We are independent surveyors, and we check buildings for:
- Decay - dry rot, wet rot
- Damp - rising damp, penetrating damp, leaks and condensation. See "The Nature and Characteristics of Fungal Decay" for details.
- Insect attack (woodworm) - common furniture beetle, deathwatch beetle, house long horn beetle, and many others.
- Expert opinions for litigation
ATICS Ltd offers a consultancy service to professionals and home owners who have identified a potential problem of fungal decay (wet and dry rots) or insect attack in building timbers. On the basis of detailed surveys, the company's consultants are able to make accurate diagnoses of the nature and cause of problems and to give specific advice on remedial treatment which almost always leads to substantial savings in overall treatment costs. Where it is not possible to be accurate we state so and why or submit samples to the BRE. This is quite rare.
The importance of accurate diagnosis is demonstrated by research which shows that event with building professionals dry rot is misdiagnosed with surprising frequency. In one paper (Bricknell, BWPDA convention 1984 ) in 400 cases of "reported" dry rot by qualified architects, surveyors and engineers less than half were only dry rot and 112 were wet rot. Such inaccurate diagnoses can lead to unnecessary and expensive repairs. Both dry rot and woodworm are commonly treated with chemicals when the attack is no longer active. Difficulties such as these can be avoided by employing a specialist consultant.
In addition, ATICS' adoption of a conservative approach in treatment specification can significantly reduce the amount and cost of treatment without any compromise in effectiveness and will avoid inappropriate removal of original timber and plaster.
As a specialist, the company's consultant routinely prepares expert opinions for use in litigation.