NFS Screeding Ltd, Company Registration No. 8945777 (Need for Screed) - **Judgment debt paid**

[MrPengu1n]

Hi All!

 

Can you advise and guide me?

 

Situation - 

 

I appointed a floor screeding company to screed a specified area of my downstairs floor.

 

Job was completed by company (will share later if necessary).

 

Post installation instructions followed in terms of traffic to screed and drying times.

 

Job was paid via bank transfer upon receipt of invoice.

 

2.5 weeks after floor laid, defects detected (delamination and cracking as a start my list is longer).

 

The Floor screeder attended for inspection and robust discussion ensued about the quality of job.  Amongst other issues it included 2 key points:

1.     use of a product particular as a bonding agent for the floor and screed.  The product used was a liquid DPM.  A liquid can be used in conjunction with a bonding agent on top (once dried with required coats applied and sand blinded etc) but is not a bonding agent itself.  The product was applied by broom and screed was laid on top within minutes.

2.     The depth of the screed applied is way too shallow.  Declared by the screeder to be 10mm but its obvious is some spots is only 2 or 3 mm.  The depth does not confirm to the British Standards BS 8204 for the type for screed laid.

 

Following the site inspection and discussion, the screeder is only prepared to acknowledge and address the spots of delamination.  I’ve since counted 10 separate areas of delamination.  This is a sign the whole thing is doomed.

 

I’ve contacted some other ‘larger’ screeding companies and shared the situation including pictures.  They have declared that the only option to correct is to remove the screed that was laid, remove the liquid DPM and then relay a new screed using correct bonding products and correct depth floor screed.

 

At this time I’ve drafted a formal complaint letter to the screeder (is a registered company on companies house) highlighting all of the issues I had raised and concluding that the floor has not been laid correctly using appropriate materials.

 

I’ll post all the letter and appendix materials here later.

 

(in addition they also left a stain on my astroturf from the liquid DPM)

 

I’ve not sent the letter just yet (needs a final proof read) but given the screeders attitude I’m fairly certain it wont be fruitful in terms of a result for me.

 

I think I have the basis for a case in a small claims court, I’d appreciate any advice on what to do next.

 

Regards, Mr P

[MrPengu1n]

Thanks for the comments - 

 

The work was carried out by NFS Screeding Ltd, Company Registration No.  8945777  (Need for Screed) on 5th October 2022.

 

NFS SCREEDING LTD overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK

FIND-AND-UPDATE.COMPANY-INFORMATION.SERVICE.GOV.UK

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NFS SCREEDING LTD - Free company information from Companies House including registered office address, filing history, accounts, annual return...

 

The price quoted and paid was £900 (the invoice was actually higher as they forgot to add VAT to the quote but honoured the price quoted).

 

I have  already contacted two large screeding companies who are due to provide me quotation's for remedial works, both of which suggested this is the required course of action given the details I had shared, so I guess they are no longer independant

 

In terms of getting an independent examination of the quality of the job, should this be another screeding company, a structural engineer or someone involved in building control (by that I mean would any suffice or must it come from a particular one of these)?

 

Thanks for your comments and direction!

 

MrP

[MrPengu1n]

Thanks again for the advice and comments - I've included below a draft of my letter to NFS which I'll give them 14 days to respond to.

 

I'm going to reach our to a some people I've had dealing with on the planning, structural engineering and 3rd party wall agreement side of things to see if they can point me towards someone who can complete the independent report.

 

Have a read and let me know if I've covered it all -

 

Dear [NAME] (director NFS Screeding Ltd),

 

I am formally writing to you following our in person conversation at my address of [ADDRESS] on 25^th October 2022, in regards to the screed floor you (NFS Screeding Ltd) laid at the aforementioned address on 5^th October 2022.

 

On 22^nd September 2022 you visited my address to site survey and quote for the purpose of laying a screed floor to my circa 1965 era house.

 

The screed floor was to be laid to the living room, hallway including understairs, lobby and downstairs WC (see appendix A of ground floor plan showing areas for screeding).

 

At the time of the visit, the floor was a bare slab with just a single piece of unpinned carpet covering a section of the hallway.  You were able to roll back the carpet and inspect the substrate.

