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@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Feb 28
Northern Lights
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We`ve been looking at an interesting North Light or Saw-Tooth roof construction recently.
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Typical of structures from the Industrial Revolution this asymmetrical roof structure is formed with a steep and heavily glazed pitch to the northern aspect.
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Before artificial lighting was in use, the north facing glazing allowed large volumes of consistent natural light to enter the structure indirectly rather than directly from the sun. As direct sunlight didn`t hit the glazing it eliminated shadows, glare and heat gain internally - ideal for spotting imperfections in textiles and other materials.
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Nowadays you`ll find this principle put to great use in art studios and exhibition spaces due to the pleasing and even light aesthetic. It`s also a favourite in hot climates for the sustainable benefits of preventing overheating from solar gains.
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It is usual for north light buildings to be single storey and this former silk mill is unusual in that the north lights are to the 3rd floor. It makes an interesting and contrasting roof vantage from high up but also introduces complications and increased maintenance and repair costs!
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𝙋.𝙨 - 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧, 𝙮𝙤𝙪`𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙗𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨!
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #sawtoothroof #loveconstruction #surveying #heritage #listedbuilding #listedbuildings #industrialrevolution #silkmill #northlight #victorianarchitecture #passivedesign #naturallight #commercialproperty #artstudio #leek #staffordshire #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Northern Lights
.
We`ve been looking at an interesting North Light or Saw-Tooth roof construction recently.
.
Typical of structures from the Industrial Revolution this asymmetrical roof structure is formed with a steep and heavily glazed pitch to the northern aspect.
.
Before artificial lighting was in use, the north facing glazing allowed large volumes of consistent natural light to enter the structure indirectly rather than directly from the sun. As direct sunlight didn`t hit the glazing it eliminated shadows, glare and heat gain internally - ideal for spotting imperfections in textiles and other materials.
.
Nowadays you`ll find this principle put to great use in art studios and exhibition spaces due to the pleasing and even light aesthetic. It`s also a favourite in hot climates for the sustainable benefits of preventing overheating from solar gains.
.
It is usual for north light buildings to be single storey and this former silk mill is unusual in that the north lights are to the 3rd floor. It makes an interesting and contrasting roof vantage from high up but also introduces complications and increased maintenance and repair costs!
.
𝙋.𝙨 - 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧, 𝙮𝙤𝙪`𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙗𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨!
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #sawtoothroof #loveconstruction #surveying #heritage #listedbuilding #listedbuildings #industrialrevolution #silkmill #northlight #victorianarchitecture #passivedesign #naturallight #commercialproperty #artstudio #leek #staffordshire #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Oct 20
Peacocking
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The bricks. Not us this time.
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The iridescent staining to these clay engineering bricks is usually caused when the freshly laid bricks have not been protected and left to get saturated.
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The water allows calcium deposits from the mortar to spread across the brick, causing the staining which resembles the feathers of a peacock - hence the name.
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Here it is suspected the wall was left unprotected before the coping stone was laid.
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It`s pretty permanent but not detrimental. It looks awful when viewed at a distance. Up close it`s quite interesting though.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #loveconstruction #brickie #bricklayer #bricklaying #brickies #buildingdefects
#buildingpathology #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Peacocking
.
The bricks. Not us this time.
.
The iridescent staining to these clay engineering bricks is usually caused when the freshly laid bricks have not been protected and left to get saturated.
.
The water allows calcium deposits from the mortar to spread across the brick, causing the staining which resembles the feathers of a peacock - hence the name.
.
Here it is suspected the wall was left unprotected before the coping stone was laid.
.
It`s pretty permanent but not detrimental. It looks awful when viewed at a distance. Up close it`s quite interesting though.
.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #loveconstruction #brickie #bricklayer #bricklaying #brickies #buildingdefects
#buildingpathology #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Jan 26
The valleys run dry...
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There used to be lead here. Lead is an amazing construction material.
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With a minimum recognised lifespan for roofing applications of well over 300 years and being pretty much 100% recyclable, it`s been the preferred material for flashings and similar weather detailing since the Normans and probably before.
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Properly skilled leadwork is a joy to see and a genuine craft 🤓
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Problem is lead is valuable for all sorts of other purposes - about 80% of it`s usage worldwide is in batteries. Obviously this value attracts the interest of criminals and metal theft of various types is common, particularly on heritage buildings where larger volumes of lead and other valuable metals can be common. These buildings are also often left unoccupied and unsupervised for relatively long periods of time.
