Category “Property”

Pitch Fibre Pipe Repairs

Thursday, 11 November, 2010

Pitch Fibre Pipe Repairs Compressible Pitch Fibre Pipes were fitted principally in properties built between 1950-1970 and are becoming an increasing problem as they fail through de-lamination, blistering and general collapse/pinching. Our research shows there are three principle methods of repair where no digging is required and is known as “No Dig Repair”. 1.) Reform … Read More »

Do You have a Private Water Supply?

Tuesday, 26 October, 2010

What is a private water supply? A private water supply is one which is not provided by a water company. About 1% of the population in England and Wales do not have a public supply of mains water to their home and instead rely on a private water supply. Mostly, but not exclusively, these occur … Read More »

Beware – Flue Pipe Regulations – A Surveyors Story

Friday, 15 October, 2010

Beware Flue Pipe Regulations This article was sent to us via The Independent Surveyors Association (ISA) and recalls an account from an Independent Surveyor. “It’s late on a January Friday afternoon, the volume of instructions is well down due to a combination of the prolonged cold snap and the wretched state of the national economy. … Read More »

Pitch Fibre Pipe Work – Ticking Time Bomb!

Wednesday, 13 October, 2010

Pitch fibre Pipe Work A ticking time bomb! If you are ever in the company of a drainage contractor when he lifts a manhole cover and sees the jet black matt coating of a pitch fibre channel pipe staring up at him, you will see the corner of his mouth lift gently into a wry … Read More »

The Green Deal!

Wednesday, 13 October, 2010

The Green Deal The Green Deal will enable householders to invest in energy efficiency improvements to their homes, at no upfront cost, that will pay for themselves through savings on their energy bills.   The money to pay for the improvements will be borrowed from a Green Deal provider who will arrange for the measures … Read More »

Avoiding Claims: Advice for clients

Tuesday, 12 October, 2010

Rendering or plastering domestic walls, renewing roof fabric (even like-for-like): re-cladding dormers or replacing floors and ceilings are key works which may require Building Regulation approval under the revised legislation. Part L2B (Conservation of fuel and power), legislation intended to combat climate change and reduce energy waste, took effect on 6 April 2006, four years ago. We are now encountering … Read More »

Pitch Fibre Pipes!

Tuesday, 14 September, 2010

Pitch Fibre Pipes Pitch fibre pipes were mostly used from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Pitch fibre is made of wood cellulose fibre impregnated with coal tar pitch, under vacuum and pressure. These pipes are susceptible to delamination of their inner surface. They are also prone to collapse under applied pressure such as driveways. … Read More »

Where does dampness come from?

Monday, 16 August, 2010

The first course of action when curing a damp problem is to establish where the water source is coming from and how it is gaining entry in to the walls. We recommend that you check out the following areas: Bridged damp-proof course *  It is not uncommon for the ground levels surrounding a property to slowly rise … Read More »

Condensing Boilers… ECO Friendly?

Thursday, 12 August, 2010

Acidic Condensate from Boilers can Damage the Structure of Buildings! This acidic waste can dissolve the lime in cement based mortar and can (over time) damage the fabric of the building. This is why it is important to dispose of the acidic condensate in an environmentally friendly way. TOP ECO-Friendly Tip to Dispose of the … Read More »

Thumbs up for snakes!

Friday, 6 August, 2010

SsSssssssSsssssssSssssssSNAKE CAM IS HERE! Our new wireless inspection camera (Snake Cam!) is here and we are now armed, dangerous and ready to inspect! We can look into tight spots and send back real-time video to monitor. We do love our new snaky device and believe that once you have used a snake camera, you’ll wonder … Read More »