Plymouth combines heavy coastal exposure with a stock of Victorian terraces, extensive postwar rebuilding and stone property in the surrounding Devon countryside. Wind driven rain from the south west is the dominant weathering force, and it shows up in render, pointing and roof coverings before it shows anywhere else.
Render and rain penetration
Much of the older stock is rendered. Cracked or debonded render on an exposed elevation lets water in and traps it, and the repair depends on whether the wall behind is stone, brick or block. Ask the surveyor to say which.
Postwar reconstruction
A large part of the city was rebuilt after the war, and some of that stock uses non traditional construction. Identification matters for lending as well as for repair, so it is worth asking the firm whether they meet it regularly.
Stone property outside the city
Granite and rubble stone with lime mortar behave nothing like cavity brickwork. Cement pointing and impermeable coatings cause damp on these walls, and the report should recognise that before recommending a treatment.
Instructing
Chartered status, insurance, a sample report and travel confirmed for your postcode. Ask specifically about experience with exposed rendered elevations. Ask whether the firm inspects at height or from the ground, because on a rendered three storey elevation that difference decides how much the report can say.
Questions people ask about plymouth surveyors
Is render a problem on Plymouth houses?
Render is normal here and failing render is a common finding. The question is what is behind it and whether water has been getting in, which is a level 3 question.
Do I need a survey on a postwar house?
Yes, and the construction type is the first thing to establish. Some non traditional types affect mortgage availability as well as repair costs.
How far do Plymouth surveyors travel?
Most cover a wide part of Devon and Cornwall. Travel is priced in, so give the postcode when you ask for a quote.