What Is A Padstone In Construction? A padstone is a simple type of building foundation consisting of a stone that spreads the weight of a wooden building out on the ground and keeps the wood off of the ground. It is typically used to support the end of a beam, such as steel or timber, […]
What Is U Value In Construction? The U-value is a measure of the overall rate of heat transfer, by all mechanisms under standard conditions, through a particular section of construction. It is measured in units of W/m² K (Watts per metre squared Kelvin). The lower the U-value, the more efficient the construction is at keeping […]
What Is PAS 2035 Accreditation? PAS 2035 is a set of guidelines that focuses on the implementation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in buildings, taking into account both technical requirements and occupant comfort. Specifically, it is designed to assess and retrofit residential buildings for improved energy performance by identifying areas for improvement and specifying the […]
What Are Cavity Trays? A cavity tray is a damp-proof course (DPC) that crosses the cavity of a cavity wall in order to prevent dampness from permeating the internal skin of a wall. It is typically made up of a number of trays and is used to prevent rainwater from penetrating any cavity wall and […]
What Is A Bungaroosh Wall? Bungaroosh is a composite building material used almost exclusively in the English seaside towns of Brighton and Hove. It is composed of miscellaneous materials such as broken bricks, cobblestones, pebbles, sand, and pieces of wood embedded in hydraulic lime. Bungaroosh walls were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries but […]
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is a proof of qualification for individuals working on construction sites in the UK. It is not a legislative requirement to hold a CSCS card, but it is up to the principal contractor or client whether workers are required to have one […]
What Is Ducting Work In Construction? Ductwork is a network of tubes located in a building’s walls, floors and ceilings that direct air from one location to another. It is an important part of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Ductwork design involves planning (laying out), sizing, optimising, and detailing. Different types of duct […]
What Lime Mortar For Pointing? The best lime mortar for pointing is a natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortar. NHL mortars are softer and more porous than cement-based mortars, allowing moisture to evaporate from the joints more freely. The mortar should be workable without being too wet, and should be pre-mixed for a minimum of a […]
What Is The Prime Cost Sum In Construction? A prime cost sum (PC or PC sum) is an allowance, usually calculated by the cost consultant, for the supply of work or materials to be provided by a contractor or supplier that will be nominated by the client. It is different from a provisional sum which […]
What Does Flanking Wall Mean In Construction? A flank wall in construction is a sidewall of a building that is not the front or rear wall. It is most commonly seen as the exposed side wall on an end-of-terrace property. Flanking noise, on the other hand, is sound that transmits between spaces indirectly, going over […]