Welcome to Cockrams Surveying Blog

Radon

Saturday, 26 November, 2011

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be harmful to health. Most contractors will apply Sovereign Radon Barrier coat which is a liquid-applied damp-proof membrane which also restricts the flow of radon, methane and carbon dioxide from landfill and naturally occurring underground sources into buildings.

Rising and Penetrating Damp

Saturday, 26 November, 2011

As with cellars and tanking, most contractors use the Hey’di K11 Grey Tanking System and generally do not carry out chemical injections as experience has shown that this is generally less effective. Internal plaster surfaces are cut to a height of 1.2 metres above floor level, the masonry surfaces are treated before applying a render … Read More »

Tanking/Cellar Conversions

Saturday, 26 November, 2011

Many contractors use the Sovereign Hey’di K11 Grey System for all underground damp proofing works. This product can stand up to 120 feet of head water pressure and is ideal for converting cellars into living accommodation. This application is also used where the external ground levels are higher than internal floor level or that the … Read More »

External Render

Saturday, 26 November, 2011

As with the bonding between bricks, it is vitally important to keep external finishes in good condition to reduce the risk of penetrating dampness into the property. This is particularly important with cob walls where the lime render is applied with a micro porous washed finish to allow the underlying cob material to evaporate out … Read More »

Re-pointing

Saturday, 26 November, 2011

Wall tie corrosion is often caused by poor joints between bricks which allow water to penetrate the construction. You would need to have a full re-pointing service done which involves raking out of the existing pointing to at least 20mm before applying a new mortar mix appropriate for the type of construction.

Wall Ties

Saturday, 26 November, 2011

Properties built before 1981 were fitted with galvanised steel wall ties. These were prone to corrosion which caused the outward movement of brick or block work which can develop into more serious structural defects. You can locate and isolate the corroded ties and fit a stainless steel mechanical replacement wall tie. These works are all … Read More »

Why are people coming to Cornwall?

Monday, 21 November, 2011

The secret isn’t ‘just out’ as the phenomenon of people escaping to Cornwall has been prevalent for years. A trawl of the internet will provide many tales of why individuals have left the large towns and cities for a change of pace, for work and for love and through their tales is the common thread … Read More »

Retaining Wall Stabilisation

Monday, 14 November, 2011

Unstable retaining walls can be quickly and efficiently stabilised using Platipus Ground Anchor Systems. The anchors, designed to work in a variety of soil conditions, and installed to depths ranging from 3m to 10m are capable of generating loads in excess of 100kn, and are available in a range of materials to suit short and … Read More »

Slope Stabilisation

Monday, 14 November, 2011

Slopes, Embankments and Excavations can be quickly and cost effectively stabilised utilising Platipus Ground Anchor Systems, erosion control coir matting and a variety of appropriate geotextiles. This method of Soil-Nailing can be carried out on slopes up to 70 degrees and the anchors are installed using hand-held equipment, lending itself to restrictive access working, with … Read More »

Temporary Works Support

Monday, 14 November, 2011

Excavations, Slips and Slopes can be quickly and cost effectively stabilised utilising Platipus Ground Anchor Systems, mesh reinforcement and timber soldiers. This method of Temporary Works carried out ‘top-down’ can stabilise cut faces up to 70 degrees and the anchors can be installed using either excavator mounted or hand-held equipment for restrictive access working. This … Read More »