 

On 2^nd October 2022, I queried with you via WhatsApp the suitability of some sections of the substrate in the hallway to be covered in screed (see Appendix B for message details).  In response, you called me the following day to advise the method and materials you would use would mean that there would be ‘no issues’.

 

Prior to the screed floor being laid, the floor area had been cleared and removed of nonfriable materials and any laitance.  No chemicals or liquids had been applied to the substrate.

 

The lower section of the stair case was suspended to allow screeding under the area where the bottom step would rest on the floor (see appendix C of pictures showing the areas of the floor immediately before the screed was laid).

 

You came to my property with another person (assumption an employee of NFS Screeding Ltd) on 5^th October 2022 and laid a sand and cement-based screed floor with Mapescreed 704 additive, to the floor areas specified.

 

After the floor had been laid, your instructions were to avoid foot traffic for 24 hours and that it would be fully dried after seven days, at which point floor coverings could be applied.  I asked you about setting the stairs down to the screed and you advised it would be fine after 48 hours.

 

No foot traffic was set to the floor until in excess of 72 hours.  The lower section of the stair case, which has previously been suspended to allow of screeding under the area where the bottom step would rest on the floor, was not set to the screed floor until in excess of 8 days (see appendix D for pictures of the screed taken within an hour of being laid).

 

On the 12^th October 2022 I received your invoice of £900 for the works carried out 5^th October, 2022 for: ‘Supply and install fast dry bonded screed at [ADDRESS]’, (invoice 56879 dated 10^th October 2022) and promptly paid this in full, via bank transfer on 13^th October 2022 (see attached appendix E for copy of invoice).

 

On 22^nd October 2022 I became aware of an area of the laid screed in the hallway that had begun cracking and delaminated. I messaged you via WhatsApp the same day and asked what you would do about this.  You visited my property subsequently on 25^th October 2022 for an inspection.

 

On your visit of 25^th October 2022, I raised the following issues with you:

 

1.     Use of in appropriate bonding agent between substrate and screed:

You used Wickes own brand liquid DPM as a bonding agent, applied by broom directly to the substrate and laid the screed directly on top within minutes.

This product and method of bonding screed is not suitable as this product is not designed or intended to be a screed bonding agent.

 

2.     Excessive Cracking:

Areas around door frames and across the floor areas are cracking.  In particular in areas where there is foot traffic and under the foot of lower section of staircase (which had been rested on a wooden sheet to avoid direct contact with the screed.  In some areas cracking lines join up.

 

 

3.     Depth of Screed laid:

You confirmed that you had laid the floor screed to a depth of 10mm.

A 10mm depth of a sand and cement-based screed is less that half of the required depth as per British Standard BS-8204 (normal depth 40mm with a minimum of 25mm).

There are areas of the WC where screed has simply flaked off revealing that screed depth laid in that area is no more that 2 to 3mm in places.

 

4.     Delamination of screed from subfloor:

At the time of your visit on 25^th October, four areas of delamination were detected.

As of 28^th October, ten individual areas have been detected.  In addition note the areas of WC floor that have flaked revealing the substrate covered in the Wickes own brand liquid DPM.

 

5.     Levelling of screed throughout the area laid:

During your visit of 25^th October, I used your laser level to show you that the levelling throughout has many variations.  One particular variation is at least up to 15mm in an area less than 2 meters, which is not in keeping with British Standard BS-8203.  The example discussed on your visit of 25^th October 2022 pertained to a section of the lobby area.

 

6.     Overall finish of surface:

The finish to the surface is furrowed and pitted in places.  This is not a reasonable expectation of a screed finish.

 

7.     Staining/damage to astroturf:

While laying the screed floor on 5^th October, a deposit of the Wickes own brand liquid DPM was left on my Astro turf lawn by you or you associate.  I attempted to remove this with chemicals however is has left a stained.

 

Of the above points, you have advised you would only address the delamination areas and ‘look at’ what could be one about the stain to the astroturf.