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We`ve dealt with a few lead thefts of churches and similar buildings recently but this one is of a Grade II* Georgian property. Thieves accessed the roof via scaffold in place for general maintenance works and in around 40 minutes stripped all these valleys and cut the lead from under the stone copings. Causing major damage as they went.
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The damage to the roof structure and covering is significant and will now cost the client far, far more in remedial works than the value of the scrap lead to the thieves.
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Removing ladders from scaffold on properties with large volumes of lead is never enough to deter criminals and scaffold alarms and other enhanced security provisions should always be installed to prevent this kind of damage.
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Projects involving scaffold or other high level access around properties with large volumes of lead are always a little nail biting and contract documents and specifications should always be enhanced to manage this risk.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #surveying #buildingdefects
#buildingpathology #buildingmaintenance #buildingsurvey #heritage
#listedbuilding #listedbuildings #constructionmanagement
#contractadministration #englishheritage #historicproperties #roofing #leadwork #leadtheft #fabricbuildingsurveyors
The valleys run dry...
.
There used to be lead here. Lead is an amazing construction material.
.
With a minimum recognised lifespan for roofing applications of well over 300 years and being pretty much 100% recyclable, it`s been the preferred material for flashings and similar weather detailing since the Normans and probably before.
.
Properly skilled leadwork is a joy to see and a genuine craft 🤓
.
Problem is lead is valuable for all sorts of other purposes - about 80% of it`s usage worldwide is in batteries. Obviously this value attracts the interest of criminals and metal theft of various types is common, particularly on heritage buildings where larger volumes of lead and other valuable metals can be common. These buildings are also often left unoccupied and unsupervised for relatively long periods of time.
.
We`ve dealt with a few lead thefts of churches and similar buildings recently but this one is of a Grade II* Georgian property. Thieves accessed the roof via scaffold in place for general maintenance works and in around 40 minutes stripped all these valleys and cut the lead from under the stone copings. Causing major damage as they went.
.
The damage to the roof structure and covering is significant and will now cost the client far, far more in remedial works than the value of the scrap lead to the thieves.
.
Removing ladders from scaffold on properties with large volumes of lead is never enough to deter criminals and scaffold alarms and other enhanced security provisions should always be installed to prevent this kind of damage.
.
Projects involving scaffold or other high level access around properties with large volumes of lead are always a little nail biting and contract documents and specifications should always be enhanced to manage this risk.
.
.
.
#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #surveying #buildingdefects
#buildingpathology #buildingmaintenance #buildingsurvey #heritage
#listedbuilding #listedbuildings #constructionmanagement
#contractadministration #englishheritage #historicproperties #roofing #leadwork #leadtheft #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Nov 17
Out of sight, out of mind.
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We`ve been clambering around the roof of a beautiful Grade I listed, fortified castle recently, looking at damage caused from the fixings of a long forgotten WW2 air raid siren fixed to the lead sheet roof.
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It`s got turrets, towers, battlements, chimneys, hips, valleys, parapets and all sorts of arrangements going on up there.
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There`s some pretty interesting internal repairs to a rather decadent gold leaf ceiling coming up early next year...
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During the war, precious documents and artwork were held here for safe keeping. Allegedly transported from London in vehicles disguised as chocolate delivery trucks!
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #surveying #rics #belvoircastle #castle #historicbuildings #airraid #airraidsiren #listedbuilding #englishheritage #ww2 #worldwar2 #leadroofing #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Out of sight, out of mind.
.
We`ve been clambering around the roof of a beautiful Grade I listed, fortified castle recently, looking at damage caused from the fixings of a long forgotten WW2 air raid siren fixed to the lead sheet roof.
.
It`s got turrets, towers, battlements, chimneys, hips, valleys, parapets and all sorts of arrangements going on up there.
.
There`s some pretty interesting internal repairs to a rather decadent gold leaf ceiling coming up early next year...
.
During the war, precious documents and artwork were held here for safe keeping. Allegedly transported from London in vehicles disguised as chocolate delivery trucks!
.
.
.
