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Author Topic: NHBC Consultant - Mortar Issues  (Read 10744 times)

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Rdb

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NHBC Consultant - Mortar Issues
« on: July 06, 2017, 08:19:42 pm »
I have had an interesting experience lately with a consultant Barry Haseltine MBE who NHBC use to assess mortar issues.  I gather from the claims manager that they use him  a lot.
Anyone else who has had similar issues please can you PM me.
I dont recommend posting comments here other that to state you have had issues - or stick strictly to 100% verifiable facts.


New Home Expert

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Re: NHBC Consultant - Mortar Issues
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2017, 05:50:12 pm »
I really think you need to contact via PM our member  PSE
He has been battling the NHBC with a similar defect.
It also, (reading between the lines) seems to be similar concerns in your mind!
Like you, he has Barry Hestletine MBE (87) as the NHBC's "independent"  expert.

So the NHBC claims manager tells you the NHBC use him a lot!
You do have to question just how independent he is - practically an employee?.
It also goes some way to explain why he takes many weeks to produce what is by that time, a relatively straightforward report based on many previous test results from many different test labs.

It also demonstrates that the issue of weak or sub standard mortar is widespread and something that industry needs to address by regular testing of mortar cubes taken on site each week.
New Home Blog - New Home Expert is committed to providing help and advice for people having issues with their new homes and difficulties with house builders as well as helping potential buyers reduce the risk of possible problems if they do buy.

Tim Fee Snagging Inspector

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Re: NHBC Consultant - Mortar Issues
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2017, 11:51:12 am »
It would appear from the attached file the NHBC has been using Barry Haseltine (MBE) for weak mortar problems for years as this was even dated 1999. 

In the attached file Malcolm Hollis, professor of building surveying at Reading University stated regarding the weak mortar "This (repointing) is a minimal way to resolve a problem that shouldn't exist in a building constructed at the end of the 20th century."  He added the inspection of the buildings during construction was deficient and had failed the homeowners.

So nothing has really changed then except we're now in the 21st century.

Finally, I wonder why BBC Wales refused to interview Barry Haseltine (MBE), the international expert who the NHBC had look at the site??? 

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Re: NHBC Consultant - Mortar Issues
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2017, 08:05:12 am »
Weak mix mortar is becoming a serious issue and NOT confined to isolated cases.
So the usual excuses/explanations of localised frost damage, brick acid cleaning and re knocked-up old mortar don't wash!

The NHBC and Barry Haseltine are fully aware of the problem, a problem that is going unchecked and will only get worse.  Imagine the embarrassment for the government if 30% of the million new homes by 2020 which were never going to be built anyway, have to be demolished due to weak mix mortar and cement replacement additive.
New Home Blog - New Home Expert is committed to providing help and advice for people having issues with their new homes and difficulties with house builders as well as helping potential buyers reduce the risk of possible problems if they do buy.