New series of Blog Posts – Masonry Elevations and Steelwork

In our office we have a varied and broad workload. During the course of a week we can be confronted with anything from structural surveys to new build structures or major building refurbishment works.

Tackling issues with elevations can be particularly complex and challenging for landlords, tenants and property professionals.

The predominant façade material in low rise buildings in our towns and cities is masonry. This encompasses materials such as brick, stone, concrete blocks and terracotta etc.

The elevations can deteriorate over time as a result of weathering, construction details, workmanship and building movement. This deterioration normally manifests in cracking or spalling of the masonry and this is where we get involved.

Having identified that there is an issue with the elevation the Landlord, tenant or property professional are confronted with the following issues:

1. How to safely inspect the elevation.
2. Remedial works which are probably going to be noisy and cause disruption.
3. Public safety – members of the public have been seriously injured by falling masonry.
4. Contractual issues between Landlords and Tenants – FRI leases, service charges, quiet enjoyment etc.
5. Marketing the building.

Over the coming weeks we will release a series of posts that will tackle these issues and be of help to those who are confronted with this issue. The series will be given the following title:

Regent Street Disease, Masonry cracking and Embedded Metalwork.

Part 1: Overview.

Part 2: History of Steel Framed Buildings.

Part 3: Remedial Works.

Part 4: Cathodic Protection.

Part 5: Conclusions – Issues for Landlords, Tenants and Property Professionals.

We hope that you will find this series of help – please let us know if you have any comments!