LABC Warranty Technical Blog

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Deflection heads – avoiding accidental loading of non-load bearing internal walls

Published by: Phil Thomas
Learn about preventing accidental loading of non-load bearing internal walls with deflection heads.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

New homes built alongside or attached to existing homes

Published by: Phil Thomas
Considerations and recommendations for building new homes attached to existing homes within warranty requirements.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Warranty requirements for vertically stacked coupled window assemblies

Published by: Phil Thomas
Warranty requirements for vertically stacked coupled window assemblies including testing, structural integrity, and more.
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Technical Manual, Materials

Using cavity trays at DPC level for timber frame construction

Published by: Phil Thomas
Guidance on the use of cavity trays at DPC level in timber frame construction, and how they can impact drainage and ventilation...
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Technical Manual, Drainage

Drainage strategies for projecting balconies

Published by: Phil Thomas
Effective drainage strategies for projecting balconies, covering positively drained, edge drained, and free drained balconies.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Good practice guide for metal web joists

Published by: Phil Thomas
Best practice for metal web joist installations.
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Technical Manual, Ground

Flexible retaining walls

Published by: Phil Thomas
Issues and warranty considerations when using flexible retaining walls for stabilising slopes and supporting ground.
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Technical Manual, Major Projects

How to measure storeys

Published by: Phil Thomas
How to measure the number of storeys in a building and understand when our Engineers and Major Projects team need to be involved.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Site-applied GRP roof systems onto timber substrates

Published by: Phil Thomas
How to properly apply site-applied GRP roof systems onto timber substrates to avoid common issues and ensure Technical Manual...
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Technical Manual

Prefabricated glass fibre false chimneys, Dormers, canopies & external mouldings

Published by: Phil Thomas
Three deadlines anyone working with prefabricated glass fibre elements like chimneys, Dormers, and external mouldings.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Panelled roof cassettes

Published by: Phil Thomas
Don't miss the deadline for submitting product approval documents when using roof cassettes on LABC Warranty sites. Read more...
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Technical Manual, Ground

Rain gardens

Published by: Phil Thomas
The design, positioning, and maintenance requirements around the use of rain gardens.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Key risk areas for gable spandrel panels

Published by: Phil Thomas
Key risk areas when using gable spandrel panels on sites covered by LABC Warranty.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Natural stone cladding: Freeze/thaw requirements

Published by: Phil Thomas
Guidance around LABC Warranty's position in relation to freeze/thaw performance of stone masonry used as cladding material.
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Technical Manual, Insulation

Blown-in cavity wall insulation

Published by: Phil Thomas
Proper installation, workmanship, and post-completion checks for the use of blown-in cavity wall insulation.
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Materials, LABC Warranty news

Major projects cavity tray acceptance warranty update

Published by: Phil Thomas
An update on the acceptability of cavity trays for use on major projects.
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Technical Manual

Gaps around windows

Published by: Phil Thomas
Sealants, finishing, and tolerances relating to gaps around windows in accordance with the LABC Warranty Technical Manual.
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Materials

Specifying the use of timber externally

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical document provides additional guidance relating to how timber can be specified for use externally within a...
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Technical Manual, Materials

Technical update: substitute materials

Published by: Phil Thomas
This update provides additional guidance relating to how the functional requirements in the Technical Manual may be satisfied...
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Technical Manual

Ceramic floor tiling and laminate floor finishes

Published by: Phil Thomas
Guidance for developers on the installation of ceramic floor tiling and laminate floor finishes.
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Technical Manual, Roofs, Building Regs

Batten space ventilation for pitched roofs

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides guidance on satisfying the functional requirements in our Technical Manual when installing batten...
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Ponding on flat roofs

Published by: Phil Thomas
Flat roofs are often subjected to temporary standing water, or ponding, especially during or following a heavy downpour of rain....
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Pre-plaster, Materials

Assessing plywood specification

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance relating to how plywood specifications can be assessed to meet the...
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Superstructure, Pre-plaster

Vapour control layers

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical document provides additional guidance relating to the use of vapour control layers (VCLs) in construction.
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Technical Manual

Structural floor boards for timber joists and their weather resistance

Published by: Phil Thomas
This article covers our requirements on what weather resistance is required for structural floor boards for timber joists.
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Guidance on suspended ceilings

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on suspended ceilings, in response to several instances of suspended ceiling...
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Technical Manual, Major Projects