#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #surveying #rics #belvoircastle #castle #historicbuildings #airraid #airraidsiren #listedbuilding #englishheritage #ww2 #worldwar2 #leadroofing #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Mar 30
It`s fairly common to see a sagging roof structure on old properties where they have had the original slates replaced with a much heavier covering - usually concrete interlocking tiles. This overloads the rafters and causes them to deflect slightly and the roof to dish.
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We did not expect to see the damage it`s caused at this Victorian retail unit though!
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The heavier tiles have caused a thrust inwards which has split the rafters and forced the midspan masonry wall to rotate inwards at an alarming rate.
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As the wall has rotated the purlin has also lost its bearing and rather than sitting square against the rafters it now lies flat across them - you can see on image 4 where the purlin originally sat on the wall facing downwards but now lies facing upwards instead.
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We didn`t hang around in the roof void for long!
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#roofspread #roofing #structuralfailure #surveying #buildingdefects #fabricbuildingsurveyors
It`s fairly common to see a sagging roof structure on old properties where they have had the original slates replaced with a much heavier covering - usually concrete interlocking tiles. This overloads the rafters and causes them to deflect slightly and the roof to dish.
.
We did not expect to see the damage it`s caused at this Victorian retail unit though!
.
The heavier tiles have caused a thrust inwards which has split the rafters and forced the midspan masonry wall to rotate inwards at an alarming rate.
.
As the wall has rotated the purlin has also lost its bearing and rather than sitting square against the rafters it now lies flat across them - you can see on image 4 where the purlin originally sat on the wall facing downwards but now lies facing upwards instead.
.
We didn`t hang around in the roof void for long!
.
.
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#roofspread #roofing #structuralfailure #surveying #buildingdefects #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Feb 25
Paddle Stairs...
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Putting stairs where they shouldn`t be for decades!
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These open winder paddle stairs are a creation of the devil!
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #joinery #paddlestairs #staircase #loftconversion #lovesurveying #property #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Paddle Stairs...
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Putting stairs where they shouldn`t be for decades!
.
These open winder paddle stairs are a creation of the devil!
.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #joinery #paddlestairs #staircase #loftconversion #lovesurveying #property #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Dec 16
Wowsers! There`s bending of beams and then there`s mangling of metal!
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Had a nosey inside a commercial unit that`s suffered extreme fire damage last week.
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The intense heat from the fire has totally deformed these thick gauge steels like nothing we`ve seen before. Some of the diamond shaped castellated beams look like they are made for a rollercoaster ride!
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Steel isn`t really combustible but at high heat it begins to lose its strength at a rapid rate. This is why structural steelwork often needs fire protection, so it keeps its integrity long enough for the fire and rescue service to attend without risk of the structure collapsing on top of the fire fighters.
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It`s thought likely the temperature reached well in excess of 1000° here
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#castellatedbeams #firedamage #totalstructuralfailure #steelwork #buildingsurveying #buildingconstruction #lovesurveying #buildingsurveyor #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Wowsers! There`s bending of beams and then there`s mangling of metal!
.
Had a nosey inside a commercial unit that`s suffered extreme fire damage last week.
.
The intense heat from the fire has totally deformed these thick gauge steels like nothing we`ve seen before. Some of the diamond shaped castellated beams look like they are made for a rollercoaster ride!
.
Steel isn`t really combustible but at high heat it begins to lose its strength at a rapid rate. This is why structural steelwork often needs fire protection, so it keeps its integrity long enough for the fire and rescue service to attend without risk of the structure collapsing on top of the fire fighters.
.
It`s thought likely the temperature reached well in excess of 1000° here
.
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#castellatedbeams #firedamage #totalstructuralfailure #steelwork #buildingsurveying #buildingconstruction #lovesurveying #buildingsurveyor #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Oct 29
We undertook an initial inspection of a pretty impressive hipped roof collapse this week.
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Lots left to see and do here!
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#roofing #hippedroof #structuralfailure #lovesurveying #charteredbuildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #buildingdefects #buildingpathology #demolition #roofleak #fabricbuildingsurveyors
We undertook an initial inspection of a pretty impressive hipped roof collapse this week.
.
Lots left to see and do here!
.
.
.
#roofing #hippedroof #structuralfailure #lovesurveying #charteredbuildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #buildingdefects #buildingpathology #demolition #roofleak #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Oct 7
Floating floors...
