Red Ash Testing & Removal in Stoke-on-Trent
Concerned about red ash or sulphate-bearing hardcore beneath your property?
F. Spooner & Sons provides professional red ash investigation, testing, removal and complete floor replacement across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and surrounding areas.
Whether red ash has been mentioned in a property survey, your mortgage lender has requested further investigation, or you are concerned about cracking or movement in a solid floor, we can help you establish the next step.
What is red ash?
“Red ash” is a commonly used local term for industrial material historically used as hardcore beneath concrete ground floors. Some of these materials contain sulphates which, in certain conditions, can contribute to expansion and deterioration of the concrete floor above. This can result in cracking, lifting or “heaving” of the floor.
However, the presence of red ash does not automatically mean that your floor needs replacing. Proper investigation is the first step.
Why has my surveyor mentioned red ash?
You may have been advised to investigate your floor because:
- A building or mortgage survey has mentioned red ash or sulphate-bearing hardcore
- A mortgage lender has requested further investigation
- You are buying or selling a property where red ash is suspected
- The concrete floor appears raised, crowned or uneven
- Cracking has appeared through a solid ground floor
- Internal doors or partitions appear to have moved
- A surveyor has recommended sulphate testing
These symptoms do not necessarily prove that sulphate attack is present. Appropriate investigation and testing are required to understand the condition of the particular property.
Red Ash Testing
Where testing is appropriate, a sample can be taken from beneath the floor and submitted for specialist laboratory analysis. Typically this involves selecting a suitable location, carefully accessing the floor construction and obtaining a representative sample for testing. Core sampling is a method currently used by local red-ash testing specialists. The results can then be considered alongside the condition and construction of the floor and the requirements of your surveyor or mortgage lender.
Our aim is simple: establish the facts before recommending unnecessary building work.
Already have a red ash or sulphate report?
You may not need another test.
If a building surveyor, testing company or other suitably qualified professional has already investigated the property, send us the report.
We can review the information and discuss whether a site visit and quotation for remedial works is the appropriate next step.
Call F. Spooner & Sons on 01538 756386 or email enquiries@spoonerbuilders.com
From testing to a finished floor
Where remedial works are required, F. Spooner & Sons can provide a complete building solution.
1. Investigate
We establish what information already exists and whether further investigation or testing is required.
2. Test & Analyse
Where required, appropriate samples are obtained and submitted for specialist laboratory analysis.
3. Explain
We consider the results and explain the practical next steps. Where remedial building work is appropriate, we can provide a separate quotation.
4. Remove
The existing floor construction is carefully broken out and affected fill removed to the required extent.
5. Reconstruct
The floor can then be reconstructed using an appropriate modern specification, which may include suitable replacement hardcore, damp-proofing, insulation and a new floor construction.
6. Reinstate
F. Spooner & Sons can also undertake the associated building and reinstatement works included within the agreed specification.
Red Ash Removal & Floor Replacement
Where investigation establishes that remedial work is necessary, the project may involve:
Removal of existing floor finishes
Breaking out the existing concrete floor
Excavation and removal of affected material
Appropriate disposal of excavated material
Installation of suitable replacement hardcore
Damp-proof membrane
Floor insulation
New concrete and/or screed construction
Associated plastering and joinery
Building Control coordination where applicable
Agreed reinstatement works
Every property is different.
For that reason, we prefer to inspect the property and understand the existing construction before providing a detailed quotation rather than applying a generic price per square metre.
Buying or selling a property with red ash?
Finding the words “red ash” or “sulphate-bearing hardcore” in a property survey can understandably be concerning.
It does not necessarily mean that the property cannot be bought, sold or mortgaged.
However, red ash and suspected sulphate attack can become relevant to mortgage lending, and further investigation or remedial work may be requested depending on the particular property and lender. Local properties are still marketed with disclosed red-ash test results, illustrating why the specific findings and lender requirements matter.
The important questions are:
- What material is actually present?
- Is there evidence of sulphate attack or floor damage?
- What does the test or survey actually say?
- What has your surveyor or mortgage lender requested?
- Is remedial work required?
- If so, what work is appropriate?
If you already have a survey or test report, send it to us before arranging another investigation.
Why choose F. Spooner & Sons?
Red ash remediation is ultimately building work. Once a floor is opened up, the contractor needs to understand not only the affected material but how the existing property has been constructed and how the floor should be properly reinstated. F. Spooner & Sons (Builders) Ltd has been working on Staffordshire properties since 1936.
Our experience encompasses traditional building work, renovation, restoration and remedial construction, allowing us to provide a practical building solution from investigation through to completed remedial works.
Local knowledge. Experienced building contractors. Straightforward advice.
Areas We Cover
Our core red ash testing and removal area includes:
Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Burslem, Tunstall, Hanley, Fenton, Longton, Blurton, Bentilee, Smallthorne, Chell, Norton, Kidsgrove, Talke, Chesterton, Biddulph and surrounding areas.
For larger remedial projects outside these areas, please contact us to discuss the property.
