Mundic Testing
Has your mortgage lender requested a Mundic Test?
COR Building Surveys Ltd is a RICS Regulated Firm specialising in Mundic Testing and Concrete Screening Reports throughout Cornwall and Devon.
Whether you are purchasing your first home, selling a property, remortgaging, or simply require reassurance regarding the construction of a property, we provide professional Mundic Reports prepared in accordance with the current RICS Guidance for the Inspection and Testing of Concrete Used in Construction in Cornwall and West Devon.
Our reports provide an independent assessment of the concrete used within a property and are prepared for mortgage lenders, solicitors, conveyancers, estate agents, buyers and homeowners. Every inspection is carried out by an experienced Building Surveyor using specialist sampling equipment, with all laboratory analysis undertaken by an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory.
We pride ourselves on providing a professional, friendly and efficient service. Inspection appointments are normally available within 48 hours, with completed Mundic Reports normally delivered within 72 hours of the inspection, subject to property access and independent laboratory turnaround times.
To date, our reports have been accepted by all mainstream mortgage lenders to whom they have been submitted.
What Is Mundic?
Mundic is the term commonly used in Cornwall to describe certain concrete blocks manufactured using aggregates that may be susceptible to deterioration over time.
During the early to mid-twentieth century, locally available materials, including mine waste, quarry spoil and other natural aggregates, were commonly used in the manufacture of concrete blocks throughout Cornwall and parts of Devon. Whilst many properties constructed using these materials remain perfectly sound, some aggregates have been found to deteriorate when exposed to moisture over long periods.
As the condition of the concrete cannot be determined by visual inspection alone, representative core samples are obtained and examined by an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory in accordance with the current RICS Guidance. The laboratory findings are then used to determine the appropriate Mundic classification and assist mortgage lenders in assessing the property's suitability for lending.
How does it work?
Step 1:
We will organise an appointment, generally within a week of being instructed. The surveyor will attend the appointment and drill core samples from all the walls he might consider relevant (internal and external).
Step2:
Samples will be taken to the laboratory to be analysed for the presence of Mundic. The results are usually ready within 48 hours (often quicker).
Step 3:
The surveyor will complete a detailed report meeting the requirements of the RICS Mundic Guidance Note 3rd Edition.
What does my mundic test result mean and how does it affect my mortgage?
-
Class A1 & A2: These sound to satisfactory concrete. Mortgageable
-
Class A3: Concrete contains mundic but is unlikely to suffer adverse effects. Stage 3 testing advised to examine how concrete will hold up in the future. Mortgageable
-
Class B: Concrete contains more than 30% of possible problem aggregates, although it appears sound, it could cause potential problems. Unmortgageable
-
Class C1 & C2: Those found to be clearly unsound from examination. Unmortgageable
How much it cost?
COR Building Surveys provides the fastest complete Mundic screening service in Cornwall, with the entire process—from booking and inspection through to laboratory results and the final mortgage lending report—completed in as little as 4 days.
Appointments are normally available within 48 hours, with verbal laboratory results typically available within 48 hours of testing and the completed report issued within 24 hours of receiving the laboratory results.
Full Mundic Screening & Mortgage Lending Report
From £495 + VAT
Full Stage 1 Mundic screening, including inspection, sampling where required, laboratory analysis and the completed report.
Preliminary Mundic Risk Assessment
From £265 + VAT
An initial professional assessment of the property's construction and potential Mundic risk. No drilling, laboratory testing or Mundic classification is included.
Do I need a Mundic test?
A Mundic test may be required by a mortgage lender, valuer or surveyor where a property is considered at risk of containing potentially unsuitable concrete materials.
Mundic screening is particularly relevant to properties in Cornwall and parts of Devon, where locally sourced aggregates were historically used in concrete blocks and other concrete elements.
Even where a property is predominantly stone or brick, later extensions, alterations or other structural elements may contain concrete that requires assessment.
Mortgage Required
Your lender, valuer or surveyor has requested a Mundic test.
