Investigating Defects in UK Buildings
When faults appear in the building envelope or internal finishes, design or construction defect are usually responsible. Failure to install adequate insulation, air movement control, sufficient rain or drainage plains and material absorbency are typical construction faults.Failure to identify thermal bridges which cause condensation are typical issues which can cause extensive moisture and mould development through condensation. Missing vapour retarders often cause extensive damage to both the internal and external envelope. Poorly fitted insulation and failure to adequately overlap seams or joints is another fault, waiting to cause damage. In general terms the tight building design with limited air exchanges requires a high level of builder’s competence and supervision. Even a small gap in insulation or vapour barrier the wrong side can cause ongoing damage which can seriously reduce the life expectancy of the building. What we do We test the building envelope under a small positive or negative pressure via specialist equipment which can measure even minute pressure variations to assess the problem.We investigate insulation for continuity and moisture barrier issues. We use safe trace gas or special smoke to identify leakage areas. We use infra red thermography to virtually see through walls. We test the building envelope for integrity and assess the potential of the problems where identified. We measure the differences between internal and external specific humidity to identify possible issues. Typical faults identified