newbridgewolf

Any advice on materials for fascia’s & soffit’s? We are trying to source good quality materials, that are fit for the task and will also have a long life. At present we are considering 2mm aluminium fascia & soffits, fixed onto a marine ply sub-base (25mm fascia and 9mm soffit). Builders merchants Marine ply is not always the best quality so what are the alternatives? What about Accoya? Is Accoya or other timber is good enough without aluminium sheet applied? For information, planning to install Lindab Majestic (only 10 yr warranty) for the guttering & down pipes. Many thanks.

We have a 200mm cavity brick and block build in progress. Before you committ, work out how you are going to source 200mm batt insulation, wall ties, insulated lintels, cavity closures, and so on. Although there are more products for 200mm cavities now than ever, several items are still special order leading to delays and costs you might not be prepared to wait or pay for. We have had lots of issues with these issues and would have built quicker had we gone for 150mm cavity.

Does anyone have any experience, comments or advice on cavity closers? We are building a 2 storey masonry 200mm cavity, low energy house. Regulations suggest that any building over 18 metres tall, (ours is 5.86m) or those with higher occupancy and fire risk, should use fire-rated materials in cavity barriers for sealing cavities around window and door openings. Our architect has recommended Manthorpe G240. A similar product search has come up with Timloc cavity closures that are fire rated. https://timloc.co.uk/products/thermo-loc-30-minute-fire-rated-cavity-barriers/ https://timloc.co.uk/products/thermo-loc-60-minute-fire-rated-cavity-barriers/ thanks

We are up to wall plate and having the Truss designed this week for an asysmetrical roof profile (see drawing attached). The architech has come up with a neat solution to allow for a flat ridge with what looks like a triangular section (Z) for support. The Truss designer hasn't included it, and the roof installer says its for the tiler/roofer to sort out. Can any one help unpick this? What is Z? Why isn't it provided for by the Truss supplier? Who has responsiblity for organising the timber for Z? Your wisdom would be very welcome, many thanks.

Construction: brick and block 200mm cavity. We have not long installed the first floor joists but being advised to use a different cavity tray above the first floor windows. We have installed Catnic Thermally Broken Lintels and used RIW Sheetseal 9000 at 600mm wide to form the cavity trays on the groundf floor windows . These were a snug fit over the lintels. However, for the first floor we have been advised that it’s best not to use the Sheetseal 9000 because of the 'reduced weight bearing' and look instead for a high bond DPC. So now trying to source a good quality flexible DPC 600mm wide. Would appreciate any suggestions. The alternative is to consider pre-formed cavity trays if I can souce them for a cavity this size. Many thanks

We've just been calculating how much we need for the last batch of full-fill Rockwool insulation up to the roof - block and brick build (200mm cavity). The builder was suprised that the architech had not spec'd insulation for the gable ends. Its a cold roof (for the most part) and the cavity batts finish level with the top of the loft insulation (see below) encapsulated within - what I understand is called - the thermal envelop. Airtight stratergy achieved with medite boards on the first floor ceilings and wet plastering for the external walls. The builder says he's never not run the cavity insulation up to the apex even for cold roof's. I can't see anything in the regs, or why this method but it's what the builder says he has 'always done'. I have a lot of respect for the builder who sometimes turns the architect's drawings or spec. on its head, usually for good reason. I'm not sure he's right on this one however. Have I missed something and if so, why would you insulate a gable end cavity for a cold roof?

I know this is months later. I'm really sorry not to have responded at the time but thank all of you your replies. It helped me make a decision at the time.

Does anyone here have any experience of changing architects mid-project? Under my contract I am free to part ways at any stage but does the orginal architect have an obligation to transfer the DWG files to the new architect so that they can be amended? Many thanks