 

 

Nothwithstanding any of the issues raised other than the inappropriate method and materials used in attempting to bond the screed and screed depth itself, there are no remedial actions that can be taken to the screed floor you have laid, in its current state, to correct them.  i.e. a suitable bonding agent and method cannot be retrospectively applied; the floor screed height cannot be increased to the correct levels on top of the existing screed.

 

Therefore, the only available option is to mechanically remove the screed floor that you have laid and remove the liquid DPM to then have an appropriate bonding agent applied and suitable screed applied and levelled to the required British Standards (i.e. BS-8203 and BS-8204).

 

As a result, I therefore require you, at your cost to:

·       Mechanically remove the defective screed floor that you have laid, using an appropriate method.

·       Remove the liquid DPM from the substrate using a suitable method, leaving it in a prepared state to receive new screed floor installation.

 

If you are so prepared, I would also invite you to, at no additional cost to myself, to:

Install a new level screed floor using an appropriate bonding agent and suitable screed applied and levelled to the required British Standards (i.e. BS-8203 and BS-8204) (the work would be subject to a 3^rd party inspection to ensure it has conformed to said standards).

 

If you are not prepared to install the new floor then I would require a subsequent refund of the £900 paid to you by bank transfer on 13^th October 2022.

 

In addition, I require you to address the Astroturf staining by removal of the stain or if the stain cannot be removed then, at your cost, arrange for the section to be replaced to a suitable standard.

 

If you do not wish to engage with me and fulfil your obligations in a responsible way, then I will seek advice and quotations from alternate screed companies to complete the above required works and commission an independent survey to detail and report of the works  NFS Screeding has completed.  Any such costs of obtaining quotations or reports I will seek to reclaim from you in addition to the costs of having the defective laid screed floor removed and re-laid correctly.

 

If you are a member of a professional arbitration scheme, then I am happy to engage in an arbitration process to help bring this matter to a resolution.

 

You may replay to me, in writing, to my home address or via email or WhatsApp if more convenient.

 

Your response to the above is required within 14 days from the date of this letter.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

[MrPengu1n]

Thanks BankFodder, great points - I've amended the draft to remove the exact solution leaving that to NFS to propose.  Also removed reference to the mediation and WhatsApp.

 

Copy pasted below.

 

==================

Dear [NAME] (director NFS Screeding Ltd),

 

I am formally writing to you following our in person conversation at my address of [ADDRESS] on 25^th October 2022, in regards to the screed floor you (NFS Screeding Ltd) laid at the aforementioned address on 5^th October 2022.

 

On 22^nd September 2022 you visited my address to site survey and quote for the purpose of laying a screed floor to my circa 1965 era house.

 

The screed floor was to be laid to the living room, hallway including understairs, lobby and downstairs WC (see appendix A of ground floor plan showing areas for screeding).

 

At the time of the visit, the floor was a bare slab with just a single piece of unpinned carpet covering a section of the hallway.  You were able to roll back the carpet and inspect the substrate.

 

On 2^nd October 2022, I queried with you via WhatsApp the suitability of some sections of the substrate in the hallway to be covered in screed (see Appendix B for message details).  In response, you called me the following day to advise the method and materials you would use would mean that there would be ‘no issues’.

 

Prior to the screed floor being laid, the floor area had been cleared and removed of nonfriable materials and any laitance.  No chemicals or liquids had been applied to the substrate.

 

The lower section of the stair case was suspended to allow screeding under the area where the bottom step would rest on the floor (see appendix C of pictures showing the areas of the floor immediately before the screed was laid).

 

You came to my property with another person (assumption an employee of NFS Screeding Ltd) on 5^th October 2022 and laid a sand and cement-based screed floor with Mapescreed 704 additive, to the floor areas specified.

 

After the floor had been laid, your instructions were to avoid foot traffic for 24 hours and that it would be fully dried after seven days, at which point floor coverings could be applied.  I asked you about setting the stairs down to the screed and you advised it would be fine after 48 hours.

 

No foot traffic was set to the floor until in excess of 72 hours.  The lower section of the stair case, which has previously been suspended to allow of screeding under the area where the bottom step would rest on the floor, was not set to the screed floor until in excess of 8 days (see appendix D for pictures of the screed taken within an hour of being laid).

