Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica): An analysis of capacity to cause structural damage (compared to other plants) and typical rhizome extension” which has resulted in some reports suggesting that Japanese knotweed’s capacity to cause damage to buildings is a myth.
Experienced specialists in the field of Japanese knotweed have seen many a case of damage to buildings on various levels.
Japanese knotweed is unlikely to cause significant structural damage to buildings indirectly by subsidence, or by collapse, as in a tree-fall. Japanese knotweed does however cause damage, both by its above ground canopy exerting pressure on adjacent walls/fences, but also by its expanding network of underground rhizomes and roots, and, for mature stands, its crown. The underground structure of this plant can grow far and wide and can have a massive impact on underground structures such as foundations, but also waste and water pipes, electricity cables and other linked matters.
In our experience the distance that the rhizome may be found from the visible plant (above ground) is on average 2-3m but could be more or less depending on site conditions. Rhizome tends to reduce in diameter with distance from the crown. However, these rhizomes do have the ability to exploit weaknesses in built structures and will then expand exerting pressure on the element to cause damage. The damage will range from cosmetic to minor and if left unchecked, can lead to significant damage which could prove extremely costly to repair. We agree that damage that undermines the structural stability of a property is rare and would only occur where the problem has been ignored or not noticed and as a result been exacerbated.
We have seen many cases of rhizomes growing into underground drains. They not only block the drain but eventually expand and crack them, meaning that the drain run needs to be replaced.
We’ve seen Japanese Knotweed growing within cavity walls of buildings, with canes growing out through air bricks to find sunlight. The woody mass of rhizome in the cavity pushes the inner and outer skins of the wall apart resulting in an extremely costly repair.
The most extraordinary case we have heard of is knotweed growing out of a chimney pot on a 2 storey building. Japanese Knotweed was growing within the building’s façade, a solid old stone wall. It had then grown into the chimney flue. When inspected from above it could be seen that the entire flue was blocked with dense woody mature rhizome and crown material. The chimney and wall had to be taken down to remove the rhizome material and the wall had to be rebuilt. If that is not significant structural damage tell me what is!
The study states that knotweed does not grow through concrete, which we would partly agree with. However, Knotweed is very successful at finding weaknesses in concrete and exploiting any cracks. It can then cause damage. We’ve seen it growing through a concrete floor at the intersection of a service duct. We’ve also seen it growing up behind skirting boards where a new concrete floor for an extension abutted the original floor.
There are many cases of it growing up through and lifting asphalt. Whilst there are many plants that may be able to do same, it clearly can cause damage, an unwelcome sight on a newly laid driveway.
We have seen reports in newspapers claiming that a property needed to be demolished as knotweed was growing under it. This is quite a claim, but in our view to say that Japanese knotweed does not cause significant damage to buildings is also not true. As usual the truth lies between these two extremes of views. Each case is therefore assessed on its own individual circumstances and only with an expert on site can we truly know the route and location and subsequent damage effects of each growth.
Due to the fast growing invasive and damaging effects of Japanese knotweed we believe that mortgage lenders are right to restrict lending criteria on affected properties. Their policies have probably resulted in the largest deployment of resources to eradicate the plant, described by the Environment Agency as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive and destructive weed” – that is surely a good thing, and is more than any government body has been able to achieve to protect consumers from the knotweed menace.
Property managers play a vital role in ensuring compliance with these requirements, safeguarding property values, and contributing to the ongoing battle against Japanese knotweed.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a property manager, you can explore job opportunities on Jooble at this link: https://uk.jooble.org/jobs-property-manager/France