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Article updated on 31 January 2024All building materials are subject to movement. This movement is due to several reasons however, two are particularly influential on vertical movement in loadbearing masonry. These are thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes and moisture…
For new dwellings and extensions, a popular method of providing ventilation has been to follow the principles of intermittent extract and background ventilation, known as ‘system 1’ in Approved Document F England or Wales. Although installation should be undertaken in accordance with the approved…
The final piece in a three year programme by LABC to identify the competencies of local authority building control staff, standardise learning and introduce new specialist qualifications is complete following the recent launch of Wolverhampton University's BSc (Hons) Degree in Public Service…
Do you wonder what it would be like to work in Building Control?
We will be exploring the life of a Building Control Officer, in our 'A day in the life' series. We will be asking our industry experts about their roles and lifestyles. The first guest we will be introducing is Janine Roche…
Simon Adamson is Site Manager for Croudace Homes.
During the process of constructing a residential development which included 78 dwellings of two to five bedrooms and a new village hall in Meppershall, Bedfordshire, Simon along with his local council building control inspector decided this was…
More than 500 people from local government have attended a series of LABC/LGA (Local Government Association) regional briefings and questions posed at these events have revealed concern about MHCLG’s plans for reform of the building safety regulation system.
The briefings were part of LABC…
Solid wall properties are often classed as ‘hard to treat’ and have traditionally been considered expensive to insulate. But there are solutions that can protect such properties from the elements, helping to retain heat when it’s cold and maintain a cooler interior in warmer months.
External…
Part L of the Building Regulations places limits on the minimum standards of air permeability and requires all new dwellings to have an air pressure test. Failing an air pressure test can cause a headache for the builder, whilst air permeability can have a significant impact on the overall energy…
Buildings will need drying out following initial construction works, water damage from fabric defects or failure of services like water supplies, drainage, or air-conditioning condensate lines, and after a flooding event.
It is not possible to tell whether a material is dry enough to paint or…
Over 61 million people live in the United Kingdom. Around 95 per cent of the population lives in areas where the local authorities – over 570 councils all together – have declared a climate emergency. It is hoped that by 2050, the result of these declarations and subsequent response plans in the UK…