{"id":1743,"date":"2025-05-19T15:08:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T15:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/?p=1743"},"modified":"2025-05-19T18:37:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T18:37:09","slug":"eku-un-buvju-tehniska-apsekosana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/blogs\/eku-un-buvju-tehniska-apsekosana\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Structural Defects: What Do Building and Structural Surveys Uncover?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1743\" class=\"elementor elementor-1743\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14483ec8 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"14483ec8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f1e0c40 elementor-icon-list--layout-inline elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"1f1e0c40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items elementor-inline-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/blogs\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Blog<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fae700 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6fae700\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Hidden Structural Defects: What Do Building and Structural Surveys Uncover?\n<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27fc6a9f elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"27fc6a9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A technical survey of buildings and structures is a vital process for determining their structural integrity and identifying potential safety risks. It's particularly crucial when a property is being considered for renovation, major alteration, or purchase. Often, defects aren't immediately obvious \u2013 they're 'hidden', and their impact on load-bearing elements or the building's longevity can be considerable. In this article, we'll delve into the technical survey methods employed and the most common faults found in various types of buildings across Latvia.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1734aa5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1734aa5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EkuTehniskaApsekosanaBlogs-1024x640.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1748\" alt=\"\u0113ku un b\u016bvju tehnisk\u0101 apseko\u0161ana\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EkuTehniskaApsekosanaBlogs-1024x640.webp 1024w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EkuTehniskaApsekosanaBlogs-300x188.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EkuTehniskaApsekosanaBlogs-768x480.webp 768w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EkuTehniskaApsekosanaBlogs-1536x960.webp 1536w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EkuTehniskaApsekosanaBlogs-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/EkuTehniskaApsekosanaBlogs.webp 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4281f75b e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4281f75b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-679c0980 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"679c0980\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Building Technical Survey Methods\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b660696 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery\" data-id=\"b660696\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-columns qodef-col-num--4 qodef-responsive--custom qodef-col-num--1680--3 qodef-col-num--1440--3 qodef-col-num--1366--3 qodef-col-num--1024--3 qodef-col-num--768--2 qodef-col-num--680--2 qodef-col-num--480--2\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-2.webp\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-43\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-2.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-2.webp 1080w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-2-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-2-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-2-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-2-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-3.jpg.webp\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-43\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-3.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-3.jpg.webp 1080w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-3.jpg-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-3.jpg-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-3.jpg-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-3.jpg-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-4.jpg.webp\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-43\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-4.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-4.jpg.webp 1080w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-4.jpg-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-4.jpg-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-4.jpg-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-4.jpg-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-5.jpg.webp\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-43\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-5.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\u0160mita \u0101murs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-5.jpg.webp 1080w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-5.jpg-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-5.jpg-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-5.jpg-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tehniska_apsekosa-5.jpg-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5fdb7149 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5fdb7149\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A technical survey of buildings and structures involves an in-depth assessment of the condition of a building's load-bearing and enclosing structures, building services, and other essential elements. This is carried out by a certified building professional.\n\nThe aim of such a survey is to objectively determine the building's technical condition, identify existing or potential defects, and assess their impact on the building's safety, structural integrity, and serviceability. It also provides recommendations for necessary remedial works or strengthening.\n\nTo gain a comprehensive understanding of a building's condition, experts employ various methods.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5633978 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5633978\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lai ieg\u016btu pilnv\u0113rt\u012bgu ainu par \u0113kas st\u0101vokli, eksperti izmanto da\u017e\u0101das metodes.<\/span><\/p><h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Visual Inspection<\/strong><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This remains the primary method, but an expert's eye spots what a layperson might miss \u2013 subtle deformations, the specific nature of cracks that can indicate a particular problem (e.g., settlement or overloading), or changes in material colour or texture suggesting dampness or chemical processes. All accessible structural elements are meticulously examined, including foundations (where accessible), basements, walls, floor slabs\/ceilings, roof structures, balconies, windows, and doors.<\/span><\/p><h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods<\/strong><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These methods allow us to assess the condition of materials and structures without causing any damage:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Thermography<\/strong>: A thermal camera is used to capture temperature differences on surfaces. This helps identify areas of heat loss (thermal bridges), moisture-affected zones in walls or roofs (as moisture alters a material's thermal conductivity), air infiltration points, and occasionally even hidden structural elements or defects (e.g., infilled openings). When assessing heat loss and the presence of moisture, experts implicitly follow the principles found in <\/span><b>LBN 002 'Thermal Performance of Building Envelopes'.