Property Maintenance
When carrying out Building Surveys we often find that similar problems exist whether we are carrying out a Building Survey in Bristol, a Building Survey in Bath, a Building Survey in Swindon or a Building Survey in Cheltenham.
One problem that is often encountered is dampness in chimney stacks.
In the past, chimneys would be regularly used with open fires which would provide a through draught and warm the stack to encourage drying.
With modern central heating installed, many houses have disused chimney flues.
Rain water can often fall down the disused flue causing dampness internally.
If the property you own has an open chimney we would recommend a weatherproof cowl or cover is fitted. Ideally, chimneys should be capped and vented at roof level and disused flues vented internally.
In this way you should reduce the potential of internal dampness.
Another problem, often encountered during Building Surveys, is defective flashing to the base of the chimney stack.
This is a weak point where the water can enter.
When any disused flues are capped the flashing around the base of the stack should be checked to ensure it is in sound watertight condition.