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Now then, we know all about different floor structures but this one appears to be based upon a new type of magic `self-levitating` floor.
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This was discovered during strip-out of a complex demo and rebuild project we are project managing together with the numerous other issues in the photos.
.
We specified the works carefully but nobody could have foreseen this.
.
Construction work is fraught with unforseen issues and this just goes to show the importance of allowing for a suitable contingency for budgeting purposes when specifying your works and producing contract documents.
.
Scroll right for a free bonus picture of a very special plumbing repair also discovered. It must have been the plumbers birthday and they made them an expanding foam cake!
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#building #construction #buildingdefects #buildingrepairs #buildingsurveyor #charteredbuildingsurveyor #contingency #cowboybuilders #houserefurbishment #houserenovation #contractadministration #rics #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Floating floors...
.
Now then, we know all about different floor structures but this one appears to be based upon a new type of magic `self-levitating` floor.
.
This was discovered during strip-out of a complex demo and rebuild project we are project managing together with the numerous other issues in the photos.
.
We specified the works carefully but nobody could have foreseen this.
.
Construction work is fraught with unforseen issues and this just goes to show the importance of allowing for a suitable contingency for budgeting purposes when specifying your works and producing contract documents.
.
Scroll right for a free bonus picture of a very special plumbing repair also discovered. It must have been the plumbers birthday and they made them an expanding foam cake!
.
.
.
#building #construction #buildingdefects #buildingrepairs #buildingsurveyor #charteredbuildingsurveyor #contingency #cowboybuilders #houserefurbishment #houserenovation #contractadministration #rics #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Aug 6
Normal for Norfolk...
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NFN is usually used to poke fun at the supposed peculiar goings on in the rural county of Norfolk. We`ve got no comment on that... but we have recently been working with a peculiar building material that really is `normal` for Norfolk - or at least used to be.
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Various historic types of Earth Buildings can be found in the UK and around the world whereby earth, animal dung, chalk and gravel are mixed and used to form a structure.
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These are Clay Lump Walls which are subtly unique to East Anglia. These `mudbricks` are formed using unfired clay, mixed with straw, chalk and dung and also laid on a bed of clay mortar. They`re still coursed like typical masonry but generally with much larger blocks.
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The first two pics show the internal side of a barn wall with the lumps exposed and never having had a finish applied, you can see the straw and gravel in the second picture - they are in fantastic condition.
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The video is of the external side of a wall that had an inappropriate cement based render applied which obviously trapped moisture in the wall and caused deterioration of the blocks. The cement render has now been removed ready for a nice lime render protective finish - p.s, I got told off for picking at it like that!
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#buildingsurveying #buildingpathology #buildingmaintenance #heritage #norfolk #normalfornorfolk #claylump #englishheritage #earthbuilding #historicproperties #limerender #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Normal for Norfolk...
.
NFN is usually used to poke fun at the supposed peculiar goings on in the rural county of Norfolk. We`ve got no comment on that... but we have recently been working with a peculiar building material that really is `normal` for Norfolk - or at least used to be.
.
Various historic types of Earth Buildings can be found in the UK and around the world whereby earth, animal dung, chalk and gravel are mixed and used to form a structure.
.
These are Clay Lump Walls which are subtly unique to East Anglia. These `mudbricks` are formed using unfired clay, mixed with straw, chalk and dung and also laid on a bed of clay mortar. They`re still coursed like typical masonry but generally with much larger blocks.
.
The first two pics show the internal side of a barn wall with the lumps exposed and never having had a finish applied, you can see the straw and gravel in the second picture - they are in fantastic condition.
.
The video is of the external side of a wall that had an inappropriate cement based render applied which obviously trapped moisture in the wall and caused deterioration of the blocks. The cement render has now been removed ready for a nice lime render protective finish - p.s, I got told off for picking at it like that!
.
.
.
#buildingsurveying #buildingpathology #buildingmaintenance #heritage #norfolk #normalfornorfolk #claylump #englishheritage #earthbuilding #historicproperties #limerender #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Jul 15
Time for a brew!
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After a hectic few months of projects, site visits and surveys (and the inevitable odd tussle along the way) I finally get a moment of peace to enjoy a cuppa in my favourite work mug! 😳
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurvey #mrics #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #muglife #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Time for a brew!
.