Full Stage 1 Screening
Buying or Selling?
Want to understand the potential Mundic risk before proceeding.
Preliminary Risk Assessment
Not Sure What You Need?
We can advise which level of Mundic assessment is appropriate.
Contact COR Building Surveys
What happens next?
01
Property inspection
The property's construction is inspected to identify concrete elements requiring assessment.
02
Sampling
Representative samples are taken from relevant concrete elements..
03
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are sent to a specialist laboratory for analysis and classification.
04
Report & Classification
The findings are assessed and the completed Mundic report is issued.
What do the Mundic classifications mean?
A₁ Mortgageable
Sound concrete containing only Group 1 aggregates considered normally stable.
A₂ Mortgageable
Sound concrete containing up to 30% Group 2 aggregates.
A₃ Mortgageable
Concrete containing Group 2 aggregates that has successfully passed Stage 3 testing.
B Not Mortgageable
Currently sound concrete containing sufficient Group 2 aggregate to present a potential future deterioration risk.
C Not Mortgageable
Unsound concrete showing deterioration or loss of physical integrity.
Chartered expertise. Practical building experience.
I am a Chartered Building Engineer (MCABE) and RICS-qualified Building Surveyor (AssocRICS), and COR Building Surveys Ltd is an RICS Regulated Firm.
My professional and academic qualifications are supported by extensive practical construction experience, including stonemasonry, bricklaying and multi-trade building work. This gives me an understanding not only of building pathology and how defects are investigated, but also of how buildings are constructed, altered, repaired and remediated.
Current Mundic Remediation Project – Bodmin
Following a Mundic screening inspection, Class C2 concrete was identified within part of a single-storey rear projection, resulting in the property being unsuitable for normal mortgage lending purposes.
COR Building Surveys was subsequently instructed to prepare the remedial specification and provide professional oversight of the works, from removal of the affected concrete through reconstruction, staged inspections and final verification.
C2 identified → Remedial specification → Professional oversight → Final verification
The objective is to remove and replace the affected concrete, verify the completed works and provide a superseding Mundic report reflecting the final verified construction.
01
Investigation & Scope
Identify the affected construction and establish the extent of the remedial works.
02
Remedial Specification
Prepare the technical scope for the controlled removal and replacement of the affected construction.
03
Professional Oversight
Monitor the works through key stages, recording the removal and replacement of affected construction.
04
Final Verification
Verify the completed works and prepare the documentation required for the final Mundic assessment.
Have you received a B or C Mundic classification?
A failed Mundic assessment does not necessarily mean the property cannot be made suitable for mortgage lending.
COR Building Surveys can assess the affected construction, develop a remedial strategy and specification, provide professional oversight of the works and arrange final verification and reassessment following completion.
Speak directly to a Chartered Building Engineer and RICS-qualified Building Surveyor about your property.
Mundic Testing Across Cornwall & Devon
COR Building Surveys provides specialist Mundic screening throughout Cornwall and into West Devon. Based in Cornwall, we regularly carry out Mundic inspections in Truro, Falmouth, Redruth, Camborne, Helston, Penzance, Newquay, St Austell, Bodmin, Wadebridge, Liskeard, Saltash, Plymouth and surrounding areas.
Appointments are normally available within 48 hours, including urgent surveys where mortgage applications or property sales are being delayed by a Mundic requirement.
West Cornwall
Penzance
Helston
Falmouth
Camborne
Redruth
Central & North Cornwall
Truro
Newquay
St Austell
Wadebridge
Bodmin
East Cornwall & West Devon
Liskeard
Saltash
Callington
Launceston
Plymouth
Need a Mundic test in Cornwall?
COR Building Surveys provides specialist Mundic screening throughout Cornwall and parts of Devon, with appointments normally available within 48 hours.
Full Stage 1 Mundic Screening & Mortgage Lending Report from £495 + VAT.
Call to Book a Mundic Test
Fast appointments • Specialist Mundic screening • RICS Regulated Firm
