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The Importance Of Waterproofing Testing and Inspection Report

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Improper waterproofing in wet areas of the house is one of the most common mistakes made during construction. Even small human errors can cause a huge issue once the entire house or building is constructed.

The damage caused due to bad water leakage cannot be seen immediately because the waterproof membranes are hidden behind the tiles. However, when this damage is noticeable, it is usually very late to avoid big damages, and the re-construction can be costly.

Even catching the damage early can mean that you will have to spend a lot of money on the complicated task of repairing the faulty waterproofing.

The best way out of this situation is not to let the damage happen in the first place by avoiding any human errors. This can be done by hiring a waterproofing testing service during the construction so that they can assess the building and avoid any errors before they turn into big damages. Let us understand the importance of testing in detail below.

Why Is Waterproofing Testing and Inspection Important?

Here are some reasons you should include waterproofing in your construction plan:

  • Waterproofing testing is a process through which the experts will inspect the leaks and trouble spots in the building. They will also measure the moistures and inform you about the possible moisture problems that the building might have in the feature. The identification of the problem in detail before the construction starts can be helpful in risk mitigation.
  • Knowing the risk and problems beforehand means that you will be able to find the solutions early. Hence, the building constructed will last for a longer time without any water leakage or damage in the wet areas.
  • Constructing a building once is costly, but repairing it, again and again, can add to the financial burden. Also, it is a well-known fact that leakage correction is a difficult task which requires a lot of re-construction.
  • Waterproofing testing and inspection can be done at any time even after the building construction. If the building is seeing problems with water leakage, calling the inspection specialists can help in finding permanent solutions to the problem. Here is all you need to know about making the basement waterproof: https://medium.com/@InDoorsEastAfricaLTD/4-things-you-should-know-about-basement-waterproofing-42801ba09b1

What Does Inspection Include?

The waterproofing inspection will include a specialist checking through different parts of the building for the possible signs of leaks, trouble spots, moisture measurements etc. The remedies that are done on the areas will include mold remediation, crawl space waterproofing, structure repair, installing dry wells, and other repairs and restorations.

What Waterproofing Inspection Company Should You Pick?

There are a lot of waterproofing inspection and testing companies that provide you with services, but you should never trust someone blindly with your house or building. Here are some things to keep in mind while selecting the company for the inspection:

Do your research and get the inspection done by more than one company. The reason for this is that there is a chance that one company might quote an unnecessarily higher rate for the work which might cost lesser than expected.

A little difference between the two estimates is feasible, but a huge difference should be addressed, and you should always get a second or third opinion. There are a lot of companies that do a free inspection, but some can cost you money.

Do not sign any document on the spot. A lot of companies will make you sign an agreement on the spot to get you to give them the job. Do not do this. Always get as many opinions. Also, ask the inspection expert to tell you about any DIY fixes that you can do instead of the professional fixes. If the company is reputable, they will give you an easier way out. They will also give you time to think rather than forcing you into a contract. To know more about what waterproofing will include, click this link.

Always check the reputation of the company before booking them. You can do this by reading about them online and ask people around you. Also do not fall for the high-pressure tactics of the companies. Some people might scare you by inventing non-existent problems in your house.

Making your house or any building waterproof is very important for increasing its longevity. Hence, you should hire an expert to inspect and test your building before construction or even afterwards if you see any signs of water leakage. However, make sure to pick a reputable company that can give you the best services and offer you a peace of mind.

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P. Airey Tail Lifts

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“Why LOLER Is Especially Important in the Construction Industry“

If you work in the construction industry, then you will be aware of the various health and safety hazards that are ever present. It doesn’t matter how small or large a construction project is, it’s essential that steps are taken to safeguard the health of anyone within the area. Parts of this are regulated under the Health and Safety at Work Act and a sub-section of this comes under what is called LOLER.

When it comes to LOLER, these are few companies with more extensive knowledge of the regulations than P. Airey Tail Lifts. Based in the North West of England, P. Airey is a sales and repairs business that specialises in commercial tail lifts. Due to the health and safety aspects of tail lifts, and especially their role in the workplace, P. Airey offer a service dedicated to LOLER inspections.

P. Airey have provided us with this article explaining what LOLER is, why it’s important, and how it affects the construction industry.

