Frequent Issues

APM SERVICES

FREQUENT ISSUES

FIRE

The effects of a fire can be devastating in terms of lives lost, injuries, and damage to property. Most
fires are preventable, and can be avoided by householders and those responsible for commercial and
other public buildings taking responsibility for and adopting fire safe behaviours and procedures.

During our surveys we take fire risk assessment extremely seriously and can offer advice on what
measures you can take to further reduce the risk of fire damage.

FLOODING

Every year seems to bring disastrous flooding somewhere in the country, at some point. The consensus
of opinion on climate change and global warming is that the UK is likely to experience heavier rainfall
more often in the future, and that flooding will be more frequent and widespread as a result. We can
explore and consider the risks, suggest preventative measures, and suggest drying processes after a
flood.

TREE ROOT DAMAGE

Roots can often lead to substantial damage e.g. by growing under the foundations of the house and
causing them to become unsafe or by causing the soil to dry out resulting in subsidence. In these cases
damage will be :-

1. The cost of repairs
2. The reduction in the value of the house if there is a loss on sale.
3. Any other expenses directly arising from the trespass.
4. In all likelihood the legal costs of the person who has suffered the damage.
5. An order by the court that the owner of the tree cuts back the branches or the roots or takes down
the tree itself.

Our services can include looking into and resolving possible tree root damage.

REMOVING WALLS

A number of issues can result from an incorrect removal of a wall. We can tell you what sort of wall you
have and assess the situation in a professional and logical manner: you need to be certain that you
won’t be knocking through a supporting wall and failing to put in a strong beam, for example.

CONDENSATION

Condensation is most obvious on mirrors, single glazed windows and wall tiles, but may also happen on
walls and ceilings - particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Unless you keep the moisture content of
the air (the Relative Humidity - RH) below about 65-70% RH, condensation will form on the coldest
surface. To control the Relative Humidity we need to balance heating with ventilation, or use a
Dehumidifier. Without a Hygrometer to show you the actual Relative Humidity this is difficult to
achieve.

We look into humidity levels during our surveys to help foresee and prevent the negative effects often
experienced as a result of condensation.

CHIMNEY BREAST REMOVAL

The chimney is part of the structure of the house and its removal should be carefully considered
before any work is carried out. Removal of these chimneys without providing suitable beams to
support the structure over could result in structural distress or damage or even collapse of the
building. Pull the wall over. You may also face delayed property sales, re-mortgage processes or
prosecution for breach of building regulations.

With professional knowledge and experience we are well placed to advise with chimney breast
removals and suggest the most practical methods, whilst minimising risk.

DAMP

In the UK there is an average of almost 25,000 gallons of rainwater per year, so it is not surprising that
damp is one of the most commonly occurring issues in all houses. However, with our experienced
knowledge, it is usually fairly easy to locate and combat. In some cases however, it can be an
indication of a more serious problem - and we are always alert to this fact and ready to deal with other
issues stemming from it.

UNEXPLAINED CRACKS

Cracks can be caused by any number of factors, and it is often difficult to know how serious they are
and whether they are developing. Because various construction materials have completely different
expansion and contraction coefficients, certain materials change shape and size as they absorb water
and water vapor while materials immediately adjacent to them do not budge.

At APM Services, we examine all cracks, whether small and seemingly insignificant, or large and
structurally dangerous, and have all the necessary experience to find their causes and to advise you on
the most efficient and safe course of action.

Offering a wide range of surveying and engineering services

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