Best Examples of Bad Building Practice

Best Examples of Bad Building Practise

We are frequently called to properties across London and the Home Counties to advise on
damp issues that have been caused by failure to observe good building practice.

Here at Avant Garde HQ we keep a record of common mistakes made by cowboy tradesman
and building companies.

SPOILER ALERT: This article also tells you how to fix it!…

Incorrect Plaster

If you see flaking paint adjacent to a plug socket, the chances
are your electrician is to blame!

After a plug socket has been chased out, the sparky
(electrician) will come to fit the wiring and install the plug
socket. Because of its ease of application and quick drying
time, they will occasionally use a ready-made plaster mix
commonly referred to as “bonding”. This type of plaster is
very porous and can absorb moisture not only from brickwork
and render, but also from airborne moisture within the
atmosphere. This can lead to increased dampness especially
in properties subject to significant condensation levels.

Remedy: Cut out the offending lightweight plaster and replace with a suitable sand and
cement mix.

Bridging Gap

 

Do you have peeling paint above
the skirting?

While this can be a symptom
associated with rising damp it is
far more likely that the plaster
work behind the skirting is lacking
what is known as a bridging gap.
This is not always the fault of the
plasterer as sometimes floor screed
is added after the walls have been plastered and any gap which was left at the bottom of the
wall soon disappears once the new level of the floor is created after screeding. The issue here
is that without a bridging gap, the porous plaster work is in direct contact with the substrate,
acting as a channel for moisture.

Remedy: Remove the skirting boards and trim the wall finishes behind them upwardly circa
50mm.

Raised External Ground Levels

This is without a doubt the most common example of bad building practice that we frequently
encounter. It is so common that we have mentioned this before in a previous blog post!

Driveways, patios and decking installed higher than or at the same level as the damp proof
course will result in damp internal walls. To find out more about this check out or post on
bridged damp proof courses.

Remedy: Lower ground levels or consider the installation of a French drain which is our
speciality as seen in the photo below:

If your home has been subject to bad building practice, it’s an easy fix with help from Avant
Garde Damp Solutions. As one of London’s most reputable damp proofing companies, you
can trust our experts for a quick diagnosis and correction of any issues.

Simply get in touch to arrange your survey today – or just to get some friendly advice.