Welcome to Cockrams Surveying Blog

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

So what is a property of non-standard construction? The following are regarded as traditional construction: Walls • Cavity outer walls of brick/reconstituted stone with inner walls of brick or block. • Cavity outer walls of brick/reconstituted stone/blocks rendered with inner walls of brick or block • Timber framed property with outer walls of brick/reconstituted stone, … Read More »

Our first article on this invasive species identified what it looks like, how it grows and the structural damage it can cause to your property. This offering aims to highlight the detrimental effects it can have on your pocket. Japanese Knotweed the real problems: • Japanese knotweed is a difficult plant to eradicate and if … Read More »

Bats and Buildings By taking bats into account prior to starting work or purchasing a property, you will: • Minimise any costs and delays • Help to avoid disturbing bats or their roosts, which means you will be avoiding the risk of prosecution and helping to conserve an important protected species. Protection and the law … Read More »

In 2008 the government announced that 10 statutory water and sewerage companies will take over ownership of private sewers and lateral drains (which connect to the public sewer system). So, this is taking place from 1 October 2011. Privately owned pumping stations which meet the same criteria will also be adopted by sewerage/water companies on … Read More »

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a member of the Parsley family (which includes Wild Carrot, Fool’s Watercress, Cow Parsley, Hogweed, Wild Angelica, Alexanders, Sweet Cicely and Hemlock) and is native to Asia. It has hollow green/purple stems with fine spines, that make them appear furry, and dark green coarsely toothed leaves. Small white flowers are … Read More »