Search the Community

Question from a novice (not sure where to post this). How would you go about blocking up 3 extract fan vents? 2 bathroom extracts (100mm) and 1 kitchen extract (150mm) - I'm having an MVHR system installed next week (retrofit) so I want to remove and block up these 3 vents. (Obviously I'll work on airtightness elsewhere) - Walls are brick and block. - Bungalow so it's all accessible - I'll then have the failed CWI extracted and replaced with EPS beads - overall objective of retrofit is to get rid of condensation and make my home more sustainable (use less energy) Do I need to try and leave a cavity? Would people just use expanding foam? How do I prevent a thermal bridge? Any recommendations of products please? The vents are close to the soffits.

Hi, First time post and I would just be very grateful for some advice please. I have had an extractor fan fitted into the downstairs toilet conversion, which is located in the old cupboard beneath the stairs. The extractor flexible hose then runs up and beneath the floorboards on the landing and into the corner of one of the bedrooms before exiting the front of the house just above the garage. I initially requested that the contractor ran the hose adjacent to the joists and out of the side of the house as this would have meant that none of the joists would need to be disturbed in any way. However, I was shocked to see that the contractor has drilled out a large section of the joist to run the hose out above the garage at the front of the house. Please see the attached photographs. I believe that a depth of approximately 60% of the joist has been removed to make way for the hose. Now I am not a structural engineer but I am a very experienced DIY-er and I would never have attempted this as surely it would compromise the joist? As can be seen on the photographs, the joist is 7" in depth and a depth of approximately 4" has been removed. In my opinion its a shocking job. I have taken some photos of the adjacent joist to show the dimensions. My question is....is there any building control guidance/legislation on notching/drilling into joists and if so how would I obtain this? For me the job which has been undertaken cannot be compliant as the integrity of the joist is now surely compromised? And my other questions would be, do I need to get somebody competent to come out and look at this and if so what needs to be done to make the joist good again? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I would like to challenge the contractor on the standard of works. Many thanks John

Hi all, Just finished renovating a house where I converted and old coal shed and outside toilet (cold space), into a utility and separate toilet, knocked through from kitchen. I got my friend to do the electrics which he is fully qualified to do, and provided a minor works certificate. Guy from building control came today to sign off that and other works, was happy with everything, but has said I need to fit 2 extractor fans in utility and toilet to provide ventilation. When I asked for what he said because of the hot water!? ?‍♂️ The toilet is small and has a large window, and the utility is small but twice the size, with washing machine/ dryer, and has a door and very small window. Plus door into kitchen. I'm just wondering if there is anyway around this as I am reluctant to start making a mess of the new internal and external plaster/render, and would prefer to not mess with the new roof either. If I am to go back to him I need a regulations loop hole or something. Any help appreciated. Thanks.