Wet weather

Wet weather

This time of year is very challenging in our trade, as most of the time we are working outside and at the mercy of the elements. Brickwork can continue until the muck starts to run then its down tools and cover up. Most aspects of Groundworks on the other hand can be done in all weathers but end up being a touch messy! Whilst a 1.5 tonne excavator is mainly used for digging; this is only possible when it can fit round the rear of the property...

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Hidden land drains on a recent extension project

Hidden land drains on a recent extension project

We were contacted by a customer who had recently visited one of our previous jobs. He was impressed with the quality of finish and the previous customer was more than happy recommended us to him. On the first couple of days excavating the foundations we came across a unknown old clay pipe running the full length of our dig line. We broke some of the pipe out and noticed that there was clear water consistently running through it with the far...

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Problems with damp

Problems with damp

Damp can damage much more than a buildings appearance. It may lead to the deterioration of plaster and masonry, promote timber decay and create unhealthy conditions for occupants. Unfortunately, inappropriate treatments for damp commonly cause greater harm to old buildings than centuries of degradation. Over-reliance on electrical moisture meters frequently leads to unnecessary expense and damage through the retrospective installation in walls...

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Acquiring Planning Permission for your build

Acquiring planning permission for your build is stressful as the whole project can hinge on whether or not your request is granted. Utilising the skills and experience of an architect is key when you are looking to give yourself the best chance of getting your plans approved as they will be able to develop precision drawings that clearly show how you wish your new home to look. If your plans aren’t approved, it isn’t the end of the world as...

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Breathability in old buildings

Old buildings must be allowed to breathe. Whereas modern buildings rely on keeping water out with a system of barriers, buildings that pre-date the mid-19th century are usually constructed of absorbent materials that allow any moisture that enters to evaporate back out. Because most old buildings were constructed with solid walls without DPCs and originally had no roofing felt, rain or below ground moisture could both enter. This did not,...

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