Mundic Testing
Mundic is a form of concrete degradation that affects the composition of concrete blocks and puts the physical strength of buildings at risk. It happens when concrete blocks made out of waste rocks from mining, quarrying, and beach gravel, combined with sand, china clay waste, or mine processing residue, come into contact with moisture.
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This type of concrete block was highly used by builders in Cornwall and Devon at the beginning of the 20th century. Being mining one of the main trades in the area meant that huge amounts of mining spoil and processing waste were available as aggregate at a low price. However, it was not until the mid-1980s that the issue became apparent, and it was investigated.
Since then, a guidance has been put in place to clarify the development in the testing of concrete samples for evidence of Mundic which, ultimately, helps lenders decide if a property is mortgageable or not.
How does it work?
Step 1:
We will organise an appointment, generally within a week of being instructed. The surveyor will attend the appointment and drill core samples from all the walls he might consider relevant (internal and external).
Step2:
Samples will be taken to the laboratory to be analysed for the presence of Mundic. The results are usually ready within 48 hours (often quicker).
Step 3:
The surveyor will complete a detailed report meeting the requirements of the RICS Mundic Guidance Note 3rd Edition.
What does my mundic test result mean and how does it affect my mortgage?
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Class A1 & A2: These sound to satisfactory concrete. Mortgageable
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Class A3: Concrete contains mundic but is unlikely to suffer adverse effects. Stage 3 testing advised to examine how concrete will hold up in the future. Mortgageable
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Class B: Concrete contains more than 30% of possible problem aggregates, although it appears sound, it could cause potential problems. Unmortgageable
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Class C1 & C2: Those found to be clearly unsound from examination. Unmortgageable
How much it cost?
We understand that on many occasions mundic surveys are highlighted from Home Buyers Reports and Building Surveys and we are mindful of the extra expense incurred, which is why we are proud to be the most cost-effective mundic test provider to both Cornwall and Devon.
Our prices start from £395 INC VAT.
If you want a mundic test from a professional and friendly company, choose COR Building Surveys.
