Miscellaneous

Ever since the rise in popularity of TV programmes like Homes Under The Hammer, and Location, Location, Location, everyone is now aware of the potential for adding value to their home.  One of the best ways to increase the value is to extend the usable residential space, and an attic or loft is a prime opportunity. How much value will...

A gas torch is essential if you want to lay a professional flat roof.  The torch ensures a really good seal on the roof which will make it much more durable and therefore less likely to require repairs.  Using a gas torch can be dangerous for an amateur, so please, if you feel you don’t have the necessary skills, hire...

So you’ve decided to replace your roof tiles, or perhaps this is a new build, either way one of the main parts of your build will be choosing the right roof tiles.  In this article we will highlight some of the factors that will influence your choice when it comes to selecting the right roof covering for your project. These...

Patination oil is a white spirit based surface treatment that can be used to protect lead from lead carbonate forming. When newly fitted lead is exposed to moisture there will be a build up of lead carbonate on its surface.  You can identify lead carbonate build up on lead as it shows as a soluble white coating.  Future rainfall will...

Adding a porch to your home is a great way to create an extension onto your hall, providing some additional space for outdoor shoes/jackets, or just a nice welcome area to your home.  A smart looking porch can add kerb appeal and therefore increase the value of your house when you come to sell.   Your porch will be constructed...

Soffits and Fascias are terms used in the building trade for the finishes to the external of a building where the roof ends.These lesser known parts may go unnoticed when present, but miss them out and you would certainly spot that something didn’t look quite right.  Not only do they complete a building, they also serve a practical purpose too...

Flat roofs are a popular choice for garages, extensions, garden offices, and outbuildings.  The basic construction is fairly straightforward which is great if you want a self build project.  A  timber frame forms the supporting structure with flat roof joists across the short side of the roof providing the load bearing element of the roof. The joists are attached using...

In this article we are going to outline why you want to use breather membrane in your build, and how to select the best one for purpose.   What is a breather membrane?  A breather membrane helps the building to breathe and release moisture trapped inside, while protecting it from the elements. Moisture and air passes through into your structure...

Installing a felt roof is an easy and cost effective way to protect a shed, garage, or flat roof.  Roof felt is pliable and can be fitted nicely against pitched and curved roofs, it’s applied in layers and covered with a waterproof material which should give you upwards of 20 years protection.     In terms of cost, a small shed...

Asbestos is often found in old homes and commercial buildings, but what is it?   Asbestos was first discovered in ancient Greece by one of Aristotle’s students.  Asbestos is actually a naturally occurring type of stone.  It has many desirable properties such as being heat and fire resistant (even when doused with oil!), it’s stronger than steel, doesn’t biodegrade, dissolve in...

If you’re embarking on a roof insulation project, whether it be as part of a conversion, extension, new build or just maintenance, you need to first consider whether you will select a cold roof or warm roof style of insulation.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each, read on to find out more. Warm Roof A warm roof is where...

Building Regulations, Standards and U-Values The lower the U-Value the more insulation there is in a building element, (e.g a floor, ceiling or wall). Therefore the less heatloss. Consequently, the higher the U-Value, the more heatloss you have in the home. U-Values are important because there are certain standards according to the Building Regulations and Standards depending on location. For...