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I'm sure we could all debate the thicknesses of insulation 'til the cows come home, but it seems to me that even many inspectors now don't appear to know what type and thickness of different insulation products will give the required U-value. They keep increasing the standards every 2 or 3 years...

For the rafters themselves, structurally it isn't a problem. Assuming its a loft conversion, its probably easier to use deeper rafters to accommodate the ridiculous thicknesses of PIR now required for insulation, without having to put too much more under the rafter. As above, the stud wall will...

There might be a trimmer across the hallway at the top of the stairs?

The white stuff on the corbel is efflorescence ie salt coming out of the brickwork. Not usually an issue, though can sometimes be due to water penetration. The crack is not subsidence but most likely thermal expansion of the wall.

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Yes, but as per 23vc a bit over the top. A continuous beam is generally better than two separate beams.

In that case, I'll probably have at least 300 bifold beams from over the last few years due to fail. Remind me to check my insurance is up to date.

Many builders are now finding it cheaper to use a standard I-beam with a projecting plate welded underneath to support the outer skin. The manufactured lintels like Catnic and IG are becoming very expensive. For a span of 2.6m, the "extreme" lintel is overkill; I think they use something like...

It could be long-term movement of the arch pushing out on the abutment. The bit of wall on the left of the doorway is very narrow (one, or one-and-a-half bricks wide?) and would not normally be regarded as OK to support the sideways thrust of the arch.

You need to send one or two pics from further back so that we can see the context.

As it looks to be part of a side extension, the planning permission for the extension could have a condition such as 'garage space not to be used other than for parking a car' or some such wording. But in the real world, its unlikely that the council would do anything, even if they got to find...

If its a standard box lintel (possibly Catnic?) it will be in their catalogue, giving the maximum load-bearing capacity for any given span. Its actually quite easy to work out the loads - your beam will be carrying part of the floor load, and possibly a wall above. There are standard tables with...

Is it a patented 'box' lintel, or a steel 'I' beam?

So it seems it is intended as a way of saving the planet? More NetZero b******* then?

Is it just me or has anyone noticed that more and more motorway lights seem to be off at night. I regularly drive up and down the M61 and M6 between South Lancashire and Glasgow. Granted most rural motorways are unlit but where complex junctions are situated, or when coming into urban areas, the...

It depends largely on the strength of the mortar, and also the care which has been taken to make the opening. Modern cement mortar can have good adhesion to the brick and may well hold up the triangle of brickwork across the opening. Older, lime mortars are not so reliable in this respect. It's...

Sacrilege.

You've hit the nail on the head here. On completion, Building Control are now sending out forms for the Principal Designer to confirm that the work complies with Building Regulations. It raises the question as what exactly is Building Control's job? In getting an architect or other professional...

As cbde says, 152 x 152 x 23 would be more than adequate. Dont forget a thin (3mm) steel plate spanning from the top of the beam into a joint in the party wall. just to stop any lose bricks in the wythes from dropping down.

If it is a shallow arch, it suggests that it was originally part of an opening in the rear wall, eg a door and adjoining narrow window? Can you not leave the arch as it is? - they are intended to be self-supporting. If you really feel you want to support it, a steel rectangular hollow section...