Before you call a remediation firm or a carpenter:
order an independent survey.
Survey and diagnostics of timber structures · Roof trusses · Log houses · Historic buildings · Massive timber structures · Prague and all of the Czech Republic
Request a sample reportSurvey and diagnostics of roof trusses
Every year dozens of roof trusses in a critical condition are discovered in the Czech Republic, with owners unaware of the problem. A survey before reconstruction is not a luxury: it is insurance that you pay only for what you really need. The designer receives a precise brief. The tender has a clear description of the work. The contractor knows what to expect. And you do not pay for extra work nobody planned.
What we examine
- ▸Visual, sensory and probe inspection: every beam and joint
- ▸Wood moisture measurement at multiple points
- ▸Detection of wood-boring insects (longhorn beetle, woodworm), fungi and moulds (dry rot, cellar fungus, Aspergillus)
- ▸Endoscopy and resistance drilling: hidden defects inside the cross-section
- ▸Thermography: locating leaks and condensation
- ▸Sampling for laboratory mycological analysis
What you get
- ✓A findings report with an A–D rating of each element
- ✓Roof truss survey record: measurement and documentation of the truss system
- ✓Photo documentation of all findings with coded locations
- ✓Recommendations: what to repair, what to reinforce, what to keep
- ✓An indicative repair budget, or an itemised budget for the tender
- ✓Documents for the designer, the heritage authority (NPÚ) or the council
When to call?
Survey of log buildings
Log houses, cabins, half-timbered houses and raised-storey farmsteads are an architectural heritage that deserves expert care. A survey of a log house or cabin before repair or purchase reveals hidden defects, such as rotten wall plates or infestation by longhorn beetle or dry rot, before it is too late. Massive timber moves, settles, reacts to moisture and hides faults that a layperson overlooks. A survey before repair saves hundreds of thousands: it reveals what really has to be dealt with and what is just the natural reaction of wood to its environment.
What we examine
- ▸Every beam of the outer wall, corners, ceilings and floors
- ▸Wood moisture: bottom beams, contacts with masonry and the ground
- ▸Condition of joints and infill: tightness, dried-out cracks, corner joints
- ▸Insect infestation and biological damage: exit holes, wood dust
- ▸Endoscopy of joints and cavities: without interfering with the structure
- ▸Structural stability: corner joints, raised storey, lintels
What you get
- ✓A complete overview of the log house condition: element by element, A–D
- ✓Detection of hidden rot inside beams (seemingly healthy wood)
- ✓Recommendations: which beams to keep, which to repair and which to replace
- ✓Remediation proposal: a repair procedure that respects the historic value
- ✓Preventive measures to improve ventilation and protection of the substructure
- ✓Independent advice on how to keep the log house in the best possible condition
Survey before reconstruction or purchase
A log house during reconstruction: when a survey helps the most
We always recommend a survey before construction work begins: not only after hidden defects have been exposed, when the cost of repair is many times higher.
Technical audit of a property before planned maintenance or reconstruction
Before you let craftsmen onto the roof or start planning a log house reconstruction, you need to know what really awaits you. Without expert documentation you risk blowing the budget right at the start, because dry rot in the roof truss, rotten wall plates or damp masonry are only discovered during demolition. Our structural and technical survey systematically examines all key structures and gives you an independent expert opinion: a clear basis for deciding what to repair, in what order and at what cost.
A worthwhile investment
A survey from CZK 5,000. Dry rot found in a roof truss: remediation CZK 80,000–400,000. Rotten wall plates: replacement CZK 120,000–250,000. A survey pays for itself with the first finding.
Survey of historic buildings
Cultural monuments such as castles, churches, chateaux, historic municipal houses and vernacular buildings (log houses, cabins) have specific rules of care. A building-historical survey (SHP) under the NPÚ 2015 methodology is a precondition for grants from the Ministry of Culture and IROP. Every intervention must be consulted with the heritage authority (NPÚ) in advance. The survey therefore follows the requirements of conservationists: we document historic carpentry joints, tool marks and craft details. This information has historic value and must be preserved.
- →Non-invasive survey: endoscopy, thermography, resistance drilling without major demolition
- →Documentation: carpentry joints, tool marks, dating of the wood
- →Dendrochronology: age of the wood from tree rings; cooperation with specialised laboratories
- →Coordination with the heritage authority (NPÚ): our report is an accepted basis for administrative proceedings and grants
- →Grant consulting: documents for applications to IROP, the Ministry of Culture, regional funds and EU programmes
Survey of massive timber structures
Timber lookout towers, bridges, footbridges, halls and tower structures are load-bearing structures with large spans. Any hidden weakening can endanger the safety of users. A regular inspection is the owner's duty, NOT just a recommendation.
Consulting and technical documentation for designers and remediation firms
Technical supervision on behalf of the owner (TDS): we make sure a good design is not spoiled by execution. Inspection days, acceptance of key details, photo protocols and supervision of compliance with the designed technology and sequence of work.
Advisory and consulting services
- ▸Rapid on-the-spot surveys and expert consultations
- ▸Mycological, dendrochronological and entomological assessments
- ▸Monitoring and regular inspections of structures
- ▸Design documentation for the repair of roof trusses and log houses
- ▸Dealing with authorities and the heritage authority (NPÚ): coordination of permits
- ▸Documents for grant applications
For remediation and construction firms
- ✓Send the customer to us first. You get a precise brief, not an estimated scope.
- ✓An A–D findings report as the basis for your price offer.
- ✓Fewer disputes and complaints. The customer knows what to repair. You know what to expect.
- ✓Start a cooperation: contact Tomáš Los and we will agree on a cooperation model.
Property inspection
An estate agent assesses the layout and price and usually enters the process without a single expert view of the technical condition of the building, roof truss or log wall. Discovering dry rot after signing the purchase contract can mean repairs costing hundreds of thousands. Our property inspection reveals hidden defects that a layperson would overlook and gives you an independent report for negotiating with the seller or deciding on the purchase.
We carry out the survey according to the NEMOPAS methodology developed by experts from the DEKPROJEKT expert office and the accredited testing laboratory Ateliér DEK. The methodology is based on systematically searching for risky and defective solutions in nine technical fields that fundamentally affect the technical condition of a property, and checks for more than 120 types of risks and defects.
Our specialisation is mainly cottages, larger cabins, log houses and older family houses. Besides the proven methodology, we bring the view of an experienced timber structure diagnostician and knowledge of the hidden defects of such properties.
We carry out the survey. Only then do you choose who will do the repairs.
Independent technical authority. No conflict of interest.
Tomáš Los, MBA · tomas.los@elkman.cz · +420 723 023 801 · www.elkman.cz