After a hectic few months of projects, site visits and surveys (and the inevitable odd tussle along the way) I finally get a moment of peace to enjoy a cuppa in my favourite work mug! 😳
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurvey #mrics #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #muglife #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . May 27
Bonding gutters aka, secret gutters.
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Usually used to waterproof the joint of two different roof coverings when a continuous covering cannot be formed.
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They are often found when one owner of a semi-detached or terraced house has their roof recovered at a different time or with a different profiled covering than the adjoining owner. They sit underneath the joint and catch any rainwater, discharging it down into the main gutters at the eaves.
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Here, it was discovered that when forming this dormer cheek directly onto the party wall, the junction was waterproofed by cutting back the slate of the neighbours roof then inserting the (not so) secret gutter beneath the dormer cheek, then another bonding gutter was placed over the top with a fall towards the neighbours roof space - just for good measure.
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It`s caused lots of issues!
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #buildingpathology #buildingdefects #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #roofing #roofer #loftconversion #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Bonding gutters aka, secret gutters.
.
Usually used to waterproof the joint of two different roof coverings when a continuous covering cannot be formed.
.
They are often found when one owner of a semi-detached or terraced house has their roof recovered at a different time or with a different profiled covering than the adjoining owner. They sit underneath the joint and catch any rainwater, discharging it down into the main gutters at the eaves.
.
Here, it was discovered that when forming this dormer cheek directly onto the party wall, the junction was waterproofed by cutting back the slate of the neighbours roof then inserting the (not so) secret gutter beneath the dormer cheek, then another bonding gutter was placed over the top with a fall towards the neighbours roof space - just for good measure.
.
It`s caused lots of issues!
.
.
.
#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #buildingpathology #buildingdefects #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #roofing #roofer #loftconversion #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Apr 23
Filled up at a Grade II Listed petrol station the other day - Who knew there was such a thing?!!
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This space age UFO style forecourt was constructed in the 1960s with six steel overlapping parasols and a central supporting column that also deals with rainwater disposal.
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So why shouldn`t petrol stations be interesting too?!
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List Entry Number 1406858
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#birstall #buildingsurveying #petrolstation #gasstation #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #englishheritage #listedbuilding #architecture #industrialdesign #eliotnoyes #historicengland #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Filled up at a Grade II Listed petrol station the other day - Who knew there was such a thing?!!
.
This space age UFO style forecourt was constructed in the 1960s with six steel overlapping parasols and a central supporting column that also deals with rainwater disposal.
.
So why shouldn`t petrol stations be interesting too?!
.
List Entry Number 1406858
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#birstall #buildingsurveying #petrolstation #gasstation #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #englishheritage #listedbuilding #architecture #industrialdesign #eliotnoyes #historicengland #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Apr 22
Calthemites
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Saw some calthemites underneath this cantilevered concrete balcony yesterday.
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The underside of the balcony has been suffering from moisture ingress for quite some time which has carried calcium to the surface and reacted with the carbon dioxide in the air to form these stalactite looking deposits.
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Some of them have a red tinge to them indicating that the reinforcement has begun to corrode.
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They remind us of school trips to the caves of the Peak District. Remember...
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StalaCtites from the Ceiling.
StalaGmites from the Ground.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #calthemites #stalactites #buildingpathology #buildingdefects #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #concretefailure #concretedefects #ricsapc #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Calthemites
.
Saw some calthemites underneath this cantilevered concrete balcony yesterday.
.
The underside of the balcony has been suffering from moisture ingress for quite some time which has carried calcium to the surface and reacted with the carbon dioxide in the air to form these stalactite looking deposits.
.
Some of them have a red tinge to them indicating that the reinforcement has begun to corrode.
.
They remind us of school trips to the caves of the Peak District. Remember...
.
StalaCtites from the Ceiling.
StalaGmites from the Ground.
.
.
.
#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #calthemites #stalactites #buildingpathology #buildingdefects #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #concretefailure #concretedefects #ricsapc #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Mar 19
Sustainable construction at its very finest!
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Got caught up looking at a different (and far cuter) type of eco-friendly self build on a building survey today.
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Think this is a Swallow`s nest but not entirely sure. Anyone else know?
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurvey #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #mrics #sustainableconstruction #building #birdsnest #swallownest #springisintheair #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Sustainable construction at its very finest!
