Concrete
(mundic) Tests in Devon and Cornwall
Concrete testing became
necessary because a number of cases occurred where concrete building material
started to disintegrate due to the use of mining waste as an aggregate
in its manufacture.
Throughout the 19th
Century, mining processing waste was commonly dumped in the area, and
this was a readily available source of aggregate for concrete manufacture.
However, in the 1980s it was discovered that sulphides within the aggregate
could cause concrete to decompose over time. Mundic is a Cornish slang
word used to describe poor concrete, originating from the mineral pyrite.
All lenders now insist
that all properties containing concrete, and built before 1950, are subjected
to a concrete screening test before mortgage. (The date for South East
Cornwall is 1960) This procedure was introduced in 1994. It applies to
all of Cornwall, and the western part of Devon ie Tavistock, Yelverton,
Bere Alston etc.
The concrete test
regime involves removing samples from the property, by drill, and these
are then delivered to a petrographer who will identify the types af aggregate.
RICS guidelines require us to take samples from each external wall, the
footings, the first floor, any party wall, and an internal wall if relevant.
The samples are normally of 50mm diameter. The holes are backfilled with
sand and cement, and can be painted over within a day or so.
More than 80% of the
properties sampled pass at first examination. Others will often pass after
a more detailed examination known as Stage 2.
Our concrete (mundic)
tests are carried out in accordance with the current RICS guidelines,
and are accepted by all lenders.
The current cost of
our concrete tests start from £365.00 + VAT.
Call us on
01752 841441 for further information.
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