A Summary of What LOLER Is & Why It’s Important

LOLER is short for the ‘Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations’ that were put in place by the UK government in 1998. The government added these regulations to the Health and Safety at Work Act to help reduce the number of lifting-related accidents happening in working environments as well as to limit the seriousness of injuries that may occur as a result of an accident.

The LOLER regulations apply where lifting equipment may be used to complete a task in a workplace. Such equipment can include forklift trucks, cranes, ropes, hooks, and any attachments that may be used to support the equipment. Under LOLER, there are a series of responsibilities that will be placed on employers and employees. In short, the responsibilities are there to ensure that equipment is fit for purpose and is used in a safe and correct way as intended. It states that the equipment must be strong and stable, that safe working loads are clearly displayed and accurate, and that only a competent person will operate the equipment. It also makes clear that any lifting operation must be thoughtfully planned and supervised.

If the lifting equipment is up to the required standards and is used safely, then chances of accidents happening are far less likely. Accidents may not only cause a serious injury or even death but will create financial issues for your business and a negative reputation. Under LOLER, serious punishment can be dished out for failing to follow the regulations, including fines and imprisonment.

A key aspect of these regulations is that inspections must be performed regularly. LOLER inspections are a legal requirement and a critical component is assessing whether the regulations are being followed. How regular an inspection is required depends on various factors, but typically it’s every 6 or 12 months. When an inspection is carried out, a qualified and competent person will assess the equipment and confirm whether it is in good working condition. They will also assess whether the safe working load is clearly visible and examine how the equipment is being operated.

How LOLER Affects Construction Businesses

The construction industry is perhaps one of the more obvious industries where LOLER applies and a common example of why the regulations are required. The complex nature of this industry means that health and safety is paramount. Any business involved in a construction project must consider the safety of employees on-site and the general public around the area. Hazards here can include everything from slips and falls to moving objects, airborne materials, and loud noises.

In construction, there are clearly several instances where LOLER may come into effect. Lifting equipment will, in most cases, nearly always be required to complete the task at hand. In the most extreme cases, large cranes will be required to move objects into place. Forklift trucks may be used to move materials over short distances while lifts may also be in use to transport personnel and items from one level to another. Even smaller situations may involve lifting equipment, such as loading and unloading items from the back of a truck with the help of a tail lift. As all of these scenarios involve the use of lifting equipment in a workplace environment, be it for materials or personnel, LOLER would apply. In following LOLER, businesses can avoid serious accidents that could arise due to issues such as poor and inadequate equipment or incompetent operators.

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What Does Structural Warranty Cover?

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The term “structural warranty” gets thrown around a lot these days, and many see it as an essential form of insurance for both general builds and self-build projects. But what does it actually cover? To keep it brief to start with, a structural warranty contains insurance cover for the structure of your property. It sounds simple, but there’s a lot more to it than that if we look past the foundations.

Types of Structural Warranty Cover

Generally speaking, structural warranty cover is selected by the builder or developer at the start of a new project, You could even see it as a security net for projects of all shapes and sizes. Providers of this cover, such as Build-Zone, offer multiple options for different developments and scenarios, which allows prospective customers to choose which one works best. Cover tends to vary based on the provider that is chosen. Generally speaking, it tends to last 10 years, but specific examples are below.

New Home Warranty

Covering building, extending and converting homes, this structural warranty cover protects the structure of a property for up to 10 years. It’s generally acquired by builders and developers that want to set themselves apart from the competition, providing value for money and proving the quality of their work before it has even begun. Often, providers will also cover partly completed (such as golden brick level for a custom build project) or even completed projects too.

If a house is less than 10 years old without this warranty, you may have trouble selling it as the majority of lenders in the UK require one. Meeting building regulation requirements is one thing, but mistakes are often made, and this cover has its own inspections called technical audits as extra security so customers/prospective buyers have peace of mind for the first 10 years.

Commercial Latent Defects Insurance

Predominantly for commercial use (hence the name), this option covers new builds and conversions of commercial/mixed-use projects. This includes structures such as care homes and industrial units. It’s a fully transferable cover, making it appealing for those looking to sell the structure once it is completed. For landlords especially, it can provide cover for loss of rent and accommodation too, making it a lifeline in times where property development inadvertently incurs a loss of funds or living space.

