RICS Level 3 Survey in Strickland Roger

Strickland Roger is rural through and through, so the homes we see here are nothing like standard modern builds. Our inspectors regularly look over stone-built houses, farmhouses and historic cottages across the parish. Many go back centuries, and they were put together using methods that are very different from those used today.

Durable as stone walls are, they still need a specialist eye. Our surveyors look for damp penetration, failing mortar and structural movement, all of which can affect traditional construction in this part of the world. Green slate roofs are also a familiar sight in Strickland Roger, and they call for close checking for slipped tiles, worn lead flashing and problems with timber sarking.

Because the River Kent makes up part of the southern boundary, flood risk matters for some properties in the parish. Our Level 3 Survey covers flood resilience and any earlier water damage that may be hidden from view. We also look at how older buildings have been altered over the years, since many have had changes that can affect structural integrity.

Before 1919-built homes account for a sizeable share of the housing stock in Strickland Roger, and they usually have solid walls rather than cavity construction. That traditional approach needs careful reading during a survey, because faults show up differently from those in newer homes. Our surveyors know these building methods well and can judge condition with confidence.

• Traditional stone wall assessment
• Slate roof condition inspection
• Damp and timber defect analysis
• Flood risk evaluation
• Listed building considerations
• Historical construction review

Across Strickland Roger, the dominant building type is traditional stone, with local limestone and slate used on many properties. The area’s architectural story is tied to its agricultural past, so you see farmhouses, manor houses and rural cottages built from materials taken close to hand. Our surveyors understand those older methods and can spot defects that might be missed by anyone unfamiliar with Cumbrian construction.

Many historic properties in the parish have roughcast render over stone walls, a finish that needs regular upkeep if it is to keep doing its job. Once damaged, or if it has been poorly applied, it can hold moisture and lead to damp inside the property. Our inspectors look closely at render finishes and pinpoint any places where water may be getting in.

Green slate roofing is one of the defining features of homes in Strickland Roger and the wider Westmorland area. Sourced historically from local quarries, this natural material performs well in rough weather, but it still needs routine attention. Our surveyors inspect slate roofs thoroughly, checking for broken or slipped slates, tired mortar in ridge tiles and lead flashing issues around chimneys and valleys.

Burneside Hall, with its pele tower, is one of the parish’s more notable historic properties and a good example of medieval defensive architecture adapted for everyday use. Buildings of this age and character need especially careful assessment, as their construction may include features no longer used in modern practice. Our Level 3 Survey is well suited to these complex historic properties.

• Local limestone and stone wall construction
• Traditional roughcast render finishes
• Green slate roofing materials
• Solid wall construction (pre-1919)
• Historic farmhouses and manor houses
• Traditional lime mortar pointing

From surveying properties across Westmorland and Furness, we often see the same issues turning up in Strickland Roger homes. Damp penetration is one of the most common, especially in older stone buildings where lime mortar has broken down or render has failed. It can show itself as rising damp, penetrating damp from roof defects, or condensation in rooms that do not breathe well.

Timber defects are just as common here. With so many older properties, roof timbers, floor joists and structural members can show rot or woodworm infestation. Our inspectors probe accessible timber carefully so we can judge condition and identify active decay that could affect structural integrity. Where beams or original joinery are exposed, we also record historic repairs or alterations that may have a bearing on the property’s condition.

Roofing problems feature strongly in our survey findings for Strickland Roger properties. Green slate roofs are distinctive and hard-wearing, but they still need regular attention. We often find slipped or broken slates, worn lead flashing around chimneys and valleys, and issues with sarking boards beneath the tiles. Because the parish is so rural, some properties may also have thatched roofs or other non-standard coverings that need specialist assessment.

Many traditional stone buildings in the area suffer from pointing deterioration and masonry cracking. In Cumbria, freeze-thaw cycles speed up mortar erosion, which lets water in and can lead to more serious structural issues. Our surveyors note the condition of pointing and record any cracking patterns that may point to settlement or subsidence concerns. Rendered walls may also show render failure or detachment from the surface below.

The River Kent forms part of the southern boundary of the parish, so proximity to it can affect properties in Strickland Roger. Not every home faces a significant risk, but our Level 3 Survey does include checks for flood indicators and the property’s resistance to water damage. We look at ground levels, drainage systems and any visible evidence of earlier flooding or water ingress.

For lower-lying properties, or those with historic links to milling or agriculture near the river, we give more specific advice on flood risk and the precautions that may be needed. That is particularly relevant in Cumbria, where flood resilience has become a bigger concern after various flood events in recent years. Our surveyors note any flood mitigation already in place and outline other steps you may want to consider.

Surface water flooding can also cause trouble in rural places with varied topography, especially where fell-side terrain is involved. Our surveyors assess the site drainage and the land around it, and we note anything that could lead to water pooling or runoff problems. Taken together with our view of the property’s construction and any flood mitigation already present, this gives a fuller picture of flood-related issues.

Basements and cellars, which are common in some historic buildings, get particular attention for damp and water ingress. Our survey includes checks of any below-ground spaces, looking for signs of water penetration and assessing how well any existing tanking or damp-proofing systems are working.