Nitrate and can be easily tested by our surveyors using a simple salt analysis test. The origin of the slats is a good indicator as to the source of moisture. 
  • Leak detection survey. Our surveyors are using the latest technology to search for leaks beneath this tiled concrete floor
  • Leak detection survey. Our surveyors are using the latest technology to search for leaks beneath this tiled concrete floor
  • This thermal image of a property in York shows a clear thermal anomaly within the wall. This irregularity prompted our surveyors to look within the cavity using a optical borroscope which revealed the retro-fit cavity wall insulation had been either missed or had settled within this region. 
  • Not all damp problems are caused by a damp proof course failing! Here one of our surveyors identified a bodged connection to the below ground drainage from the soil and vent pipe.  Another problem correctly identified and huge saving for the client for a damp course that wasn\'t needed. 
  • External water repellent recently applied to this masonry. As you can see the rain water is no longer able to pass through the treated brickwork and water droplets simply form on the external surface. 
  • Our specialist inspection camera allowed our surveyors to find this beautiful Dry Rot Specimen beneath a floor within minimum disturbance.
  • Our specialist inspection camera allowed our surveyors to find this beautiful Dry Rot Specimen beneath a floor within minimum disturbance.
  • Luckily our surveyors carry a wide range of diagnostic and inspection tools which often allows us to make disruptive investigations with minimal damage. In this picture we carefully cut out a section of the engineered oak floor covering to expose Dry Rot mycelium growth within the built up floor and a huge Dry Rot fruiting body within the sub-floor.    
  • Excessive moisture levels recorded within these timber skirting boards will inevitably lead to softening, decay and possible fungal outbreak.
  • Telescopic pole camera is out again, this time inspection chimneys in Harrogate with suspect penetrative damp. 
  • Telescopic pole camera is out again, this time inspection chimneys in Harrogate with suspect penetrative damp. 
  • As a building surveyor I often find myself in some very damp, dark, cramped and awkward spaces but it\'s all just part of the job. Luckily I don\'t suffer from claustrophobia and I\'m not frightened of getting my hands dirty. If I suspect there\'s a problem and there\'s no tool that can provide the answer,  you won\'t have time to blink before I\'m off changing in the phone booth into my superman overalls to take a closer look.  
  • Borrescope inspection into a suspended timber floor using a flexible camera. In this circumstance we had limited access into the subfloor for a physical inspection due to the vinyl tile floor covering, so where problem areas were identified as at risk we used a borrescope camera to reveal the concealed with limited disruption to the floor. 
  • Checking for the presence of moisture in a water damaged property. Unfortunately the floors were tiled limiting inspection although it was essential we accurately assessed the extent of water damage to ensure a successful repair. In this scenario the floors were of solid construction, insulated with a floating timber floor. A leak had allowed water to migrate between the solid floor structure and the insulation resulting in damp affecting the surrounding walls. To limit disruption to the finished floors a series of deep wall probes were used to test beneath the floors surface and assess the condition of the insulation and timber beneath which allowed us to ascertain the extent to which water had affected the floors. 
  • One of our surveyors undering a roof and gutter inspection using our remote illuminated camera on a telescopic pole. This camera system links to a ground monitor allowing us to view live footage at height with a total reach of 12 vertical meters.  Our telescopic camera can record both still images and video footage on our portable DVR.
  • Roof and gutter inspections using our remote camera on a telescopic pole. This camera system links to a ground monitor allowing us to view live footage at height with a total reach of 12 vertical meters.  Our telescopic camera can record both still images and video footage on our portable DVR.
  • This I believe is a plaster fungus known as Peziza Species. These were identified during a sub-floor inspection with the use of a flexible endoscope beneath kitchen units where a leak had occurred from the sink. This is not a wood destroying fungus.  
  • Borroscope view into a cavity wall revealing a blockage caused by mortar and debris build up most likely accumulated during the build bridging this damp proof course. 
