27/03/2026
Why "Microclimates" Matter in Building Pathology 🌦️🏠
Did you know that a property's orientation can be just as important as its construction type?
This photo was taken in Stone in Oxney, on the eastern edge of the Isle of Oxney. This area has a notorious microclimate; our surveyor experienced sleet, rain, bright sunshine, and driving winds all within a single hour!
Why is this relevant to your survey?
Properties with high exposure are at a significantly greater risk of:
Rain Pe*******on: Especially in solid walls or where cavity walls have retrofitted insulation.
Repeated Thermal Changes: Causing expansion/contraction stresses on masonry.
Accelerated Weathering: Increasing the "wear and tear" on external joinery and roof coverings.
This is critical for buildings that predate stainless steel wall ties, where "unseen" corrosion can be accelerated by salt-laden driving rain.
When choosing a surveyor, don't just settle for a "map-based" rating. Ensure they understand local topography, such as being at the bottom of a hill or on an exposed shoreline, and adjust their assessment accordingly.
If you would like to book a holistic RICS building survey, please drop us a line for a free, no-obligation quote.