.
Got caught up looking at a different (and far cuter) type of eco-friendly self build on a building survey today.
.
Think this is a Swallow`s nest but not entirely sure. Anyone else know?
.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurvey #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #mrics #sustainableconstruction #building #birdsnest #swallownest #springisintheair #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Mar 5
Swipe Right ➡️ Despite the laughs of the contractors on-site when we took our tiny "toffee hammer" out of our pocket, it proved to be the perfect bit of kit to sound test the surface of this 200 year old lath and plaster ceiling and listen for voids where the plaster bond to the lath has been broken.
.
A nearby ceiling suffered a sudden collapse and the owners were understandably concerned about the condition of the ceilings in the adjacent rooms.
.
Lath and plaster is prone to sudden collapse, often caused by hidden water leaks. However, in this instance vibration and disturbance from cutting electrical service penetrations through the ceiling, together with overloading the joists above with a huge bookcase and other minor issues have caused the plaster to begin to lose it`s key to the laths and fail.
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The lime based plaster traditionally used for lath and plaster ceilings like these was often a very thick (in this case up to 45mm) weak mix with lots of sand and it is incredibly heavy. It is a serious health hazard when it begins to fall from high ceilings like these.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #buildingdefects
#buildingpathology
#buildingmaintenance #heritage
#listedbuilding #listedbuildings #englisheritage #historicproperties #lathandplaster #plastering #limeplaster #georgian #georgianproperty #georgianceiling #tinyhammer #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Swipe Right ➡️ Despite the laughs of the contractors on-site when we took our tiny "toffee hammer" out of our pocket, it proved to be the perfect bit of kit to sound test the surface of this 200 year old lath and plaster ceiling and listen for voids where the plaster bond to the lath has been broken.
.
A nearby ceiling suffered a sudden collapse and the owners were understandably concerned about the condition of the ceilings in the adjacent rooms.
.
Lath and plaster is prone to sudden collapse, often caused by hidden water leaks. However, in this instance vibration and disturbance from cutting electrical service penetrations through the ceiling, together with overloading the joists above with a huge bookcase and other minor issues have caused the plaster to begin to lose it`s key to the laths and fail.
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The lime based plaster traditionally used for lath and plaster ceilings like these was often a very thick (in this case up to 45mm) weak mix with lots of sand and it is incredibly heavy. It is a serious health hazard when it begins to fall from high ceilings like these.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #loveconstruction #surveying #buildingdefects
#buildingpathology
#buildingmaintenance #heritage
#listedbuilding #listedbuildings #englisheritage #historicproperties #lathandplaster #plastering #limeplaster #georgian #georgianproperty #georgianceiling #tinyhammer #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Feb 18
We`ve been reporting on all sorts of damage caused from workmanship issues as a result of a neighbours extension and loft conversion recently.
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Did a double take when we saw this though!
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#buildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #loftconversion #mrics #joists #blockwork #lovesurveying #cowboybuilders #loveconstruction #surveying #buildingdefects #buildingpathology #partywall #fabricbuildingsurveyors
We`ve been reporting on all sorts of damage caused from workmanship issues as a result of a neighbours extension and loft conversion recently.
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Did a double take when we saw this though!
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#buildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #loftconversion #mrics #joists #blockwork #lovesurveying #cowboybuilders #loveconstruction #surveying #buildingdefects #buildingpathology #partywall #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Feb 5
When the morning light comes streaming in 🙂
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1930s leaded window lights with classic one panel over three 30s door, all with traditional Minster textured privacy glazing patterning.
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#buildingsurvey #structuralsurvey #buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #surveying #30ssemi #1930shouse #1930sdoor #stainedglass #stainedglasswindow #leadedglass #1930srenovation #periodhome #fabricbuildingsurveyors
When the morning light comes streaming in 🙂
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1930s leaded window lights with classic one panel over three 30s door, all with traditional Minster textured privacy glazing patterning.
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#buildingsurvey #structuralsurvey #buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #surveying #30ssemi #1930shouse #1930sdoor #stainedglass #stainedglasswindow #leadedglass #1930srenovation #periodhome #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Jan 24
Let`s be honest, the vast majority of suspended ceiling tiles in offices are pretty dull!
