Author Archives: admin

Replacing the conservatory roof: building regulations, changing thermal ratings, and the switch from glass to tiles

Posted on by
From the perspective of building regulations, replacing a conservatory roof is not a like-for-like change. The replacement of glass, plastic, or any other translucent material to a solid, tiled, or insulated roof is, in the eyes of the law, a change that requires some significant compliance. This is not a problem that can easily be remedied at the point of sale. Once your building becomes uninsurable, it can become problematic with your builder’s insurance, too; it can create serious issues. When does building regulations apply? There are conditions under which a conservatory can be exempt from building regulations. A conservatory can be exempt from building regulations if it is single-storey, separated from the main dwelling by quality external walls, doors, or windows, and has a clear or translucent roof. This... Read More »

Understanding Pressure Treatment Classes for External Timber — What UC3, UC4, and Others Mean

Posted on by
When purchasing pressure treated timber, customers will notice a Use Class designation, usually UC3 or UC4 for exterior uses. Use Classes indicate timber protection and applicable conditions. This information can usually be found on product specifications or labels. Many customers disregard this detail, assuming the number impacts the value of the product. This is false. Many customers do not notice Use Class UC2, resulting in a significant loss of value. Class identifiers are listed in the BS EN 335 European standard for timber durability and preservative. Classes run from UC1 to UC5, and each describes a different exposure scenario. Most homeowners are primarily focused on the middle of the scale. UC1 includes timber that will be indoors and in dry conditions, and with no chance of being wetted, such as... Read More »

What is the Best Way to Look After Cedar Cladding and Keep it like New? 

Posted on by

 The majority of people believe that cedar care is complicated. It is not so much. The wood only requires treatment at the appropriate times. Fail to miss them and you will be having grey weathering, split boards and costly repairs to attend to later.  
  The Real Story of Cedar Natural Aging  
  Cedar desires to become silver-grey. That is what occurs when the UV rays degrade the lignin in the wood fibres. Other homeowners adore this worn-out appearance – it is full of personality. Some like the fresh honey-coloured look of new timber.  
  It all depends on the camp you are in regarding your maintenance routine. When you are content with the natural greying process, you will find that your task is a lot easier. Clean it every... Read More »

When it comes to fire doors and integral garages, what do the building regulations say?

Posted on by
The door that connects the integral garage to the house must be a fire door, and it’s not a matter of opinion, or because a supplier suggested it. It’s a matter of law. Building regulations state that doors to integral garages must be fire doors, and more specifically, they must have at least an fd30 rating, meaning they provide 30 minutes of fire resistance. This is the case in the new build phase and also in the case when building work is done that requires a compliance check for the area being worked in, which is most often the case when a garage is converted. If you are simply doing an internal door replacement or like a door swap in an existing building, then the position is less clear and... Read More »

Comparison of flat rooftop membranes — GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

Posted on by
All three materials that dominate the domestic flat roof market – GRP, EPDM and TPO – are subjected to BS EN 13956, the European testing standard for flexible waterproofing sheets for roofing, which covers issues like tensile strength, elongation, tearing and thermal cycle resistance. What this standard doesn’t provide is which of the three materials is more likely to last 20 years on the type of roof typically found on extensions and outbuildings in the UK. To answer that, you first need to understand the nature of each material, how it is likely to fail, and how much a contractor is likely to warrant against that failure. GRP — explanation and applications of it GRP is an acronym for glass reinforced plastic, which is more commonly known as fibreglass. The... Read More »

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Membership and Other Aspects of a Contractor’s Credentials

Posted on by
Many homeowners in the UK tend to get many inflammatory contractor quotes before deciding on one and checking vendor reviews on google. A badly installed roof is often expensive to fix and cause major inconveniences as it is difficult to trace the vendor down the line. In fact, most contractors and vendor reviews online provide little useful information to buyers to check reviews and don’t provide useful information about the contractors and reviews. If it takes at least poorly constructed reviews, then worthwhile to check. A check on the review and contractor’s referral is worthwhile and takes a minute. What it Means to Be a Member of the NFRC The NFRC is the major National Federation of Roofing Contractors and tends to provide the most UK contractors. Membership is regulated,... Read More »

