When it comes to buildings that have been damaged by water, there are three methods of repair an engineering consultant can use, these are either a membrane, cavity flashing or damp proof course. Not sure what any of these are? Read on to find out!
 
Membrane:
A waterproofing membrane is a thin layer of watertight material that is laid, injected into or sprayed onto a surface to prevent water from passing through.  There are three different types of membranes that can be used, these are sheet, liquid and injectable, which all achieve the same outcome but through different applications.
 
Cavity Flashings:
This type of waterproofing method involves a continuous sheet of waterproofing material that is installed across the gap of a cavity wall. Cavity flashings run along the length of a wall, diverting water out through weep holes, thus keeping the structural integrity of the building intact.
 
Damp Proof Courses:
And finally, Damp Proof Courses. DPCS are a layer of waterproof material in the wall of a building near the ground, to prevent rising damp. DPCS help to prevent excess moisture entering the building which in turn prevents serious structural damage and issue such as wet rot, dry rot, timber decay, rising damp and black mould.
 
And that’s it for solutions to waterproofing issues within your building. So now if an engineer comes to inspect your building in response to water damage within your building you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about! 

The rundown
While every project is unique and calls for different action, in most cases a civil engineers job is to offer consultancy services to their clients on site. The engineer will arrive on site and inspect for defects. Once these defects have been identified and documented, they will be compiled into a report alongside recommendations for their repair.
 
If the client chooses to address these issues, the engineer will help them to do so by gathering quotes. The client will then decide which quote to go with and the construction process begins.
Once the construction period begins, the engineer will oversee the progress of the project and ensure the job is being done to the specification provided prior. When all works have been completed, the engineer will return to the site to complete their final inspection and report. So, now that we know what they do, its important to know what this individual role can offer. 
 
Engineers are problem solvers:
Engineers incorporate science and maths to analyse defects within a structure and produce practical and efficient ways to solve them. 
 
Engineers have excellent time management skills: 
Engineers are basically industry chameleons with the skill to adapt their knowledge of their field to any situation or project. With every project being unique and presenting different issues, what engineers do is nothing short of amazing, knowing exactly what the issue is and how to fix it.
 
Why would I need an engineer?
Now more than ever engineers are in demand and with the introduction of the new strata scheme their role in ensuring a buildings health and sustainability is a necessity. So the question is, for what reasons would you need an engineer specifically and not a builder, architect or other professional in an associated role?  Well only engineers can ensure your buildings health and safety by offering their specialist consultancy services in:
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Concrete Repairs 
- Waterproofing
- Heritage Buildings 
- Expert Witness Services
- Project Management

Each associated group has an integral role in the cog that is construction. Architects focus on the aesthetics and planning elements, builders focus on constructing that plan to life and engineers use their expertise to ensure the architects designs and plans are achievable and that the builders carry them out in an effective and sustainable manner. ​

So I think we can all agree... engineers are pretty amazing hey?

​Enquiry after enquiry, inspection after inspection followed by spec after spec. These are the most common building defects our engineers have come across over seventeen years of business.

1. Waterproofing Issues
2. Cracks
3. Spalling 
4. Dry Rot
5. Wet Rot
6. Delamination (separation of one coat of paint from another)
7. Rising Damp
8. Efflorescence (discolouration of concrete and mortars)
9. Lintel Failure
10. Corroded Steel

 
To learn more about these issues and how to identify them, you can head to the issues index of our site. Alternatively, if you think you’ve already identified these issues in your building and require our assistance, get in contact with us. We’d love to help get your building back in its best condition!