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Moisture Measurements<\/strong>: Specialised moisture meters (contact or non-contact) are used to determine moisture levels in various structural elements (timber, concrete, masonry). This aids in the identification of active leaks or condensation issues.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Concrete Strength Assessment<\/strong>Using a Schmidt Hammer<em>Schmidt<\/em>) or the ultrasonic pulse velocity method, concrete strength can be roughly assessed. This is particularly crucial in precast concrete panel buildings or monolithic concrete structures. This method often relies on approaches described in standard <\/span><b>LVS EN 13791<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 'Assessment of concrete strength in structures and precast concrete components'.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Reinforcement Detection:<\/strong> Electromagnetic instruments (cover meters) can determine the location of steel reinforcement (rebar) in concrete, its diameter, and the concrete cover thickness. This is critically important for assessing corrosion risk.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Endoscopy:<\/strong> This involves inserting small cameras into hard-to-reach areas (e.g., behind cladding, in ventilation ducts) for visual condition assessment.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Partially Destructive or Destructive Methods:<\/strong> These methods are applied less frequently, typically when NDT methods don't provide sufficient information or when a precise determination of material composition and properties is required. For example, break-out inspections (removing a small area of render or finishes) may be carried out to directly examine the structure, or material samples (e.g., concrete cores, timber samples) taken for laboratory analysis.<\/span><\/li><li><strong>Documentation Analysis:<\/strong> Reviewing the building design documentation, previous survey reports, and repair records can provide valuable insight into the building's original construction, any modifications made, and potential weak points.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d5c4e2 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6d5c4e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccording to Latvian building regulation LBN 405-21, known as the \"Building Technical Survey Regulations,\" every building must be assessed based on its unique characteristics. However, certain common patterns can be observed depending on the period in which a property was constructed.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3324ee8 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3324ee8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Pre-war Brick Buildings (up to 1940)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-799e778 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"799e778\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ekas-jumts-un-fasade-1024x576.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1763\" alt=\"Sarkans \u0113kas jums un fas\u0101de gai\u0161\u0101 kr\u0101sa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ekas-jumts-un-fasade-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ekas-jumts-un-fasade-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ekas-jumts-un-fasade-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ekas-jumts-un-fasade-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ekas-jumts-un-fasade.webp 1156w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2318cd0a elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2318cd0a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>These buildings often charm with their architecture and robust construction, but decades of wear and tear inevitably take their toll.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Foundation Issues:<\/strong> Expect to see settlement or deformation, often triggered by fluctuating groundwater levels, nearby construction work, vibrations, or simply the natural ageing of materials. This frequently manifests as cracks in walls, which are often diagonal around window and door openings. A lack of or damaged waterproofing commonly leads to dampness and salt efflorescence in basements and foundation masonry.<\/li><li><strong>Timber Floor and Beam Damage:<\/strong> Moisture ingress \u2013 from roof or service leaks, or condensation in basements and lofts \u2013 can lead to timber rot (the particularly dangerous true dry rot, or Serpula lacrymans) or wood-boring insect infestations (such as woodworm). Such damage can significantly reduce the load-bearing capacity of beams and is often difficult to detect without exposure or specialist inspection methods.<\/li><li><strong>Masonry Wall Defects:<\/strong> Over time, exposure to the elements (frost, rain, wind) can damage the joints in brick or stone masonry, causing the mortar to crumble. This allows moisture to penetrate the wall, leading to accelerated decay due due to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, poorly executed historical repairs or alterations can create load redistribution issues and cracking.<\/li><li><strong>Chimney and Ventilation Duct Damage:<\/strong> Cracks, blockages, or a loss of airtightness in chimneys and ventilation ducts can not only cause draught issues but also pose a significant fire risk or lead to moisture condensation within the building's structures.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcc7690 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fcc7690\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Soviet-Era Standard-Design Buildings (1950\u20131990)\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10ee755 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"10ee755\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PirmsEkasSiltinasanas.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1566\" alt=\"Dz\u012bvojam\u0101 \u0113ka pirms \u0113kas siltin\u0101\u0161anas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PirmsEkasSiltinasanas.webp 1000w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PirmsEkasSiltinasanas-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PirmsEkasSiltinasanas-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PirmsEkasSiltinasanas-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PirmsEkasSiltinasanas-12x12.webp 12w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PirmsEkasSiltinasanas-650x650.webp 650w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3946d903 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3946d903\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>These are mass-scale constructions using standard designs, often focusing on speed and volume of build.<\/p><p>They are primarily reinforced concrete panel or brick buildings.<\/p><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Leaky Joints in External Wall Panels:<\/b> This is one of the most widespread problems. Over time, the sealing mastic in the joints loses its elasticity, cracks, and allows moisture and cold air to penetrate. The consequences include mould in room corners, heat loss, and corrosion of the metal connecting elements within the panels.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Damage to Balcony and Loggia Structures:<\/b> Corrosion of the reinforcement bars due to insufficient concrete cover or moisture ingress leads to concrete spalling and cracking (which is particularly hazardous on the underside and edges of balcony slabs). There's also corrosion of handrail fixings.