 

On the 12^th October 2022 I received your invoice of £900 for the works carried out 5^th October, 2022 for: ‘Supply and install fast dry bonded screed at [ADDRESS]’, (invoice 56879 dated 10^th October 2022) and promptly paid this in full, via bank transfer on 13^th October 2022 (see attached appendix E for copy of invoice).

 

On 22^nd October 2022 I became aware of an area of the laid screed in the hallway that had begun cracking and delaminated. I messaged you via WhatsApp the same day and asked what you would do about this.  You visited my property subsequently on 25^th October 2022 for an inspection.

 

On your visit of 25^th October 2022, I raised the following issues with you:

 

1.     Use of in appropriate bonding agent between substrate and screed:

You used Wickes own brand liquid DPM as a bonding agent, applied by broom directly to the substrate and laid the screed directly on top within minutes.

This product and method of bonding screed is not suitable as this product is not designed or intended to be a screed bonding agent.

 

2.     Excessive Cracking:

Areas around door frames and across the floor areas are cracking.  In particular in areas where there is foot traffic and under the foot of lower section of staircase (which had been rested on a wooden sheet to avoid direct contact with the screed.  In some areas cracking lines join up.

 

 

3.     Depth of Screed laid:

You confirmed that you had laid the floor screed to a depth of 10mm.

A 10mm depth of a sand and cement-based screed is less that half of the required depth as per British Standard BS-8204 (normal depth 40mm with a minimum of 25mm).

There are areas of the WC where screed has simply flaked off revealing that screed depth laid in that area is no more that 2 to 3mm in places.

 

4.     Delamination of screed from subfloor:

At the time of your visit on 25^th October, four areas of delamination were detected.

As of 28^th October, ten individual areas have been detected.  In addition note the areas of WC floor that have flaked revealing the substrate covered in the Wickes own brand liquid DPM.

 

5.     Levelling of screed throughout the area laid:

During your visit of 25^th October, I used your laser level to show you that the levelling throughout has many variations.  One particular variation is at least up to 15mm in an area less than 2 meters, which is not in keeping with British Standard BS-8203.  The example discussed on your visit of 25^th October 2022 pertained to a section of the lobby area.

 

6.     Overall finish of surface:

The finish to the surface is furrowed and pitted in places.  This is not a reasonable expectation of a screed finish.

 

7.     Staining/damage to astroturf:

While laying the screed floor on 5^th October, a deposit of the Wickes own brand liquid DPM was left on my Astro turf lawn by you or you associate.  I attempted to remove this with chemicals however is has left a stained.

 

Of the above points, you have advised you would only address the delamination areas and ‘look at’ what could be one about the stain to the astroturf.

 

 

Nothwithstanding any of the issues raised other than the inappropriate method and materials used in attempting to bond the screed and screed depth itself, there are no remedial actions that can be taken to the screed floor you have laid, in its current state, to correct them.  i.e. a suitable bonding agent and method cannot be retrospectively applied; the floor screed height cannot be increased to the correct levels on top of the existing screed.

 

 

To resolve the matter I would require the following to occur, all at your cost:

NFS Screeding Ltd to propose a suitable solution to correct the defective and incorrectly laid floor screed.  The proposed solution will be subject to assessment and consultation for suitability by an independent 3rd party (including written report).  Carry out works to required standards (British and Industry Standards), which will be subject to assessment and inspection by an independent 3rd party (including written report).

 

If you do not wish to engage with me and fulfil your obligations in a responsible way, then I will commission an independent survey to detail and report of the works NFS Screeding has completed.  I will seek advice and quotations from alternate screed companies to complete the required works.  Any such costs of obtaining quotations or reports I will seek to reclaim from you in addition to the costs of having the defective laid screed floor removed and re-laid correctly.

 

In addition, I require you to address the Astroturf staining by removal of the stain or if the stain cannot be removed then, at your cost, arrange for the section to be replaced to a suitable standard.

 

You may reply to me, in writing, to my home address or via email if more convenient.

 

Your response to the above is required within 14 days from the date of this letter.