Defective weatherproofing is also covered from the second year, which allows you to claim in the event of damage caused by water penetration, which could result in further damage to the structure. Commercial organisations across the UK benefit from this cover, saving repair costs when the fault lies with the structure of the property.

Social Housing Warranty

Usually available for up to 12 years, a social housing warranty is provided to housing associations and registered social landlords. It’s available for both new-builds and converted developments and can also be used for other projects, such as regeneration projects too. Make sure you speak with your provider to see if it works for your development.

Often, as with new home warranties, this cover could be used on partly completed and even completed projects. The standard cover also includes alternative accommodation, additional costs and the removal of debris. Additional cover is also available for loss of rent, which is especially useful to landlords.

Self-Build Warranty

Specifically designed to meet the needs of self-builders and the construction of their own home, this warranty is suitable for a whole host of projects. New-builds, conversions, renovations and extensions are all compatible with this cover, giving a self-builder peace of mind that structural damage won’t lead to extreme financial losses. The cover tends to last for up to 10 years and is transferable after 12 months.

A self-build project is no walk in the park, so structural warranty cover provides an additional beam of support in the event that the structure fails. This type of cover tends to be available during or after the construction of the building, but it does depend on the provider.

Is a Structural Warranty Really Needed?

It is not a legal requirement to have structural warranty cover in the UK. However, apart from the financial justification of the cover, it’s never a bad thing. It covers a project from unforeseen structural defects, which would ultimately result in a severe financial loss for those involved if the insurance was not taken. The cover is also useful for the following reasons:

  • Even experienced builders make mistakes. The cover provides protection against unforeseen defects in workmanship and design.
  • Materials fail. In construction, this could be incredibly costly, which this cover protects against.
  • A large number of mortgage lenders and banks require a structural warranty if the property is less than 10 years old. A mortgage will not be an option until one is purchased.

Many will consider using an Architect Certificate but this does not give you the same protection as a Structural Warranty. Architect Certificates require you to prove negligence in the event of a claim and often don’t meet lender requirements as they are only for a 6 year period.

Ultimately, it’s down to the project lead to decide whether the funds are available for such cover, but we’d always recommend it. It takes a long time to plan and construct a property from scratch, and this cover ensures that the time wasn’t wasted in the long term.

Which Provider Should I Choose?

There are many structural warranty providers on the market, with each offering their own spin on types of cover. Ultimately though, you need to look for the “A-rated” symbol. This means that the provider is backed by an A-rated insurer, which is an insurer that has the financial clout to pay your claim if it is needed. This removes the risk that further cover will be needed if the insurer folds, which saves you on potential costs.

Build-Zone is one such provider. As a 10-year structural warranty provider since 2003, they remain with you throughout your construction project, providing technical audits, site surveys, advice, and guidance through the complicated world of warranties. All of the above warranty options are available with them, providing peace of mind that your project remains secure long after completion.

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Construction and Building Professionals Now Have New Tool to Accurately CROSSWALK Real-Time Standards, Classifications for Greater Accuracy, Efficiency

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CSI Unveils Revolutionary API, CROSSWALKSM to Boost Productivity for Architects, Engineers, Construction Managers and Owners in Each Stage of

Project and Building Life Cycles

Architects, engineers, contractors, and owners now have the digital productivity and accuracy tool that brings greater levels of efficiency to each stage of the project and building life cycle. The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), a national association dedicated to improving the communication of construction information, today unveils CROSSWALK (www.crosswalk.biz).

CROSSWALK augments the design and construction process by enabling construction technology platforms to connect through an Application Programming Interface (API). This API connects to and curates versions of CSI’s MasterFormat®, Uniformat®, and OmniClass® construction information classifications and standards that span decades. Designed to be used by software providers, government agencies, information providers, academic institutions, BIM object developers, and research organizations, CROSSWALK is the digital classification engine for the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) community.

“CSI has always been at the forefront of organizing construction information. The launch of CROSSWALK is a giant leap forward in improving industry productivity,” said CSI CEO, Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE. “The construction industry has made strides moving from paper documents to digital workflows, however project workflow is often fractured by tools which are incompatible and inefficient, requiring multiple entries of information, file transfers, and improvised solutions that create error, inefficiency and expense. CROSSWALK addresses these challenges,” Dorsey added.

