Damp survey

[kvasir]

Hi guys

Not sure if this is the right board to post on but here goes.

We recently discovered that the flat below has dry / wet rot, seemingly caused by the erosion(?) of the mortar joint between our building and the one next door. Presumably on the basis of a survey of that flat it's been discovered that the rot has spread to our floor joists at least, and we've been asked to give access to the flat so they can carry out a survey to determine the extent of the spread.

Can anyone advise what this involves and how long it's likely to take? We're talking one bedroom flat with lounge, small kitchen, small bathroom and hall. Also, would the surveyors (whoever they are) have to return the flat to its pre-survey state or could they leave us with dug-up bathroom tiles and gawd knows what else?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[breezer]

Can anyone advise what this involves and how long it's likely to take?

not really.

can you tell me how long it will take me to ................?

depends what they do and how good / bad they are.

 

[kvasir]

Ok, well, what should they do then?

 

[Softus]

Presumably on the basis of a survey of that flat it's been discovered that the rot has spread to our floor joists at least, and we've been asked to give access to the flat so they can carry out a survey to determine the extent of the spread.

Your presumption is probably correct. One would expect the owner of the flat below, and/or his insurer, to be interested in finding out whether your lounge is likely to end up suddenly and dramatically in theirs.

Can anyone advise what this involves and how long it's likely to take? We're talking one bedroom flat with lounge, small kitchen, small bathroom and hall.

You should ask the surveyor that question, but I would expect that he'll want to be in and out as quickly as possible, simply poking a bradawl a damp meter into accessible woodwork.

Also, would the surveyors (whoever they are) have to return the flat to its pre-survey state or could they leave us with dug-up bathroom tiles and gawd knows what else?

Surveyors generally don't move or damage anything, but this is something you should establish before letting them into your property.

If it were me, I'd obtain an assurance that any damage caused is made good by her/him/them, and at their expense.

 

[kvasir]

Thanks, that's helpful, I'll tell them that.

Have done a bit of googling and I've found a number of sites that say rot companies are scaremongers and say you need x y and z to be done, most of which involves nasty chemicals, but in actual fact once you stop the source of the leak and increase ventilation that will solve the problem. Any thoughts on that?

TIA

 

[Softus]

Have done a bit of googling and I've found a number of sites that say rot companies are scaremongers and say you need x y and z to be done, most of which involves nasty chemicals, but in actual fact once you stop the source of the leak and increase ventilation that will solve the problem. Any thoughts on that?

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=34549

 

[kvasir]

Cheers!

 

[chappers]

Your presumption is probably correct. One would expect the owner of the flat below, and/or his insurer, to be interested in finding out whether your lounge is likely to end up suddenly and dramatically in theirs.

Would have thought it would be in the OPs interest too.

 

[^woody^]

If checking for rot, then they wont just poke a bradawl or meter, but will want to expose the timber to see what rot it is and how far the fungus/hyphae has spread.

The actual checking will depend on the extent so could be from 5 to 20 minutes, but the exposing of the area will be the time consuming bit.

If there is rot then you need it checking and eradicating and the timber either treated or replaced as necessary. Its also important to do any necessary preventative work to stop the timber rotting again in future

Check your lease to see who is responsible for the floor structure. You may be entitled to compensation if its the landlord - or if the damage has resulted from any failure of the landlord to maintain the exterior structure

Any lifting of the floor, or other invasive work will be required to be made good - which included decorations or floor covering refitting

 

[ModernMaterials]

1) This is not an issue of rising damp for you bit i see softus couldnt resist putting that lame link in.

2) wet rot will not be an issue for you if they cure it downstairs unless you have poor ventilation.

3)Dry rot is a serious issue for you both. Has dry rot been diagnosed?

This is what to expect...

http://www.safeguardeurope.com/applications/dry_rot.php

 

[Softus]

couldnt resist putting that lame link in.

Ah, but I see that you're a master of resisting the lame jibe.

 

[anobium]

Just a thought but you should bear in mind that your floor is also the ceiling of the flat below, ie its usually a joint problem.
Its equally possible that the cause of the dry rot, if thats what it is, has emanated from your flat.
Re the Softus point about insurance, forget it , unless you have taken out specialist insurance, this will come under the heading of general maintenance.

 

[coreyd]

Depends on how far the dry rot has gone. If there is sufficient access it shouldn't take longer than a day.

Could be a major problem if the dry rot has spread quite far.

I've used these guys in the past and they've been pretty spot on:

dry rot