Why Using Internal Surface Filler on External Timber Cills Is a Costly Mistake External timber window cills take a beating. From driving rain and winter frosts to harsh summer UV, they face constant exposure to the elements. Because of this, repairs must be carried out with products designed specifically for outdoor use. Yet one of the most common, and … Read More
Why do roofs rust?
The rust usually comes from iron inclusions. Some types of slate naturally contain tiny amounts of iron pyrite — also called fool’s gold. This is most common with lower-grade or cheaper slates, which have more impurities. Prevention or remedy:
Surveying a roof
Using a cherry picker for a roof survey offers several key advantages compared to using ladders or scaffolding: 1. Safety: they provide a stable platform with guardrails and harness points, reducing the risk of falls compared to ladders or roof-walking. 2. Accessibility: they can reach high or awkward areas of the roof (eg chimneys, valleys, or behind obstacles) without needing … Read More
Taking the long view
The importance of cyclical maintenance. When it comes to managing blocks of flats, one of the most effective ways to protect the value of the property is a focus on cyclical maintenance. Unlike reactive maintenance, where repairs are carried out only after something breaks, cyclical maintenance takes a planned approach. It involves regularly scheduled inspections, upkeep, and works that prevent … Read More
MCP London launch new website
Chartered building surveyors MCP London have launched a new website and a fresh rebrand. The new website provides information on the a broad range of building consultancy services that we offer such as Contract Administration, Building Surveys, Party Wall advice, Planned Preventative Maintenance, Licence to Alter, Building Reinstatement Cost Reassessment (BRCA), Defect Analysis and a range of project management services … Read More
Cable Management
Proper cable management is crucial in both residential and commercial buildings to prevent hazards such as tripping, electrical fires and equipment damage. Cable management in buildings is the routing and protection of electrical and network cables to ensure safety, the efficient running of network services and so they look neat and tidy. Appropriate cable supports, such as J-hooks, cable ties … Read More
Surveying safely
At MCP we are often asked to enter tight spacers, such lofts, basements, voids, etc, during the course of our regular day surveying properties. In light of the situation we could find ourselves in we continue to keep abreast of the RICS’s advice on working safely and all our staff are familiar with them. The RICS guideline sets out basic, … Read More
Is your door a fire door?
In a block of flats it’s the leaseholders responsibility to ensure they install fire doors in their flat, as required under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). The installation of fire doors must be conducted by a competent person and the Act defines such a person as one with the necessary expertise, qualifications, training and experience needed to … Read More