Architecture, Design & Innovation
When building in natural stone, there are two popular methods of construction. The traditional method is to build against a backing skin of blockwork, behind which is the cavity and inner leaf. The result is …
When an existing house is constructed with cavity walls, extending the building should always follow the ‘parallel rule’ – the term applied to both skins maintaining an equal distance apart. It is also important to …
Rain blown against a cavity wall will gradually permeate the exterior masonry skin and gravitate downwardly. Where the cavity wall incorporates an arched opening, the downward flow is interrupted and water is prevented from permeating …
The practice of providing support to cavity-spanning DPC’s by building into both masonry skins came about because there were few alternative options to hold a soft or pliable DPC in position. Unfortunately, the practice can …
Building Regulations now require where feasible the extent of insulation within specified elements is upgraded as part of renovation works if the existing provisions are insufficient. Accordingly when constructing or replacing a cold flat roof, …
As a consequence of the recent storms, conservatories and extensions previously unaffected by rain have become damp and wet inside. Rain has penetrated the original property wall area above the conservatory/extension roof, and gravitated below …
When constructing cavity walls incorporating partial fill insulation, the insulation terminates at plate level. It is common practice to also terminate insulation at plate level across the gable ends rather than extend it up to …