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These LED virtual skylights really help to break up the boring and bring in some colour and interest. They are often found in sensory rooms and medical facilities to ease anxiety and distract and relax visitors.
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They`ve been installed here in the reception room of a recently constructed sports injury clinic. The room has no natural daylight but you don`t feel it with a feature like this. They come in all shapes and sizes with landscape images and all sorts!
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We think they look brill!
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#officeinterior #officefitouts #sensoryrooms #sensoryroom #skylights #suspendedceiling #virtualskylight #office #fitout #refurbishment #buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #commercialproperty #loveconstruction #surveying #property #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Let`s be honest, the vast majority of suspended ceiling tiles in offices are pretty dull!
.
These LED virtual skylights really help to break up the boring and bring in some colour and interest. They are often found in sensory rooms and medical facilities to ease anxiety and distract and relax visitors.
.
They`ve been installed here in the reception room of a recently constructed sports injury clinic. The room has no natural daylight but you don`t feel it with a feature like this. They come in all shapes and sizes with landscape images and all sorts!
.
We think they look brill!
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#officeinterior #officefitouts #sensoryrooms #sensoryroom #skylights #suspendedceiling #virtualskylight #office #fitout #refurbishment #buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #lovesurveying #commercialproperty #loveconstruction #surveying #property #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Jan 6
Bumped into this old brute yesterday whilst carrying out a completion inspection nearby.
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At 31 storeys of Grade II* Listed reinforced concrete, Trellick Tower is a Brutalist style tower block and a dominating and iconic London landmark.
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The Brutalist style often polarises opinion and the James Bond novelist Ian Fleming allegedly disliked it so much that he named the infamous Bond `baddie` Goldfinger after the architect of Trellick Tower, Ernő Goldfinger!
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Personally we love the aspirations, functionality and raw finish of the materials so typical of this style.
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#trellicktower #savetrellickhalloffame #brutalism #brutalistarchitecture #brutalist #ernogoldfinger #goldfinger #architecture #towerblock #highrise #listedbuilding #heritage #buildingsurveying #loveconstruction #londonarchitecture #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Bumped into this old brute yesterday whilst carrying out a completion inspection nearby.
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At 31 storeys of Grade II* Listed reinforced concrete, Trellick Tower is a Brutalist style tower block and a dominating and iconic London landmark.
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The Brutalist style often polarises opinion and the James Bond novelist Ian Fleming allegedly disliked it so much that he named the infamous Bond `baddie` Goldfinger after the architect of Trellick Tower, Ernő Goldfinger!
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Personally we love the aspirations, functionality and raw finish of the materials so typical of this style.
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#trellicktower #savetrellickhalloffame #brutalism #brutalistarchitecture #brutalist #ernogoldfinger #goldfinger #architecture #towerblock #highrise #listedbuilding #heritage #buildingsurveying #loveconstruction #londonarchitecture #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Dec 12
We were recently instructed to investigate the cause of some stepped cracking to this residential property built in the late 1950s.
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The pattern and location of the cracks lead us to inspect the manholes around the site. All of which were blocked. This particular chamber is full of spalled brickwork from the upper courses - The chamber adjacent the cracking serves the WC and was blocked with something far, far worse!!
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Once cleared, CCTV of the drains was undertaken which revealed no significant fractures or collapses but as the flow of the water to the mains drainage has been restricted to all but a trickle, the water has escaped through minor misalignment of the spigot and collar jointing of the clay drainage that with an unrestricted flow, wouldn`t have caused a problem.
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The ground adjacent the house has been gradually washed away and the house begun to subside.
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#buildingsurveying #subsidence #crackedwall #buildingdefects #drainage #blockeddrains #lovesurveying #manhole #loveconstruction #buildingsurvey #mrics #rics #buildingpathology #fabricbuildingsurveyors
We were recently instructed to investigate the cause of some stepped cracking to this residential property built in the late 1950s.
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The pattern and location of the cracks lead us to inspect the manholes around the site. All of which were blocked. This particular chamber is full of spalled brickwork from the upper courses - The chamber adjacent the cracking serves the WC and was blocked with something far, far worse!!
.
Once cleared, CCTV of the drains was undertaken which revealed no significant fractures or collapses but as the flow of the water to the mains drainage has been restricted to all but a trickle, the water has escaped through minor misalignment of the spigot and collar jointing of the clay drainage that with an unrestricted flow, wouldn`t have caused a problem.
