RICS APC Building Pathology

Question 1

What is the most common cause of rising damp in UK buildings?

Accepted Answer

A failed or absent damp-proof course (DPC)

Answer

Roof leaks

Answer

Condensation

Answer

Burst water pipes

Question 2

What type of cracking pattern typically indicates subsidence in a building?

Accepted Answer

Diagonal cracks that are wider at the top and taper towards the bottom

Answer

Horizontal cracks along mortar joints

Answer

Fine hairline cracks in plasterwork only

Answer

Vertical cracks in the centre of walls

Question 3

What is 'sulphate attack' in the context of building defects?

Accepted Answer

A chemical reaction between sulphates in bricks or soil and tricalcium aluminate in cement, causing expansion

Answer

Corrosion of metal fixings

Answer

Timber decay caused by fungal growth

Answer

Damage to glass from acid rain

Question 4

What is the primary difference between wet rot and dry rot in timber?

Accepted Answer

Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) can spread through masonry and is more destructive, while wet rot remains localised to damp timber

Answer

Wet rot only affects hardwoods

Answer

Dry rot only occurs in new buildings

Answer

There is no practical difference

Question 5

What does 'spalling' refer to in brickwork?

Accepted Answer

The breaking away of the face of bricks, often due to frost damage

Answer

Staining caused by pollution

Answer

Mortar joints cracking

Answer

Efflorescence on the wall surface

Question 6

What is 'practical completion' in the context of building contracts?

Accepted Answer

When the works are substantially complete and the building can be occupied, even if minor defects remain

Answer

When all snagging is resolved

Answer

When the final payment is made

Answer

When planning permission is granted