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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…
The BRE has produced a report that raises concerns over instances of inappropriate installation of retrofit wall insulation in homes in Wales. The study presents the results of an investigation of the unplanned side effects such as damp and cracks in walls and other faults for a small sample…
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…
We’ve now seen the housing white paper "Fixing our broken housing market" which is principally focused on dealing with the slow planning system.
It remains to be seen if local planning authorities will still be able to override the new options proposed for brownfield and green belt land and…
Changes to Building Regulations Approved Document Part M in new homes could catch you out.
For many years new dwellings have had to comply with minimum and maximum heights of light switches and power socket outlets. The new edition of the guidelines about accessibility now adds the consumer unit…
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…
You might not be aware that in April 2016 DCLG issued new editions of the Approved Document L series that cover the energy efficiency requirements of the building regulations as set out in Part L of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations and in a number of specific building regulations.
The…
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…