Major projects - on-site water testing for curtain walling and rainscreen cladding

Published by: Phil Thomas
Information to assist in meeting warranty requirements where rainscreen cladding and or curtain walling is proposed on a project...
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Technical Manual, Ground

Tech Update: Radon Contamination

Published by: Phil Thomas
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive colourless and odourless gas formed in small quantities by radioactive decay wherever...
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Technical Manual, Basements

Basement submissions: Supporting our risk evaluations

Published by: Phil Thomas
Everything LABC Warranty's technical specialists need to know about any basements you're planning before work starts.
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Technical Manual

Avoiding common failures in timber window assembly

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty's guidance on avoiding the common pitfalls of timber window assembly in line with our warranty stance.
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Technical Manual

Insulating extraction ducts

Published by: Phil Thomas
How to avoid common issues like damp when installing insulation around extraction ducts.
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Technical Manual, Drainage

Timber windows - water ingress around glazing

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical guidance aims to highlight common issues related to water ingress on developments that incorporate timber windows.
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Technical Manual, Roofs, Insulation

Spray foam insulation (roofs)

Published by: Phil Thomas
A technical update around the use of spray foam insulation on new and existing pitched roofs.
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Roofs

Thatched roofing: Interactions with modern construction techniques

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this article we discuss how to accommodate the needs of modern construction techniques when dealing with thatched roofing.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Frost attack

Published by: Phil Thomas
How to reduce the risk of masonry cracking from a repeated freeze/thaw cycle through the correct application of building...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Guidance on the use of movement joints

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical document provides additional guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Timber window and door frames

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical article provides additional guidance on the use of timber window and door frames
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Timber posts for canopies, porches, and bay roofs

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this technical article we discuss our warranty requirements for timber posts for canopies, porches, and bay roofs.
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Garages

Garage compartmentation

Published by: Phil Thomas
We provide guidance for compartmentation where a garage building is divided into more than one ownership.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure, Materials

External wall insulation

Published by: Phil Thomas
Additional guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be satisfied when external wall...
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Technical Manual, Ground, Basements

Warranty requirements for a soakaway

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical document provides additional guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be...
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Technical Manual, Materials

Using oak in construction

Published by: Phil Thomas
This article identifies various ‘environments’ where ‘oak’ could be used on project covered by our warranty.
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Domestic shower and wet room construction

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical article provides additional guidance on showers and wet room construction for domestic properties.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Horizontal cavity trays over horizontal roof abutments

Published by: Phil Thomas
A technical update about the correct installation of horizontal cavity trays over horizonal roof abutments.
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Technical Manual, Roofs, Building Regs, Building Safety

Fully supported single skin metal roofs

Published by: Phil Thomas
Guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be satisfied where a fully supported single skin...
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Technical Manual, Building Regs, Building Safety, Major Projects

Balcony guidance for major projects

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides guidance on the design, installation, testing, and operational requirements around balconies on...
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Building Safety, Water efficiency

Hot water safety and water efficiency

Published by: Phil Thomas
This update provides additional guidance covering hot water safety and efficiency.
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Technical Manual, Roofs, Building Regs, Risks

Guide to creating weatherproof parapet walls

Published by: Phil Thomas
This article introduces the principle of adopting a ‘3 lines of defence’ approach to creating robust and executable detailing at...
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Superstructure, Roofs, Risks

Developments within coastal locations

Published by: Phil Thomas
This update provides additional guidance relating to how developments in coastal locations can meet the requirements of our...
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Building Regs, Materials

Guide to third-party product conformity approval certificates

Published by: Phil Thomas
Read our guidance on how to assess if a third party product conformity approval certificate will be acceptable for our warranty.
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Technical Manual, Building Regs, Pre-plaster

CPVC pipework in sprinkler systems

Published by: Phil Thomas
Additional guidance covering compatibility issues of CPVC pipework used in sprinkler systems.
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Drainage

Y Junctions under buildings

Published by: Phil Thomas
Guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be satisfied where Y-junctions are proposed...
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Superstructure, Tolerances

Accounting for movement in concrete bricks

Published by: Phil Thomas
All structures move. What do you need to consider when accounting for movement in concrete bricks?
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Tech update - lead neoprene joints

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on lead neoprene joints that can be used to form gutter details.
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Technical Manual, Risks, Basements

