The shortage of materials and the need for housing after both World Wars led to the use of non-traditional materials in building. Some four-in-a-block houses and social housing tenements were…
read moreBrick walls can be found in all ages of building. The brickwork may form the structure, holding up the roof, or it may be cladding, with a timber kit frame…
read moreDrainpipes, originally made of cast iron, are connected to the gutter with an offset or hopper. You may also hear them called downpipes, conductors, and rhone pipes. The pipe lengths…
read moreWith your flat front door, you need to achieve a balance between security from intruders, preventing the spread of fire, and enabling emergency access and exit. Basic construction A flat…
read moreNoise coming through floors and ceilings can be a real issue for flat dwellers. Individual owners can do much to prevent this problem - and to make it worse. Understanding…
read moreFront and back doors to your building provide security and help keep flats warm. These doors take a lot of use and abuse, so should be strongly constructed. If replacing or…
read moreCheck for loose or missing balusters and shakiness. See stairs.
read moreHeavily trafficked and likely to get worn, but a clean and well-repaired close floor will make your building feel welcoming and safe. Problems Hollow sounding floors at ground level may indicate…
read moreThinner and built on lighter foundations than external walls, close (stair) walls may settle or the foundations may be washed away by leaking pipes, leading to subsidence and separation cracks. The walls…
read moreThe first short talk of the day was delivered by architect Ingvar Maxwell, who explored the history of stone in Scottish buildings from the prehistoric age until the 20th century. He explained how…
Mortgage lenders now require that those buying flats with cladding to provide…
Your tenement may have a basement, sometimes used for living accommodation or…
Insulation, draught-proofing and improved glazing can save money, improve comfort and reduce…
Recent research suggests that traditional solid stone or brick walls provide better…
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