 

Yours sincerely,

[MrPengu1n]

Update:  I've sent the letter out - I got confirmation of receipt via email in the form of -

 

"Afternoon.  

 

I’ll take a look over this and respond in due course 

 

Thanks Very Much..."

 

Lets see what comes back, if anything.

[MrPengu1n]

Thanks BankFodder - i've been in contact with 2 companies for a witness/expert report.  One seems not too keen and is due to provide me a price for such services, the other want to have a site inspection first before anything else, which sounds promising.

 

I'm working out a date with the latter and going to speak with them tomorrow to schedule their inspection so they can then lay out what they can do for me.

 

I like your suggestion and have done just that:

================

I acknowledge your reply – “in due course" is of no interest to me.  A reminder that the 14-days I have given you expires on 19^th November 2022.  I am currently making arrangements for site inspections and will commission the go ahead for a report on 20^th November 2022, if you have not taken the required action as laid out in my letter of 5^th November 2022.

 

As soon as the inspection has been carried out and confirms that the work is defective, I will then be sending you a letter of claim and will begin legal proceedings without any further exchange of dialogue in the absence of a fully co-operative response from you.

================

 

I don't intend to hang about here in getting things moving - Christmas has been ruined before its happened with the fact we only have a kitchen and utility room functioning in the whole of the downstairs so as soon as the clock has ticked, I'll be moving ahead.

 

At what point am I able to commission the removal of the screed and new floor to be laid work by an alternate company?  Mrs Penguin and myself would like at least like a re-laid floor before Dec 25th!

 

Appreciate the guidance!

 

MrP

[MrPengu1n]

No, the witness/report company are not aware of the name of the screening company who carried out the work (the one they will be reporting on).

[MrPengu1n]

The survey company are coming Friday morning to take a look and tell me what they can do.

 

NFS has replied to my email from yesterday! I need to run through and digest and will then post it here tomorrow with my comments against it. Initial skim through looks to me that he's highlighted he clearly doesn't know what the products he's used, actually do...

[MrPengu1n]

NFS response:

==========

 

Good Afternoon

 

As discussed when visiting your house the areas of delamination can be addressed and repaired with relative ease as well as bringing the small area that is raised up, this can be brought down with a small grinder. After thoughts on why this area is a little higher that the rest of the screed I do remember slightly raising I there to bring it in line with the existing screed in that room to allow the build up you require for the 20mm boards and the tile build up, if the screed was low there then there would be a step after your final floor finish was installed. The other consideration there was that there is to be a wall installed between the toilet and this small area completely separating the areas.

 

When I first visited the house you expressed concerns about the fact there may not be adequate DPM under the existing slab, this is why I chose this particular product that we have used on many project previously with no issues what so ever as explained to you at the time, you were happy to go down this route. The Liquid dpm was installed exactly to the description, ‘easily applied with a brush’.

 

The screed depth through out is consistent with a minimum depth as per the Mapei 704 data sheet, the British standard that you refer to does not take in consideration for modified screeds that we have used. As for the screed surface there Is no concern for me on this front and any floor covering could be laid on it with no remedial work required.

 

Id like to know the manufacturer of the insulation boards that will be install and the underfloor system that you will be using please.

 

As for our actions, as previously mentioned here and at your house we are happy to come and do the remedial works to repair the small delaminated areas and take the small raised screed area down. This will then be more than adequate to receive the 20mm insulation board with the under floor heating and the final tiled finish. Tuesday the 15^th is when we can come and do this work.

We require the whole area to be empty and any clothes or coats hanging up taken away, this is because there may be a little dust when grinding screed down.

 

Below are my comments, bulleted, for each paragraph.

 

==========START==========

 

Good Afternoon

 

As discussed when visiting your house the areas of delamination can be addressed and repaired with relative ease as well as bringing the small area that is raised up, this can be brought down with a small grinder. After thoughts on why this area is a little higher that the rest of the screed I do remember slightly raising I there to bring it in line with the existing screed in that room to allow the build up you require for the 20mm boards and the tile build up, if the screed was low there then there would be a step after your final floor finish was installed. The other consideration there was that there is to be a wall installed between the toilet and this small area completely separating the areas.

