Does Ivy Destroy Brick?
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent a property, it’s important to know about everything that could affect it in the future. Not only do you have to think about the structure itself, but it can also be affected by nearby influences, like plants. So, does ivy destroy brick?
Yes, Japanese ivy can destroy the bricks found on exterior walls. It can also become destructive to other exterior features, like paths, drains, or fences. This invasive plant’s stem is strong enough to damage your property’s foundations and needs to be managed as soon as possible.
Read on to learn more about Japanese ivy, and how it might affect you and your property.
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What Damage Does Japanese Ivy Do To Walls?
Japanese ivy, also known as Japanese knotweed, is an invasive, rapidly growing plant that can become destructive if left to grow. Identifiable by its heart-shaped leaves and bright white flowers, this plant can damage exterior walls and other structures, like drains, paths, or fences. During early Spring, Japanese knotweed also develops a bamboo-like stem. This can grow up to seven inches and is strong enough to damage the foundations of your property.
Damage to brick is something to keep an eye on if you’ve discovered Japanese ivy on your property. There are multiple ways the plant can impact exterior walls, with just a few listed below:
- Dislodging Brick: Japanese knotweed can loosen and crumble mortar, allowing water to get behind the brick. This also increases the risk of interior damage.
- Weakening Vulnerable Structures: Not only can Japanese ivy damage the structure of a building, but it can also weaken other vulnerable structures. For example, free-standing walls can become destabilised by the added weight or the way the plant is affected by wind.
- Hiding Other Problems: An excessive growth of the plant could be hiding other problems on your exterior walls. If gone unnoticed, this could lead to a range of issues, including dampness.
Blocking Gutters: Keeping your gutters clean and free-flowing is important to the health of your property’s structure. Unmanaged ivy can block your gutters, leading them to overflow and cause further damage.
Does Ivy Cause Dampness On Walls?
There is evidence that Japanese ivy can be both a blessing and a curse to your walls. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), a dense patch of ivy could be hiding damp problems, allowing them to go unnoticed and get worse. Other research also shows that ivy may prevent damp from evaporating effectively.
However, there is also ample evidence to show that Japanese knotweed can provide some benefits to your property. It can shield your brickwork from heavy wind and rain, which can both cause damage and lead to damp. The effect of ivy on your property varies depending on location, building materials and other aspects of the building.
Unsure whether Japanese ivy is helping or harming your home? Get in touch with Crest Surveyors today to find out more.
Should You Remove Ivy From Walls?
It’s illegal to attempt to remove and destroy Japanese ivy yourself, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This plant is fast-growing and difficult to remove, so a specialist will need to take down and destroy any you find on your property.
If you’re looking to purchase a property that may have Japanese knotweed damage, you’ll first need to investigate the extent of the damage. You can find out more about how ivy can affect the buying process here.
Does Ivy Devalue A House?
Japanese knotweed is known to decrease house prices by 10 to 15%, depending on the severity of the case. If you’re planning on selling a property, you’ll need to disclose the presence of the plant. It’s best to do this before you put your property on the market, so you can get an accurate valuation and a treatment plan can be put in place.
How Can We Help?
Here at Crest Surveyors, we have an expert team on hand to help you find out the extent of your problem and what to do next. We can give you a hand figuring out which survey will be best for you, or give you more information on the effects of Japanese knotweed on your property.
Get in touch today to learn more about your home, whether you’re buying, selling, or renting.
Japanese Ivy FAQs
Can You Get Rid Of Japanese Knotweed?
Yes, it’s possible to treat and dispose of Japanese ivy. As it’s an invasive plant, you’ll need specialist help to make sure you’re following the law and minimising the spread.
Who’s Responsible For Removing Japanese Knotweed?
It’s the landowner’s responsibility to safely remove and dispose of this plant.
What If My Neighbour Is Growing Japanese Ivy?
You may need to examine whether the plant is present on any neighbouring properties that present a risk to your building, especially if you’re planning to purchase. Let them know as soon as possible and, if they don’t treat the growth, you may be able to bring a claim against them.