CLIENT BRIEF
RTP Surveyors were instructed by the management company to investigate reported water ingress affecting a number of apartments within a residential block in Truro. The commission required a building survey to identify the source of defects within the external fabric and provide a report setting out findings and recommendations for remediation.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS
A systematic inspection was undertaken across affected apartments, with investigations tracing the path of water ingress through the building fabric. This included examination of balcony roof coverings and associated parapet details.

Intrusive investigations were required to confirm the source of defects. Upon removal of parapet capping, significant deterioration was identified within the supporting timber frame, including rot and insufficient secondary weatherproofing provision.

Previous ad hoc repair materials and detailing were found to be inconsistent with recognised standards and did not align with relevant building regulations or British Standards requirements.

The investigation required careful progression from internal inspection through to external fabric opening up works in order to fully establish the failure mechanisms affecting multiple residential units.

OUTCOME
The source of water ingress was successfully identified and confirmed as originating from defective parapet and balcony roof detailing.

A detailed defect inspection report was prepared setting out the nature and extent of the issues affecting the building. This included identification of contributing construction defects and areas of timber deterioration.

The findings enabled the preparation of a schedule of remedial works and provided the basis for recommending alternative design solutions to improve long-term resilience of parapet walling and balcony roof details, reducing the risk of recurrence.