Recent content by sam85

Any thoughts on what would be the best vertical DPM to use out of the 3 options above?

Yes that did cross my mind. But I was planning on using the first row of ties starting just above the dpc. I presumed the first 6/7 rows of bricks below the dpc would be ok without any ties.

I'm rebuilding a 9 inch wall (on the existing foundations) and I just wanted some advice on whether I've got the right set up in regards to the DPC and vertical DPM. The external floor level (concrete) is about 45cm higher than the internal floor level. Currently there is no dpc/dpm in the...

I'm hoping somebody can help me. Im converting a 4bedroom flat to 3 x 1bedroom flats. I am having a new 3 phase supply installed for 3 the flats. UK Power Networks have asked me how much kVA will I be needing in total. Each flat will have its own gas supply with the heating & hot water...

Thanks. Is sika-1 the recommended/ acceptable waterproofer to use in external rendering in this case? Also ive read that walls should be breathable. The waterproofer will help prevent water penetrating the render to the brick and blocks, but then would it also stop the walls from being...

Also, would need some sort of waterproofer need to be put in the scratch coat and/or top coat? I'm planning on painting the pebble dash afterwards.

Hi all I'm having the exterior walls of my whole house rendered. The existing render has been removed down to the brickwork (which is in bad shape). The new loft gable wall has the thermalite blocks and the new ground floor extension has the dense concrete blocks. My builder will be doing a...

Yes it's something like that. Ok so if I don't need the decking on the joists, then how would I install the vapour barrier? Would the vapour barrier go straight on to the firrings and the insulation boards on top of that? Or can I staple the vapour under the joists before I put the...

My builder said that the ply attached to the insulation counts as the decking. Should I insist on him doing the following: GRP Insulated decking board DPM sheet 18mm decking board Firrings Joists Plasterboard

I am having an extension built, and my builder is constructing the flat warm deck roof in the following way: GRP Insulated decking board (Ecotherm insulation 120mm with 6mm ply attached) Firrings Joists Plasterboard I have read that I need a Vapour barrier. Where in the roof construction...

I've had a look around and i cant see any leaves that arent decomposed. Will the building surveyor be ok with me telling him its a beech tree, or will he expect some sort of formal report from a specialist. Same with the soil..will he expect a report or will he be ok just by looking...

Thats ivy around the trunk by the way.

heres the pic...

I've uploaded some pictures of the tree. Unfortunately there are no leaves and theres no visible trunk. Any ideas of what the tree is??? When i spoke to the BCO over the phone he didnt mention the soil type, he just seemed concerned with the tree. Ive dug down 1 meter already - its...

Well its not my tree exactly ..but since its causing me more headache than my neighbour it might as well be mine!! I'l get a pic of the tree up tomorrow when the sun comes out.