 

• The comment about why the screed is higher makes no sense.
• Final floor heights were not discussed in terms of adjoining rooms.
• The reference to 20mm boards feels spurious as he did not know the board height until after the job was completed and it was discussed when he had been called back regards the issues I raised.
• The point about the wall is an attempt to suggest the floor level between 2 specific points won’t be a problem as there will be a wall between them. 

 

 

When I first visited the house you expressed concerns about the fact there may not be adequate DPM under the existing slab, this is why I chose this particular product that we have used on many project previously with no issues what so ever as explained to you at the time, you were happy to go down this route. The Liquid dpm was installed exactly to the description, ‘easily applied with a brush’.

 

• I questioned if I could paint a liquid DPM on top of the screed he would lay as I advised that there was no DPM under my floor slab, not that there may not be one.
• I wasn’t ‘happy’, I was not unhappy.  I trusted that the materials being used would be appropriate.
• The liquid DPM was not installed correctly.  I queried its used with Wickes (who contacted the manufacturer).  The installation requires 2 coats.  The first coat must be dry before applying the 2^nd.  The 2^nd coat would need to be blinded with sand after application, then dried.  Once the 2^nd coat was dried a 50mm screed can be applied (according to Wickes).

 

 

The screed depth through out is consistent with a minimum depth as per the Mapei 704 data sheet, the British standard that you refer to does not take in consideration for modified screeds that we have used. As for the screed surface there Is no concern for me on this front and any floor covering could be laid on it with no remedial work required.

 

• There is no such product as Mapei 704.  Mapei is the manufacturer.  The product is called Mapescreed 704.
• Mapescreed 704 is a is a plasticising additive that will improve plasticity and workability, reduces porosity and hygrometric shrinkage, accelerates the development of mechanical strength, improves thermal conductivity and reduces drying times.  Nowhere on the Technical Data Sheet does it refer to screed height/depth.
• I spoke to a technical support person at Mapei about this product the day after he visited following my complaint, they confirmed to me that such a product that would strengthen a screed to be as low as 10mm is called a hydraulic binder, not the type of additive that Mapescreed 704 is.  I knew this point before I wrote my letter to NFS knowing that they did not use the correct product and as such he has once again confirmed the wrong product was used, in writing.  I feel this highlights he is unaware that he is using the correct products for the work he undertakes or simply doesn’t care.
• He is correct about the British standard reference to modified screeds.  However the  screed he laid is not modified appropriately.
• The screed depth is not consistent and is even below 10mm in places.

 

Id like to know the manufacturer of the insulation boards that will be install and the underfloor system that you will be using please.

 

• This question wasn’t of concern before he took the job or laid the screed and so it has no relevance now. I feel this information, if shared, would just be used in an attempt to justify that the work completed is ok.  I’m not intending to share this.

 

 

As for our actions, as previously mentioned here and at your house we are happy to come and do the remedial works to repair the small delaminated areas and take the small raised screed area down. This will then be more than adequate to receive the 20mm insulation board with the under floor heating and the final tiled finish. Tuesday the 15^th is when we can come and do this work.

We require the whole area to be empty and any clothes or coats hanging up taken away, this is because there may be a little dust when grinding screed down.

 

• The initial offer was just to repair 2 delaminated areas, which are now at least 10 delaminated areas (I’ve not checked any further since writing the letter), however it seems all these spots are walk way areas, which indicates to me at least that the strength of the screed underload is not suitable.  
• The proposal to ‘take down the small area’ is new.

 

 

==========END==========

 

The proposal he has made, I feel, is not acceptable as it doesn’t address the fundamental issues.

 

Do I now reply to him advising he has used the incorrect products and why, and call him out as a cowboy, as well as reject the offer as being short of what is required?

 

MrP

 

it won't be a report at this stage but a site inspection/assessment to advise what they can do and then I'm expecting a statement of works of what they will do and the fees involved.

 

I'm hoping they would indicate if the job they see is good or bad.

