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Everything posted by saveasteading
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Obvious leak problem, but tricky to resolve
saveasteading replied to saveasteading's topic in General Plumbing
I misread 'Lady'. I had sparrows nesting at the windscreen to bonnet interface. I removed the beginnings of the nest daily and moved the car to various positions but they found it and carried on. After 2 weeks they gave up or divorced or whatever sparrows do. -
Obvious leak problem, but tricky to resolve
saveasteading replied to saveasteading's topic in General Plumbing
Feel free to offload if you wish. Nice simple idea, thanks. -
1st floor extension - SIPs vs builder
saveasteading replied to Adam_R's topic in House Extensions & Conservatories
Agree with all the above. Sips is best in an open space, not well suited to fit to an existing building. I'd be interested to know what attracted you to consider sips. -
Something is certainly differen there. Is there another cause? Flue nearby, water dripping, something underneath?
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Obvious leak problem, but tricky to resolve
saveasteading replied to saveasteading's topic in General Plumbing
That's some claim! Air doesnt nibble through vapour barriers. I wonder what they like about waste hoses. Or do they just chew anything to see what might be inside? I left a plastic box of rat poison in the attic, ready for next dose, and they ate through the box and then ate all the contents, about 3 doses. They climb up behind our very old weatherboard. -
I'd say asbestos cement board is very likely. It's only dangerous as dust, which is exactly what you will be making. I'd be surprised if an attic from then wasn't draughty. Why do you want the vents?
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Obvious leak problem, but tricky to resolve
saveasteading replied to saveasteading's topic in General Plumbing
For now I have found an electrical conduit which pushed inside the existing. It's dripping into a jug, but not pouring, and I might bodge it with gunge and tape before the other ideas. -
Obvious leak problem, but tricky to resolve
saveasteading replied to saveasteading's topic in General Plumbing
I think I'd still need a basin under that. -
The mice have been at this overflow. As an overflow it is never used, but a surge from the sink reaches here and the cupboard is soaked. I don't see that access is possible between the sink and unit, to change the pipe, even if it is a standard thing. What do you even call that pipe? A flexible drainpipe? Any suggestions please?
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If its not built yet, I'd be very fussy about build quality. You will never get another chance to inspect or repair it. The blocks must not be cracked and the pointing must be perfect. Add a vcl. I'd use the strongest ties, and not worry about the thermal breaks. Why do you need fire rated plasterboard? The gap to the next wall is tiny. Likely to get damp and fill with leaves and litter. Will you be able to clear it? Have you had professional advice or just the builder?
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Largest outbuilding possible with planning permission?
saveasteading replied to optimystery's topic in Planning Permission
That also makes sense for new build. Planners, and policies, often encourage artisan combined buildings. A return to 100 years ago when high streets had workshops on the street and homes above. -
Posi Joist Hanging...
saveasteading replied to Mulberry View's topic in Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
It's good to make use of these, and well done the merchant for encouraging it. Be aware that the timbers are may distort due to the new imbalance of grain and stresses. Not a huge reduction so maybe not much twist. If so, you can probably straighten them with substantial noggins / dwangs. -
Early days in starting our barn conversion journey
saveasteading replied to fluffnstuff's topic in Introduce Yourself
I can't remember. I just know I tried to make one work a couple of times, and it wasn't viable. Perhaps it is cautiously specified, as digester soakaways are, whereas a klargester one is a 'thing' with a certificate. -
There appear to be recent stricter rules on the subject, which perhaps our plumber hasn't noticed. It's not easy reading so I will have to print and get the magic marker working. This commercial one is easier than the nhbc https://insulation-more.co.uk/blogs/the-pipe-duct-lagging-expert/new-guidance-on-pipe-insulation-for-domestic-heating-systems-2023?utm_source=shopsheriff&utm_medium=amp&utm_content=cookie-consent&_gl=1*1bkzay0*_ga*bHUwZUNCQnc0UnJOT21meGxKd2haYklyM3RkclhxcUhSRktweUtHWlJhU0tFYVpKdWVMWHFwLUV6NUF0Zl9tQw..# It seems that the rules were crazily relaxed and now are sensible, but still not strict enough to my mind.
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The plumber is reluctant to insulate these hot and cold (and hot loop) pipes, although they have done in the cold attic. He says it isn't necessary in the warm side of the wall. They will be contained in the service gap. We think there will be condensation on the cold pipes, so they must be insulated as a minimum. Also heat exchange from hot to cold which is wasting energy, and not desirable anyway. And it will heat the service gap unnecessarily. 1. Are we wrong? 2. Is there a published standard to quote to hasten agreement?
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I hadn't heard of flying ends either. It's an education in BH. It makes a lot of sense and saves some secondary bars, but I wonder about the cost, not being a mainstream product. Lapping bars is sensible. Tying is quite a skill so the machine is a good idea.
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I'd say so. Or simply avoids replacing staff shortages. I wonder how skilled the assessors are in construction, or do they mostly skip through anyway, looking for the unusual. Yes. If there's somebody not to cheat it's the vat inspector. One sat opposite me for 3 days convinced we were up to something....then said 'oh I see..that's all fine'. But he went away with copies of subby invoices. He even told me the common dodges they were looking for. We were squeaky clean but it still felt uncomfortable. There won't be any imaginary costs in our submission.
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Mostly....you've got it all thought out. Pro tilers may disagree with me, and don't need the artificial aids such as spacers, but: 1. Yes. Don't assume the floor/ tray is level. With normal tiles ig is normal to fix batten and to cut in the lower tiles later. Prob not a great idea with huge tiles, so getting it packed level is crucial. 2. I would. 3. Don't know. 4. I've only ever used the x spacers. But we discovered the challenge of curves on big tiles so the family bought a wedge clamping system and the result is superb. Slower but essential. 5. Notches...I use fine notches on a plane backing, but deep notches if its wobbly. That may not be the whole logic for heavy tiles.. 6, 7. Can't comment 8. A level is a level. Any size as long as it is accurate. 1200 is ok but reverse it to be sure. But my family bought a laser and are glad they did.....but for lots of tiling and other stuff. 9. A diamond tile saw table is about £50. Amateur grade but works fine. 10. Slow setting adhesive. Quick is for pros. Remember nothing is usually level or vertical or square. Do your tiles have repeat patterns? Does it bother you if they line up etc?
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One of those secrets that joiners keep. Like a chop saw...why didn't I get one years ago? Looking at the dewalt site, it looks as if it allows cutting the bottom of a door without removing. Wow. Any worthwhile sets among the much cheaper brands?
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Early days in starting our barn conversion journey
saveasteading replied to fluffnstuff's topic in Introduce Yourself
That's a commercial digester really. I meant a natural reed bed snaking around and clean enough to end in a pond. @Gone West what sort of cost was it? I checked it out but found tanks always much cheaper but less interesting. I'd be interested to know if it looks good, smells, is any concern for children or animals etc. Any maintenance? -
Everything else is 1 for 1 energy. If you don't need cooling (and it should be avoided) then make sure the unit is primarily designed for heating efficiency.
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But you could help the planet by letting it rot and feed insects and nature generally. I use wood burners too. It's a pragmatic choice. Waste wood and prunings first. Locally produced logs next. 90% efficient if all best practices are followed, and isn't that better than anything else?
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British Gas computer says no - why??
saveasteading replied to Tom's topic in General Self Build & DIY Discussion
@ProDavewill clarify. Don't you simply use one of the phases to drive the ashp? He is right about many electricians not understanding it. It's a good question for testing their knowledge and even interest in the subject.
