Common Property Defects Identified During Home Surveys

 From the 1930s to the late 1990s, asbestos was widely used in construction for its fire resistance and durability. It was later banned due to serious health risks — airborne asbestos fibres can cause irreversible lung damage and cancers.

Common places asbestos may be found include:

• Textured wall and ceiling coatings
   
• Pipe lagging, insulation, and water tanks
   
• Floor tiles and wallboards
   
• Boiler systems and fuse guards
   
• Gutters, soffits, fascia boards, and roof sheets
   

If asbestos is discovered, professional removal or management by licensed contractors is required. Both removal and disposal are strictly regulated and can be costly.

Chimney stacks and flues are among the most exposed parts of a property. Over time, they suffer from:

• Weather exposure (wind, rain, temperature extremes)
   
• Chemical reactions caused by combustion gases
   
• Poor maintenance or inaccessible areas at roof intersections
   

Defects such as cracks, corrosion, and structural instability can develop, often unnoticed. Our surveyors assess chimney safety, stability, and compliance with fire and ventilation regulations.

 Cracks and movement are common in buildings but can stem from several causes, including subsidence, heave, thermal expansion, lateral movement, and overloading.

Typical causes of subsidence include:

• Soil instability or shrinkage in clay
   
• Underground leaks or former mining activity
   
• Tree removal or changes in moisture levels
   

Older or poorly designed walls may also experience bulging or tie failure in cavity walls. Our reports identify these signs early and, where needed, recommend further investigation by structural engineers. 

 Damp is one of the most frequent issues found during home surveys. Causes include:

• Rising damp due to failed or missing damp-proof courses
   
• Leaking gutters, downpipes, or defective drainage
   
• Poor design or execution of extensions and alterations
   

Dampness can lead to mould growth, timber decay, and structural deterioration. Our surveyors pinpoint the cause and advise on effective treatment.

 Blocked or damaged gutters, downpipes, and gulleys can cause serious water ingress issues. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to prevent overflow or foundation damage.

We also check underground drainage systems for displacement or failure. Older properties may contain pitch fibre pipes, which are prone to collapse and blockages.

Post-war housing developments often used non-standard construction techniques such as:

• Reinforced concrete (RC) panels
   
• No-fines concrete or cross-wall construction
   
• Early timber-frame systems
   

While innovative at the time, these materials can now present performance and mortgage-lending challenges. Our surveys highlight any risks or structural concerns with these systems.

Corroded or poorly fitted gutters can lead to water penetration and foundation movement. Overflowing water near walls and conservatories can erode soil beneath shallow foundations.
We recommend repairing or replacing damaged systems — while noting that PVC replacements may alter the aesthetics of period properties. 

Masonry paint is often used on older buildings that have been rendered, especially Victorian an 

Incorrect paint application can trap moisture, causing blistering, flaking, and masonry decay.
Where impervious paints (even “microporous” types) have been used, we may recommend removal and reapplication of breathable mineral paints to allow walls to dry properly.

At Morguard Building Surveyors, we identify and explain property defects in plain language. Our goal is to help you understand potential risks and repair needs — giving you the confidence to make an informed purchase.

📞 Call us today on 020 3662 6586 or 07900 882371 for expert advice on any property defects or survey requirements.