 

Looking forward and thinking about possible outcomes, if NFS continue to contest and don't do as laid out in the letter, I need to consider the grounds or wording to base the claim on.  

 

NFS certainly, in my opinion, did not 'use reasonable care and skill' when they carried out the work.  Is that proved with the reference to the relevant British Standards, and application/usage of the products that were used in the job (i.e. the use of the liquid DPM and incorrect application, no use of screed hydraulic binders)?

 

Am I jumping to gun and should wait until the deadline is passed before getting in to that? - and of course I need to rebuttal his response.

[MrPengu1n]

Sorry, its not clear for me if I need to respond to their proposal first, to reject it, and then commission the report as they didn't meet the requirements laid out in my letter?

 

I've created the MCOL account and will have a read up on the process.

 

[MrPengu1n]

My first formal written letter to them was dated 5th Nov (this letter followed an in person discussion about the work on 25th Oct), giving 14 days to address.

They responded via email the same day to acknowledge the receipt.

I sent a response to that initial acknowledgement, as suggested, on 8th November

Their response to my formal letter received via email, on 9th November.

 

That's where we're up to.

 

They have responded, they have not been reluctant to engage.

 

The response is short of what is expected per the letter, they have not addressed the issues of the staining to my astroturf from the liquid DPM product they used, and manage to step on the astroturf with a foot that had been stepped in the stuff!  That's a side point really.

 

[MrPengu1n]

The surveyor came today to inspect - I told him the chain of events leading up to the floor being laid and told him my findings after the floor had been laid.

 

He took damp readings in addition to inspecting.

 

He pointed out that the DPM that was applied under the screed is ineffective as the floor showed signs of damp.  This point he said would cause further delamination.

 

I'm awaiting his report (expected early next week) but the conclusion was the laid screed, needs to come up and redone.

 

I now need to go back to NFS to reply to their response but what are the next steps from here?

 

I'm keen to get the work completed so would like to appoint someone to do that.  Do I need to wait any further or advise NFS in my response this is what I'm doing and give them a copy of the schedule of works?

 

Keen to get things moving

Edited November 17, 2022 by MrPengu1n

[MrPengu1n]

Given that NFS has responded with what they were prepared to do as remedial action, and that action is not suitable (based on the surveyor assessment), can I proceed and appoint my own choice of company to action remedial work (remove old screed) and lay the new floor or do I still need to give NFS another opportunity to complete the remedial work?

 

I'd want to avoid having them in the house again to be perfectly frank, but recognise I need to completely reasonable.

 

To remove the old screed: labour, tool hire, skip hire is probably circa 1,500 - I've asked for an itemisation on the quote as it includes all the works (not including a skip) as a final figure.

 

I'll need to add the cost of the report too.

[MrPengu1n]

yes, I'll go back to the surveyor with these questions.

 

Copy of PDF (redacted for my personal details) attached.

BS12827 - Letter - re floor screed_Redact.PDF

[MrPengu1n]

 

The square meterage of floor that was covered in screed/DPM is approx 37.5 sqm.  The tin advises it can cover 1-2 sqm per litre. So a 25 litre tin would cover that area but only 1 coat at a ratio of 1.33 litres per sqm.

 

A coat would be considered as a layer applied, and dried before another layer put on top laid.  There is no way they applied more than 1 coat, as they were only at my property for 3 hours tops.

 

The minimum drying time for the product is 6 hours, and that would be in ideal conditions and temperatures.

 

The Wickes own website product reviews seem to be the source from where the surveyor has gathered is comments about its usage.   Reading the reviews, they all lament about using it and claim its not suitable for its intended use.

[MrPengu1n]

On the Wickes website there are 2 different sized tins (5Litre and 25Litre) of the same product - both products have reviews with 1 star ratings under the following URLs:

 

25 Litre

Wickes Bitumen Damp Proof Membrane Liquid - 25L | Wickes.co.uk

WWW.WICKES.CO.UK

---

Wickes Bitumen Damp Proof Membrane Liquid - 25L

 

5 Litre

Wickes Bitumen Damp Proof Membrane Liquid - 5L | Wickes.co.uk

WWW.WICKES.CO.UK

---

Wickes Bitumen Damp Proof Membrane Liquid - 5L

 

[MrPengu1n]

I see, so the inspector must reference the website reviews in his report specifically from customers who have used the product(s).