  • Telescopic pole camera linked to a recordable DVR monitor used for a sub-floor inspection. In this situation our client suspect a woodworm infestation within the ground floors as they kept finding little brown beetles throughout the property. We were able to confirm the beetles were in fact Anobium punctatum (Common Furniture Beetle) generically referred to as a woodworm, although in this situation inspection to the floors was severely limited due to an engineered oak floor covering which had been laid through the ground floors preventing inspection to the upper floor surfaces and access into the sub-floor. We were however able to inspect the underside of the floor timbers by knocking through the air bricks in the external walls and using a high performance illumined camera fitted to a telescopic pole which allowed a clear inspection of the timbers visible within the sub-floor we were able to locate the infestation.  A video clip of the infestation seen within the sub floor is shown below and within the woodworm category. 
  • Our non-destructive Tramex moisture meter designed to measure the moisture content of concrete floors.  Unlike other electronic moisture meters the Tamex is calibrated and designed to be used with concrete therefore its readings are far more accurate than a standard electronic moisture meter used in WME or radio frequency mode, where readings can be unreliable and vary dramatically. The tramex therefore proves to be an ideal tool for pre-purchase and other non destructive investigations where normally a destructive  calcium carbide meter would have been the only accurate method of testing. 
  • Another one of our fantastic flexible endoscope cameras is used to inspect within a hidden sub-floor void revealing wet rot fungal decay to the joist ends where in contact with the external walls.  Absence of evidence does not necessarily mean evidence of absence and where our surveyors  suspect there may be hidden issues we use an array of specialist investigation cameras to inspect hidden cavities and voids so even the concealed is revealed.  
  • Calcium Carbide test on a property in Monk Fryston near Leeds. Taking a core sample of this wall for a calcium carbide test  during a survey. Unfortunately there was little debris to place into our calcium carbide chamber as the wall was so wet the mortar had adhered to the drill bit like clay. Not much need to analysis this sample, as you can see this is a very wet wall. 
  • Once again our telescopic pole camera proves to be a valuable asset.  This property in Harrogate was suffering with water ingress issues and required a chimney inspection. Normally this would need to be carried out by a builder or roofer requiring either ladders or an access scaffold.  Fortunately as Dryfix have invested more in inspection and diagnostic equipment than any other company around we were able to inspect the chimney stack from the ground using our telescopic pole camera providing answers and correct diagnosis quickly and efficiently saving our client both time and money. The inspection revelaed large cracks forming within the mortar flaunching where water ingress was occuring. 
  • Roof and gutter inspections using our remote camera on a telescopic pole. This camera system links to a ground monitor allowing us to view live footage at height with a total reach of 12 vertical meters.  Our telescopic camera can record both still images and video footage on our portable DVR.
  • Monitoring a wet floor during drying using ERH method.     A Hygrobox is fixed in place and used to create a pocket or micro-environment of air within the box between the solid floor. A hygrometer is used to measure the atmospheric conditions within the box calculating the relative humidity, specific humidity and temperature.  The purpose of measuring the air tapped between the box and floor is to assess if the floor is still releasing moisture into the atmosphere (still drying). When the relative humidity within the box falls and remains below 75% RH the floor is considered dry and at equilibrium with the surrounding environment. Unfortunately as this method of inspection monitors the relative humidity it's not entirely reliable as relative humidity is temperature related, used  however in conjunction with other methods of monitoring this can be a useful aid. 
  • Salt analysis test used to determine the presence of ground water chloride and nitrate salts within masonry walls and plaster. Ground water salts can only arrive in masonry walls through the upward movement of ground water carrying these salts through the structure in solution and deposited at the highest point which damp affects the wall, within the evaporation line. 
  • Sky's the limit! High rising cavity wall endoscope inspections. Lucky our surveyors aren't scared heights 
  • Calcium carbide meter (Speedy Meter) used to profile and provide accurate moisture content of masonry walls on commercial property in the city centre of York. 
  • This image is of the test results of a calcium carbide meter used to determine the moisture content of a masonry wall during one of our surveys. The wall displayed symptoms of damp with peeling and spoiling decor towards the base of the wall. Readings taken from the surface plaster with an electronic moisture meter were high however readings taken from the adjacent timber skirting boards were low, conflicting each other. To further our inspection a calcium carbide meter (speedy meter) was used to analyse accurately the moisture content of the wall. The results of the test were 1.2% Mc (Moisture content).  The wall had been wet previously due to a water leak which was identified and was now almost dry. No damp proofing needed here and a happy client.

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