A burst water pipe can cause untold damage to a property. Burst pipes can happen all year round.
Many homes have ageing and/or corroding plumbing systems that have undergone years of wear and tear, which deteriorate and weaken, making them more susceptible to bursting.
Increased water demand during hot weather, when people use water for gardening, filling swimming pools, etc, can put additional stress on already compromised pipes.
Thermal expansion can occur when water temperatures rise, exerting pressure on the pipe walls and leading to cracks and ruptures. When the water inside the pipes freezes, it expands and adds stress to the system again.
Burst pipes can cause significant property damage, including waterlogged walls, ceilings and floors. Water can come into contact with electrical systems and appliances, and the dampness creates a favourable environment for mould growth. A flood will disrupt people's daily lives.
In this instance, the floor was waterlogged from a flood in September 2023. The measurement shown here is some four months after the flooding occurred.
Richard has been asked to advise the homeowners, as the insurance company will only allow the reparation works to commence once a threshold has been met and the floor is deemed dry and certified by a third party.
Before the floor can go back, the screed subfloor must dry below the relative humidity of 75%. A cement screed usually dries at 1mm a day in favourable conditions. However, in this case, this has yet to happen.
In this case, further investigation is required as it appears that there is no integral damp-proof course membrane under the floor.
Building surveyors like Richard are just the people to call in instances like this. They can advise on further investigations required and identify suitable remedies.
Comments