Stainforth Service & Surveying Ltd

16/09/2024

Last week, I was asked to examine an old solid sandstone constructed property where cement strap pointing had been applied over the original lime mortar. The image below provides a great example of the implications that can be caused by mixing modern methods and building materials with a traditionally built property.

When applied to soft sandstone, cement pointing traps moisture behind the joints. Leading to erosion of the stonework, as prevailing rainfall seeps into the joints but cannot escape. Over time, this results in spalling and deterioration.

To mitigate further deterioration, it is essential to remove the cement pointing and replace it with a compatible, lime-based mortar. Lime mortar is porous, allowing the wall to "breathe" and effectively dry out. A flush application to the stone joints ensures that moisture can escape, reducing the risk of future spalling.

This case highlights the importance of using appropriate materials in the restoration of historic properties. Adopting best practices in building care not only protects these structures but also maintains their historical significance.

04/08/2024

Feeling grateful after receiving these sweet treats in the post from one of my amazing clients! After a long week working on the south coast, these were a lovely suprise to return home to!

02/07/2024

10/05/2024

I'm slowly being drawn further and further south! I will be carrying out several surveys in Bristol over the next couple of weeks. If anyone requires any remedial surveys here, or in the surrounding area during this period, please feel free to reach out!

27/04/2024

Join us at Geo Business 2024!

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For more information on our Geospatial Services, visit OR3D GEO https://www.or3d.co.uk/geospatial/

21/03/2024

Happy Global Surveyors Day everyone 😁

This day was created to highlight the indispensable role surveying has played in human civilization's development. Surveying is a well-respected profession which is hugely diverse across a wide range of disciplines from marine and antique surveyors to building, quantity, rural, land surveying and many more.

Celebrating Global Surveyors Day is a way to acknowledge the critical work surveyors do in shaping our environment. It's a profession that combines technical expertise, historical knowledge, and a forward-looking perspective to manage and improve the spaces where societies grow and evolve.

Whether you are directly involved in the field or simply recognise the impact of surveying on our world, it's a day to appreciate the skill, dedication, and innovation that surveyors bring to their essential work.

Surveyors UK is passionate about the surveying profession and believes that it needs to be celebrated, promoted and seen as a career choice for future generations. Surveyors UK embraces all surveying disciplines.

www.surveyors-uk.com

27/02/2024

Here's a great example of the damage that can be inflicted by corrosion-induced expansion, observed on a recent survey in Yorkshire. The transparent yellow lines indicate the locations of rusting steel ties in the gable wall and the solid yellow line shows how the wall has begun to bow. These ties, as they corrode, expand and lift each section of the outer leaf incrementally, causing horizontal cracks. The resulting pressure on the roof line can lead to two potential outcomes: 1. The roof may be lifted (known as the pagoda effect) or 2. The outer leaf may buckle and undulate as seen in this example (or sometimes both). If left unaddressed, the outer leaf will eventually collapse.

The good news is that it is not always necessary to rebuild the entire outer leaf section to the gable apex. An alternative and more cost-effective solution at this stage involves isolating the existing ties from the outer leaf, deep-sealing the horizontal cracks, and doubling the remedial wall tie installation to this section. However, it's important to note that even with this solution, the property will still show signs of past damage.

It is always advisable to maintain documentation and obtain an insurance-backed guarantee for the remedial works. This will help demonstrate that the issue has been properly addressed and mitigated.

20/02/2024

Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or property investor, Stainforth Service and Surveying is here to ensure the long-term health of your property, providing expert guidance and affordable solutions to address many issues your property may face.

If you've noticed an issue with mould growth, decay, cracks or bulging walls, contact me today to schedule a survey and protect your most valuable investment.

Find out more at https://stainforths.co.uk