You have or are potentially purchasing a traditionally constructed building / site. Traditionally constructed buildings are of solid wall construction, predominantly pre-1919, however, the practice continued well into the 20th century. Further information can be found on the Historic England website, specifically under: Properties of Traditional Building Construction.
Traditionally constructed older buildings are made from materials that are permeable to water vapour, and are said to ‘breathe’. Modern building materials have little or no breathable components. Traditionally constructed buildings will always sustain a level of damp within the building fabric. Combining modern building materials with solid wall construction often creates poor building pathology by impacting “breathability” and can result in damp and unhealthy environments.
As a professional in Building Conservation, our surveyors are able to identify the causes of poor building pathology and advise on rectification. Reduced humidity and appropriate ventilation are usually the key to creating a healthy environment.
Our surveyors do not support the use of damp meters as they can produce false readings. In addition, the use of chemical sprays and injections are frowned upon: these chemicals pose serious risks to insect populations and the mammals and birds which consume such insects, but are costly and ineffective.
If you are looking for a conservation led survey for your listed and / or traditionally constructed building. Contact us.
