Let us look at Building control on an extension of less than 40m2. They will normally do four site visits at “key stages” but need to be notified at various stages so they can inspect if required. Excavation, oversite, brickwork and foundations, at DPC height, drainage and pre-plaster finishing with completion. One visit for the […]
What has changed in Building Control. Building Control used to be a department in the Council. Local Authority Building Control (LABC). Their sole reason was to work locally and inspect buildings in the vicinity for compliance. Hence, they knew the geology, the suppliers, the various sub-contractors and they knew the people involved. They were truly […]
What do Building Control do? Estate agents, trades men, surveyors even your neighbours will often mysteriously refer to “building control”. Let’s demystify this crucial aspect of the UK’s construction industry. The next series of blogs we will be lifting the lid on this mystery. Unlike Planning, Building Control, is not interested in the aesthetics and […]
Flat roofing Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer or as it is much more commonly and easily known EPDM. Not so much of a mouthful! This type of flat roofing is becoming much more popular. The big benefit with EPDM is that is can be manufactured in one sheet. This means there are no joints. Joints in […]
Felt Roof There are various coverings that are frequently used for flat roofing. The oldest and worst performing are bitumen based felts. There are varying grades of type of felt. These became very popular in the 1980s. This was due to the very cheap material cost of rolls of bitumen felts. These tended to have […]
Flat roofing Fibreglass flat roofing has been popular for say the last 30 years. It is very good with awkward shapes. As the bandages are easily cut to size. They are good for L shapes and lantern lights for example. They also mould well around service penetrations. The epoxy resins will also adhere to most […]
Double lapped concrete tile The double lapped concrete tile, is commonly seen on roofing along the coast and generally from the 1930’s onward. These have a suggested lifespan of 80-100 years. These do offer a roof with very long lifespans. There are more common clay double lapped tiles, on single storey bays and these will […]
Concrete roof tiles As we have said previously is expected by testing that clay and concrete tiles have similar lifespan. If not slightly longer. As concrete tiles really became popular after the Second World War had only been regularly used for 70+ years. These again have an expected lifespan of 70 years. We have to […]
The Building research establishment suggest a clay and concrete tile have a similar lifespan. Manufacturers will normally guarantee the tiles for 30 years with a 60-year life expectancy. As the BRE is the preeminent body with regards to building science and testing. This links to the British Standard as this will also fed into the […]
Life cycle replacement costings How to use the data One of the most common phrases we hear during the survey or as a result of a negotiation is that “it has been fine for the last 40 years so why does it need replacement”? This sort of comment also tends to reflects that little or […]