Timber Condition Survey, Borescope Inspections & Toxic Mould Survey

 

It’s been a while since our last news update, as we have been very busy with a variety of interesting projects.

 

Timber Condition Survey 

In January we carried out a Timber Condition Survey of Trent Park House and associated buildings in North London, which are being converted into apartments. 

The house has an interesting history.  From late 1939, “the house played a critical role in the ‘secret war’ against Nazi Germany.  It was here that British Intelligence bugged the conversations of German prisoners-of-war and from 1942, exclusively held Hitler’s Generals and high ranking officers.  In a clever deception plan, whilst they enjoyed the luxurious stately rooms and roamed the gardens, their conversations were secretly recorded by teams of listeners in three ‘M Rooms’, full of the latest technology”.

Timber condition surveys were also carried out at other buildings including; 

• Estate Buildings at Kinston Lyle House, Wantage 
• Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester 
• Gosford Castle, Armagh, Northern Ireland 
• The Luton Hat Factory 
• Norwich Cathedral Roof 
• Cambridge House (former In and Out Club) Piccadilly, London
• Kensington Palace 
• Canterbury Cathedral
• A range of architecturally significant buildings in Europe

 

Impressive Dry Rot Fruiting Body

 

Timber Stress Grading

Timber Stress Grading was carried out in a number of buildings, notably the New Armouries at the Tower of London and Kensington Palace.

 

Borescope Inspections

Borescope inspections of hidden structures were carried out in a number of buildings, primarily to check on debris, the condition of wall ties and insulation in the cavities. These were our largest projects.

• Trinity College Dublin 
• Wilko in Birmingham

 

Cavity Wall Tie 

 

Toxic Mould Survey

Following the discovery of pathogenic mould (Aspergillus fumigatus) in lungs by a Respiratory Consultant, we were asked to investigate the family house. 

The family had been feeling unwell for several months and had concerns with ongoing health issues.  They required independent advice, so that their health did not deteriorate any further due to mould issues within their home.

Our investigations found that mould in the basement was the same as the mould found in occupants’ lungs.

The cause of the mould infestation was identified and linked to flooding in the basement and subsequent contamination of the ductwork. We found low levels of mould in other parts of the house, but moulds found in these areas were not pathogenic or toxic.

EBS Ltd recommended that staircases in the basement should be sealed immediately.  We further advised that mould remediation throughout the property (including the ductwork), should be carried out.  

Following the completion of the remediation works, EBS Ltd re-tested the house and all the mould readings were within acceptable limits. 

         

Toxic Mould