Hello all,

Without going into (much) detail, my ground-floor flat in 1970s brick-walled self-contained block, had damp in one corner of a room. With the assent of maintenance company, I had some work carried out (Sika injection) on the external and internal walls. Currently I am not sure 1) if the wall if "drying out", 2) whether the work done was irrelevant or 3) (sleepless night scenario) the work done has made the problem permanently worse, since damp has re-emerged internal on one (very rainy) day.

My question is: what "rights" do I have to have the roof inspected and can the freeholder / maintenance company refuse access for inspection?

I am trying to locate a competent, impartial, experienced building inspector / surveyor in North London to advise on any recommended further actions. I am in discussion with one surveyor as how to proceed.

Is there a specialist building / damp or legal forum I could go to for advice before I start paying large amounts in professional fees? I accept the information I gain through forums may be ill-informed opinion but I am hoping someone who reads this can give me advice based on knowledge or personal experience - or at least point me in the right direction as to where to get help.

My current issue is that the parties concerned have different positions on how to proceed

1) The builder wants access to the roof to inspect the coping stones at the top of the parapet as he feels that could be the source of water ingress. Ok, if that is true, how come the damp is not experienced by the top floor flats? I have asked the occupants of the top floor flats - I have only established contact with one flat owner at the moment - if they experience damp, and they say no. I have left my phone number at all flats asking for any information on symptoms of damp. Those I have spoken to say the have temporary condensation issues fixed by opening windows.

2) The building manager will not permit my builder access to the roof citing insurance concerns/ restrictions. I understand this concern.

3) I have had a phone conversation and sent an email with some attached photographs of the problem to a local building surveyor. I have asked the surveyor for his fees.

My great concern is the work I have had done has actually made the problem worse and is irreversible. My more immediate concern is if I pay for a survey (one could argue it is the collective responsibility of the block for such issues to be investigated - but I just want the problem understood and fixed) without access to the roof any survey might not locate the probably / possible source of the problem.

Any suggestions on how I can proceed?

Clive