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Solid floor slab investigation
Ground floor slabs can suffer from sulfate attack, (also referred to as sulphate attack) this is a serious problem which can result in structural damage to the main loadbearing walls of a building.
What is Sulfate Attack?
Sulfate attack occurs when the contents of the hardcore fill material that has been used beneath the floor slab contains sulfate and this fill material has been subjected to a degree of moisture. Moisture will cause any sulfates present to rise and migrate to the floor slab causing heave. Fill materials containing sulfates are now prohibited from use beneath ground floor slabs.
The Investigation
To test for the presence of sulfates this will require breaking through the slab and a number of samples of the fill material and concrete be taken for laboratory analysis.
This is a destructive investigation and the owners must understand that if there is a damp proof membrane present, it cannot be fully reinstated.
During the investigation the Structural Engineer will also comment upon any signs of structural movement in the form of cracking or distortions to the walls around ground floor level.
Prices start at £650 + VAT
People bought this report because:-
- Their valuation surveyor insisted upon an inspection of the ground floor slab including laboratory testing