<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flat Roof Problems:<\/b> The lifespan of the waterproofing (often bitumen roll materials) is limited. Damage and improper drainage (such as clogged gutters or downpipes) lead to leaks on upper floors and moisture accumulation within the roof structure, damaging the thermal insulation and ceiling panels.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Basement Flooding and Dampness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is caused by insufficient or damaged waterproofing of foundations and basement walls, along with issues concerning rainwater or drainage systems.<\/span><\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Deterioration of Utility Networks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Corrosion of pipelines (water, sewerage, heating) can cause leaks, leading to structural flooding.<\/span>\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It's important to note that many of these buildings have now reached or exceeded their projected service life of 50 years, as indicated by construction science research from Riga Technical University (Avoti\u0146\u0161, 2018).<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30b851f elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"30b851f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">New Builds (1991-2000)\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ffb3c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6ffb3c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Fasade-1024x576.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1762\" alt=\"Biroja \u0113kas fas\u0101de\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Fasade-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Fasade-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Fasade-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Fasade-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Fasade.webp 1125w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-638a1201 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"638a1201\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This period was characterised by a shift towards new materials and technologies, though at times it also saw a degree of chaos in the construction market and insufficient quality control.<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Quality issues with new materials:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This included the incorrect use or installation of lightweight concrete (aerated concrete, foam concrete) blocks \u2013 for example, failing to observe the need for reinforcement or proper waterproofing, which could lead to cracking. There was also the use of cheap, poor-quality thermal insulation materials or their incorrect installation.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Concreting defects:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> his involved an insufficient concrete cover for reinforcement, substandard concrete quality, or inadequate vibration during concreting, leading to voids.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Waterproofing problems:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Errors in the installation of waterproofing for foundations, basements, roofs, or terraces, often using new materials that weren't always correctly applied.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Poor-quality installation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mistakes in the installation of windows and doors, which caused heat loss and condensation. Also, incorrectly constructed roof covering joints or connections.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e66837f elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e66837f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Summary<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cd3fb3d elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1cd3fb3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As is evident, every building type and age possesses its own unique \"Achilles' heels\". Hidden structural defects aren't merely a cosmetic nuisance; they can significantly impact your property's value, safety, and long-term maintenance costs. By commissioning a technical inspection of buildings and structures before purchasing a property, you gain a clear understanding of its true condition and can avoid very costly surprises in the future. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversely, for existing property owners, a regular technical inspection (for example, every 5-10 years, depending on the building's age and condition) helps to identify problems promptly and plan necessary repairs before they become critical.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, a professional technical inspection of buildings and structures is not an unnecessary expense, but rather a wise investment in your property's safety and value preservation. Entrust this work only to certified and experienced construction experts who understand both the theory and Latvian construction practice, and who can \"read\" the building's story hidden beneath the plaster. To find out more about technical building inspections, please continue <a href=\"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/pakalpojumi\/ekas-tehniska-apsekosana\/\">here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-572be8d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wpr-reading-progress-bar\" data-id=\"572be8d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wpr-reading-progress-bar.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-reading-progress-bar-container\" data-background-type=\"transparent\"><div class=\"wpr-reading-progress-bar\"><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-360e0475 wpr-stt-btn-align-fixed wpr-stt-btn-align-fixed-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-wpr-back-to-top\" data-id=\"360e0475\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wpr-back-to-top.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-stt-wrapper\"><div class='wpr-stt-btn' data-settings='{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;animationOffset&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;animationDuration&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;fixed&quot;:&quot;fixed&quot;,&quot;scrolAnim&quot;:&quot;600&quot;}'><span class=\"wpr-stt-icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47f73069 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"47f73069\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-291c65d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"291c65d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Let's talk.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-676b6557 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"676b6557\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Every project begins with a conversation.\n<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9366e3d elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"9366e3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/balts-un-melns-1004827.ingress-alpha.ewp.live\/index.php\/forma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get in touch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u0112ku un b\u016bvju tehnisk\u0101 apseko\u0161ana ir b\u016btisks process, lai noteiktu \u0113kas vaib\u016bves tehnisko st\u0101vokli un potenci\u0101los dro\u0161\u012bbas riskus. \u012apa\u0161i svar\u012bga t\u0101 ir gad\u012bjumos, kad \u0113ka tiek pl\u0101nota renov\u0101cijai, p\u0101rb\u016bvei vai ieg\u0101dei. Nereti defekti nav ac\u012bmredzami \u2013 tie ir \u201csl\u0113pti\u201d, un to ietekme uz neso\u0161aj\u0101m konstrukcij\u0101m vai \u0113kas ilgtsp\u0113ju var b\u016bt iev\u0113rojama.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1748,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1748"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baltsunmelns.lv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}