“As a Smart Cities real estate developer, we have had a need for data to be delivered by our consultants in a taxonomy that the industry would understand. Since moving to a digital business using online project management tools and BIM, we have struggled to get any standard formats regarding data from our consultant architects, engineers and contractors,” said Paul Doherty,

President and CEO, TDG – the digit group, inc. “With CROSSWALK, we now have capability to have our consultants deliver the data we need to create our digital assets to manage our Smart Cities around the world.”

“From the way we work to the way we live, the world is evolving quickly,” said Dorsey. “Looking down the road, we envision CROSSWALK moving beyond ‘classifications as a service.’ The potential for CROSSWALK is substantial. For example, CROSSWALK can support Augmented Design through Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deploy machine learning techniques and anonymized data flowing through the API in order to create software wizards, crowdsourcing, and reference data. Blockchain-enabled trust and transparency is another opportunity, as we look to develop CROSSWALK to use a distributed, immutable blockchain-based ledger for the provision of identity, confidentiality, version control, chain-of-custody, and payment services. These innovations can benefit the entire industry” added Dorsey.

To learn more about CROSSWALK, visit www.crosswalk.biz.


About CSI Founded in March of 1948, the Construction Specifications Institute (www.csiresources.org) is a national association of more than 7,000 members dedicated to improving the communication of construction information by continuously developing and transforming standards and formats, education, and certification. http://www.csiresources.org.

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New fire safety guidance for trussed rafter ceiling constructions

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New ceiling construction details have been published which show fully tested solutions for fire safety in new homes with trussed rafter roofs.

The new TRA guidance provides builders with design options to meet the fire resistance requirements for trussed rafter ceiling constructions in individual homes. When followed correctly, these construction details are shown by test to provide 30 minutes’ fire resistance, in line with European Standards (and therefore, by default, the less onerous British Standards). It is the first time such guidance has been published by TRA to the new homes industry.

Nick Boulton, TRA chief executive, says:

“Health and safety, and fire safety in particular, is always on our agenda. Two years ago, TRA members moved away from older British Standard design codes and committed to Eurocode 5 (EC5) design solutions for trussed rafter products and metal web components. Now with these fire safety solutions, we have again decided to test our products against more rigorous European requirements and move the industry forward to a higher and safer standard.

“Obviously it is up to the building designer to decide which evidenced fire resistance solution is most appropriate for the homes they are designing. But fire testing has become much more rigorous since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, so we decided to offer some additional fully tested solutions that we know will meet the current fire resistance requirements and boost safety in new homes.

“We are committed to educating the sector on good practice and will continue with our programme of testing for all relevant products, so that we can stay ahead when it comes to safety.”

In the case of a house fire, trussed rafter constructions need to maintain their structural integrity, load-bearing capacity and resistance to the transfer of excessive heat across the roof structure. The combination of these factors determines the fire resistance of the floor or ceiling.

Therefore a series of fire resistance tests were commissioned by the TRA to cover four different design solutions for trussed rafter ceilings in single occupancy dwellings. These include options for homes with more than one storey and new homes with rooms in the roof.

Fire tests were carried out to EN 1365-2 standards. The construction solutions proposed in the TRA guidance were found to meet all the fire resistance requirements for the scenarios identified in the Building Regulations.

Four construction solutions are detailed in the TRA Technical Card, including information on the truss type, plasterboard, battens, insulation and additional components. The details of the fire test and summary of supporting test evidence is also provided for each.

For a free copy of the technical guidance contact your chosen TRA member trussed rafter supplier, they can be found at www.tra.org.uk

Issued on behalf of the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) by Liz Male Consulting Ltd.

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Getting the Best Boiler Installation in Edinburgh

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For most homes in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, a boiler is a very important device. It is used to supply hot water which is needed for different activities that can include bathing, cooking, washing, cleaning, etc. It is most expedient to have during the cold winter days. You can read up about the city of Edinburgh here.