Difference Between FSC and PEFC Logos

Posted on by
The two green logos that are on most UK timber products are the PEFC and FSC logos. These logos assert that the timber is from a certifiably sustainable sourced timber supply. However, this is not the same, and these logos mean different things. Despite the significant differences, most timber merchants obscure this difference. The Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, is one of the more popular timber certifiers. They created the first international standard for responsible forestry in 1993. This means that any timber that has the FSC logo has undergone an independent FSC audit and meets the timber harvesting standards of the FSC, including a sustainable harvesting framework, ecological and personnel rights, and protective measures for indigenous and ecosystem rights. PEFC also has a similar scheme. Each piece of timber... Read More »

Security ratings for garage doors, and what LPS 1175 and Secured by Design mean in practice

Posted on by
For less complex buildings, PAS 24 is used as a baseline for security engagement and risk measurement, and for buyers wanting more in-depth detail behind the certification, there are two more schemes to understand: LPS 1175 and Secured by Design. LPS 1175 — the scale for attack resistance LPS 1175 is Loss Prevention Standard, and is controlled by the Loss Prevention Certification Board/LPCB. Unlike PAS 24, which is a simplistic Pass or Fail system, LPS 1175 assigns an attack resistance rating in a range: A, B, C, D and E and SR1 to SR6, where SR6 is the most resistant. The attack resistance rating is based on a testing protocol that defines the number of tools, the duration allowed, and the level of assistance available to an attacker. If the... Read More »

Evaluating Garage Doors for Insurance Approval Before Purchase

Posted on by
Most garage door manufacturers will indicate whether a product is insurance company approved. Very few suppliers, however, offer a guide or anything else for verification, leaving the claim without substantiation, creating challenges for buyers when an insurance claim gets filed. Wording from the Insurers U.K. home insurance providers will not share an approved products list. What each provider asks for differs. Most often, a minimum requirement is the PAS 24:2022. This is the UK’s standard for improved security performance for door sets. Some guidelines ask for Secured by Design approval, other guidelines reference LPS 1175. Insurance approval is product specific and can vary from one insurance policy approval to another. The first step is not to ask the supplier, but instead, read the policy document. In the section that describes... Read More »

A Comprehensive Guide to Timber Cladding: Enhancing Your Home’s Exterior

Posted on by
Over the years, wooden cladding has progressively emerged as one of the most sought-after materials for home owners and builders who have set their sights on improving the aesthetic appeal and resilience of their houses. This lovely and adaptable material not only enhances the look of any structure with a genuine and friendly appearance. Working through this article section, the various elements of timber cladding will be discussed and categorized into advantages, common types, and maintenance considerations. Key Benefits of Timber Cladding:Key Benefits of Timber Cladding: · Natural and Sustainable: Wood as a material is renewable, biodegradable and having less negative impact to the environment as compared to other materials hence can be recommended for environmentally aware clientele. · Insulation: The use of timber as the main material in construction... Read More »

Timber Cladding: Cost-Effective Solutions for Renovating Your Home

Posted on by
If your home’s exterior is looking worn or dated, timber cladding offers an affordable and stylish way to give it a fresh new look. Installing timber cladding can visually transform the façade of your house through a low-cost renovation project that adds instant curb appeal. Breathe New Life into Tired ExteriorsOver time, exterior surfaces like vinyl, stucco and brick can appear drab or deteriorate. The natural warmth and texture of timber cladding refreshes tired siding with a rustic or contemporary appearance, depending on your preferred style. Add Charm to New BuildsFor new construction and extensions, timber cladding lends unique character and appeal to what would otherwise be plain, boxy exteriors. Cladding showcases the beauty of natural wood grain not achievable with manufactured materials. Easy Installation ProcessUnlike other siding materials, timber... Read More »

Flat Roofing: How a Modern Aesthetic Can Benefit Your Home

Posted on by
Flat roofs are a great choice for many homes due to their modern aesthetic and affordability. As technology has advanced, so have the materials used in flat roofing systems. Many of today’s high-performance flat roofing products feature waterproof membranes that help protect your home from water damage caused by rain or snow, as well as UV rays. They are also much less expensive than traditional sloped roofs, making them an attractive option for homeowners looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality. The visual appeal of flat roofs is often what draws people into considering this type of roof system in the first place. The low profile creates a sleek look that complements any modern architecture, while the uniform lines make it easy to match with other exterior features such as... Read More »