 

When you mention 'requirement from your inspector', is this the requirement in terms of application of the product?

 

I've just contacted Wickes and got the name of the manufacturer of their own brand liquid DPM, - IKO Plc.  I called their technical line (01257 255771) and spoke to them about the application and usage of the Wickes own brand liquid DPM.  

 

They advised that it must be applied in a 2 coat minimum.  They also advised that when applying a screed on top, it must be a sand cement based screed of 50mm.  They advised it cannot be used on a 'modified' screed as there will be compatibility issues with the bitumen in the  liquid DPM.

 

I've asked the inspector to talk to the above points on product application, directly referencing the customer quotes, suitability of the screed laid in terms of depth and shared the information about the manufacturer.

[MrPengu1n]

The inspector has sent me a revised report based on the questions I've asked and also included supporting documentation.

 

I'm much happier with this version of the report.  Attached.90285_L_11.pdfBS12827 - Letter - re floor screed_Redact_2.PDF

 

The forum isn't allowing me to upload one of the PDF files which is a scree shot of a review.

[MrPengu1n]

Thanks, I'll draft a letter to NFS and share here.

 

Given that NFS already made a proposal to address the issues I raised to them, which given the report, are not suitable.  Can I advise them that I will proceed to get the works done by an alternate company or do I still need to see if they will revise their proposal (a 2nd chance)?

 

I have obtained 2 quotes already.

[MrPengu1n]

I see.  The quotes from alternate companies were given based on what I had told them in regards how the previous job was carried out, materials  etc, however i think I'll share the report with them to see if their quotes change - however I don't think they will change as their quotes were based on complete removal of the existing screed and liquid dpm and installing a solution using different materials. 

[MrPengu1n]

I've used your template to send NFS a copy of the report.  I've given them until the end of the day Thursday to respond.

 

Regards quotations - its tricky to get companies to come site as the job isn't a 'big one' in terms of square meterage.  Having the report will be helpful to allow them to draw up a suitable plans of works.

 

The first 2 quotes were based on a description of the work completed and pictures.  I doubt the report will change their proposed schedule of works but I will share it with them.

 

After the work is eventually be completed to the required standard, when it comes top claiming back from NFS, what are I entitled to claim for?

So far I've assumed it will - money back, cost of removing the screed NFS laid, cost of the report.

Is there anything else?

[MrPengu1n]

This is the email that I sent to NFS:

 

====================

Dear [name],

As you know, I have been very unhappy with the quality of the work which you carried out on my property and I have already drawn your attention to this.

I have now commissioned a report from Martin and Martin chartered surveyors and I have attached a copy of that report to this email.

I am inviting you to make your comments and any proposals.

 

I give you until the end of day Thursday 1^st December 2023 to reply.

However, I should inform you that if you propose any remedial work, that I shall want the work surveyed and approved by an independent inspector. I think that this is the best way forward for both of us because it puts the quality of any further work by yourselves beyond question.

You should understand though, that based on the attached report the screeding which you applied to my property needs to be completely taken up and the job needs to be redone.

I'm also letting you know that I am currently obtaining quotations for doing this work from other companies.

I shall keep you in the loop and I shall provide you with copies of all other information which I obtain in order to give you an opportunity to comment.

Yours faithfully

 

Mr P

====================

 

I've not had a response or acknowledgement as yet, and I'm not expecting NFS will reply by the end of day tomorrow deadline.

 

Do I need to send a copy by mail/post or is email sufficient, give that they have replied via email to the original correspondence?

 

What is the next step?

[MrPengu1n]

Yes, end of day tomorrow - the guidance was to give them 'a few days to respond' so 3 seems ok for this step?

[MrPengu1n]

yes   - I popped a copy of the email sent above.

[MrPengu1n]

ooooh... shot!  Yes, I'll need to correct that!  thank you for catching that!

 

Do I just resend stating that the date given was incorrect and in fact is, most probably a new date, 3 days from now?