These devices can last for up to an average of 10 to 15 years without needing a replacement especially if they are well maintained and serviced occasionally. In the end, they are still devices and can develop faults, get broken, or may even reach the end of their lifespan. When any of these happens, owners need to either repair or replace them.

When to Replace Your Boiler

It is Beyond Repair

Boilers are devices that do not need constant repairs and are low maintenance. They may however need to be occasionally serviced. When yours is faulty and the cost to fix it is comparable to buying another one or the need for fixing is becoming too frequent, costing you money each time, it is economically sensible to get a replacement rather than trying to continue to repair it.

It No Longer Meets Your Needs

When your current system is no longer serving its purpose – either it is struggling to heat water or not supplying enough hot water, it may be time to install a new one, preferably one of a higher capacity that will better suit your needs.

Low Energy Efficiency

If your current boiler is resulting in high energy bills for you, then replacing it with one with higher energy efficiency will be of benefit in the long run as it will enable you save more on your energy cost.

Choosing and Installing Boilers

Because of its importance, buying a boiler is sometimes a rushed decision for a lot of people. This is usually the case when their old one is broken down and needs a replacement quickly. Admittedly, it can be a difficult choice to make but one that must be taken seriously as getting things wrong in choosing or installing one could be costly in terms of money and time. To avoid this, you need to choose a company that can handle boiler installation in Edinburgh with efficiency. Before doing this, it is important to know the kinds of boilers available.

Types of Boilers

If you require a boiler, there are several types that you can choose from, they include:

Combi

Combi boilers are designed to be highly-efficient because they act as both a supply source for hot water as well as the homes central heating system. They provide instantaneous hot water supply or water-on-demand without the use of tanks. They are compact, easy to install, and take up less space than most other types. They are also safe and clean. To use this, simply turn on the hot water faucet and you get it delivered.

System

These are also known as sealed system boilers. They are useful for homes with more than average demand and provide heating as well as hot water with the aid of additional storage cylinders. Sealed systems send heat to a radiator and stores hot water in a cylinder making it available when a tap is turned on. They are compact, economical, easy to install, and can provide constant hot water supply even when multiple taps are turned on simultaneously.

Conventional

They are known as regular boilers, heat only, or open vent. They are designed to supply heating and hot water with the aid of cold water and hot water cylinders. It is suitable for large households and places where lots of people need hot water simultaneously. They are cost-effective and fitted with electrical immersion heaters to serve as a backup in case the boiler breaks down.

What to Consider When Installing a New Boiler

Installing a new system can be expensive so it is important therefore to consider the following factors before going ahead to do so:

Output and Size

This is one of the first and the main factors to consider. The output in kW will determine its ability to provide you with enough heating and hot water. Whatever you need is dependent on the number of bathrooms and radiators you have. Also, knowing the physical size as well as how and where it will fit into your home is crucial. Things you may need to think about in this regard include how much water you use and how much space you have available.

Energy Efficiency

Buying an A-rated, high energy efficiency system will enable you to save on energy and reduce energy wastage. Some systems come with user-friendly controls that you can use for setting heating preferences which enhance their efficiency.

Where to Locate it in Your Home

Your device can be installed anywhere in your home though it is advisable to locate it where it will not negatively impact your home and its appearance. It is usually suitable and also time and money-saving to place a new system where an older one was. It makes installation quick and easy as structures are already in place, requiring less effort to complete the installation. If however you prefer another location, you can go ahead and choose a suitable one before buying and installing.

Reliability

As noted earlier, boilers last for over 10 years but that is if you own a reliable brand. A reliable brand will save you from the cold, stress and cost of repairs or early replacement. You can get reliable ones by talking to trustworthy heating and plumbing professionals in Edinburgh who have experience and knowledge in this field. You can find useful tips in this article about getting the best installation https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/boilers/article/buying-a-new-boiler/how-to-get-the-best-boiler-installation.

Talking to Experts

Getting the opinion of an expert heating system engineer can be beneficial when making your decision. They can survey your home and make a recommendation based on your usage and space.

Conclusion

Edinburgh has a temperate climate where the summers are cool but winters can be long, windy, and extremely cold. You do not want you and your family to get caught out by the cold. It is therefore important to not just install a boiler but seek out reputable hands to help you ensure you get and install an adequate system.

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