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An informative guide that aims to promote good workmanship by helping you identify and rectify the most common energy efficiency-related problems in construction has launched.
It is hoped the Zero Carbon Hub’s Builder's Book, produced alongside CITB, PTE Architects and LABC, will help close the…
Changes in 2015 to the Building Regulations Approved Document Part M, which contains guidance on access, introduced some new standards for new-build dwellings. The base standard is fairly similar to the old Part M; M4(2) is a higher standard that designs new dwellings so that they're more…
Dragon tie with simple decorative detail (courtesy of castleringoakframe.co.uk)
When traditional roof construction was the norm, a dragon tie was often incorporated beneath the hip rafter, particularly where they were carrying purlins. The hip therefore had a much heavier load.
The…
With an increase in people working from home, it seems a useful time to revisit the topic of building regulations and small detached buildings, especially those that are to be constructed in domestic settings as home offices, workshops and other uses.As a rule, the construction of any new building…
The drive towards more energy efficient buildings continues to bring innovative products onto the market, such as insulated roof panels. These are an easy-to-fit, quick-to-install, low-maintenance roofing option that also offers thermal performance. Long length panels also reduce the number of end…
On 27 April, building industry stakeholders gathered at the Energy Technology Centre of Nottingham University where the long-awaited new air tightness testing (also known as air pressure testing) technology, the PULSE unit, made its first appearance.
Build Test Solutions (BTS) is an exciting new…
It’s a mistake to assume that all pressure treated wood is the same. Whilst one piece of treated wood may look very much like any other the level of preservative protection could be very different.
That’s because the British Standard for wood preservation, BS8417, says that the level of…
A quarter of heat in an uninsulated home is lost through the roof. Utilising roof insulation in a loft, attic or flat roof is a simple and effective way for your customers to reduce heat loss and cut their heating bills - but only if the work’s done properly. The level of insulation…
High winds are an ever present risk, often leaving a trail of destruction on properties and construction sites. Average wind speeds are increasing and ‘storm force’ winds are more common.
Site hoarding, roofs, and unsecured or unbraced masonry walls in a temporary condition on construction sites…
Masonry buildings are by their nature and materials resistant to fire; but all buildings have cavities and some concealed spaces where fire can spread undetected.
To minimise the dangers of undetected fires you must provide barriers to reduce the area of the void space and to contain any spread…