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The ground adjacent the house has been gradually washed away and the house begun to subside.
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#buildingsurveying #subsidence #crackedwall #buildingdefects #drainage #blockeddrains #lovesurveying #manhole #loveconstruction #buildingsurvey #mrics #rics #buildingpathology #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Nov 20
Disrepair, mainly in the form of extensive vegetation growth created a whole heap of mess here!
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The vegetation added weight to the walls and roof, opened up the roof covering and allowed continued saturation of the substantial timber structure causing the valley gutter to completely fail and the roof structure and gable end to collapse under slight wind pressure.
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A sad ending to a once impressive barn in beautiful Norfolk.
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Sending our drone up really helped us get the information we needed to asses the cause of the collapse (and we think the images are pretty cool too!)
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #barn #buildingdefects #structuralfailure #structuralcollapse #derelictplaces #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Disrepair, mainly in the form of extensive vegetation growth created a whole heap of mess here!
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The vegetation added weight to the walls and roof, opened up the roof covering and allowed continued saturation of the substantial timber structure causing the valley gutter to completely fail and the roof structure and gable end to collapse under slight wind pressure.
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A sad ending to a once impressive barn in beautiful Norfolk.
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Sending our drone up really helped us get the information we needed to asses the cause of the collapse (and we think the images are pretty cool too!)
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #barn #buildingdefects #structuralfailure #structuralcollapse #derelictplaces #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Oct 28
Feeling chirpy today!
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Victorian birdsmouth joints revealed after stripping out a room in the roof ready for a long overdue refurbishment on a project we are currently managing.
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Such a pleasant looking and practical detail to secure the purlin and spread the load properly.
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#woodworking #roofing #joiner #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #mrics #lathandplaster #victorianbuilding #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Feeling chirpy today!
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Victorian birdsmouth joints revealed after stripping out a room in the roof ready for a long overdue refurbishment on a project we are currently managing.
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Such a pleasant looking and practical detail to secure the purlin and spread the load properly.
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#woodworking #roofing #joiner #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #loveconstruction #lovesurveying #mrics #lathandplaster #victorianbuilding #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Oct 10
Lead caulking.
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Exposed original lead caulking around wrought iron railings on a recent trip to Edinburgh`s beautiful Dean Village.
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This method of securing iron into masonry is many hundreds of years old. Being malleable the lead fills the gaps between the stone and iron and waterproofs the joint preventing corrosion.
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Wrought iron is such a beautiful looking material.
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#Edinburgh #deanvillage #Edinburghdeanvillage #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #wroughtiron #victorian #mrics #railings #leadcaulking #mrics #heritage #buildingconservation #scottishheritage #leadcaulking #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Lead caulking.
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Exposed original lead caulking around wrought iron railings on a recent trip to Edinburgh`s beautiful Dean Village.
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This method of securing iron into masonry is many hundreds of years old. Being malleable the lead fills the gaps between the stone and iron and waterproofs the joint preventing corrosion.
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Wrought iron is such a beautiful looking material.
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#Edinburgh #deanvillage #Edinburghdeanvillage #buildingsurveyor #buildingsurveying #wroughtiron #victorian #mrics #railings #leadcaulking #mrics #heritage #buildingconservation #scottishheritage #leadcaulking #fabricbuildingsurveyors
@ fabricbuildingsurveyors . Sep 15
Lovely traditional herringbone struts seen earlier today at this listed high street unit.
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They provide lateral restraint to prevent these long span timber joists from twisting and deflecting.
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We tiptoed all the way from one side to the other.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #rics #listedbuilding #ricsapc #lovesurveying #charteredsurveyor #victorianbuilding #surveying #loveconstruction #herringbonestruts #joinery #timberfloor #joists #fabricbuildingsurveyors
Lovely traditional herringbone struts seen earlier today at this listed high street unit.
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They provide lateral restraint to prevent these long span timber joists from twisting and deflecting.
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We tiptoed all the way from one side to the other.
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#buildingsurveying #buildingsurveyor #mrics #rics #listedbuilding #ricsapc #lovesurveying #charteredsurveyor #victorianbuilding #surveying #loveconstruction #herringbonestruts #joinery #timberfloor #joists #fabricbuildingsurveyors
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