Tech Update: Podium deck guidance

Published by: Phil Thomas
This Technical Update provides warranty guidance for Podium Deck proposals.
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Technical Manual, Building Regs

Tech update: timber resin repairs

Published by: Phil Thomas
This update provides guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be satisfied with regards...
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Technical Manual, Foundations, Drainage, Ground, Basements

Major Projects: below ground structural waterproofing risk assessment

Published by: Phil Thomas
This update provides guidance on the requirements associated with the design and construction of basements and other below ground...
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Technical Manual

Ceramic floor tiling on domestic timber floors

Published by: Phil Thomas
Technical guidance for adding ceramic tiling on timber floors. Note, ceramic floor tiling is not included under the warranty...
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Technical Manual, Risks, Basements

Tech Update: Render on Substrates

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update article provides additional guidance on the use of rendering on different substrates.
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Engineering, Materials, Major Projects

Major Projects pre-cast concrete panelised construction

Published by: Phil Thomas
Screening requirements for pre-cast concrete panelised construction manufacturers for use in major projects to be covered for...
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Technical Manual, Roofs, Building Regs, Drainage, Building Safety, Risks

Major Projects: Zero falls flat roof policy

Published by: Phil Thomas
How to satisfy our requirements to accepting zero fall flat roofs only where the project is managed by the LABC Warranty Major...
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Foundations, Ground, Self-build

Minimum requirements for site investigations for self-build projects

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical article provides additional guidance relating to our minimum requirements for site investigations for self-build...
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Pre-plaster, Materials

Decorative slip facings

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance relating to how the Functional Requirements in the Technical Manual may be...
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Technical Manual

Tech update: Architectural brick detailing

Published by: Phil Thomas
Guidance on the use of architectural brick detailing and the effect it can have on the durability and service life of bricks.
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Technical Manual, Materials

Tech update - concrete lintels faced with brick slips

Published by: Phil Thomas
Additional guidance on how to assess if a third party product conformity approval certificate will be acceptable for our warranty.
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Technical Manual, Materials

Tech Update - Through timber construction

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance relating to the use of through timber construction.
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Technical Manual, Materials, Risks, Basements

Technical update: piled walls

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical article covers contiguous and secant piled walls and looks at when they can be used in basements.
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Technical Manual, Roofs, Materials

Blue roof guidance (and above-ground attenuation surfaces)

Published by: Phil Thomas
A blue roof is a flat roof or deck designed to provide controlled attenuation and management of rainfall to the sewer or outfall...
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Technical Manual, Render Applications

Technical update - mock Tudor cladding

Published by: Phil Thomas
We have had an increased number of enquires about mock Tudor cladding on external walls. This article provides additional...
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Technical Manual, Drainage

Drainage and sanitation

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical article provides additional guidance on drainage and sanitation.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Natural stone outer leaf in cavity construction

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical article provides additional guidance on the use of natural stone outer leaf in cavity construction.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Acceptability of timber frame kits for use on our sites

Published by: Phil Thomas
From September 1st 2021 LABC Warranty will only accept projects that have timber frame panels by an accredited manufacturer.
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Technical Manual, Ground

Pyrite contamination

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on pyrite contamination. Pyrite traces are found in sedimentary rock used to...
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Technical Manual, Materials

LABC Warranty Update on: Lightweight brick slip “SIP” composite lintels

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty has published an update on the use of lightweight brick slip “SIP” composite lintels.
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Tech update: Contaminated plasterboard

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical article provides additional guidance on contaminated plasterboard, following concerns about products on the market.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Cavity trays and reveal closers

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on the use of cavity trays and reveal closers.
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Cavity separating walls and gable walls and the use of lateral restraint

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on cavity separating walls and gable walls, lateral restraint.
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Heating systems - zone control systems explained

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update explains the requirements for a heating system zone control system.
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Technical Manual

Heave: ground recovery following tree removal

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on Heave: time taken for the ground to recover following tree/ vegetation...
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Technical Manual, Ground

Foundation, trees and clay

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on foundations, trees and clay.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Canopy Flashing and Weathering Details

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update blog provides additional guidance on canopy flashings and weathering details.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Tech Update: Wall tie replacement in existing buildings

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on wall tie replacement in existing buildings.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Tech Update: Insulated reveals to refurbished buildings

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on insulated reveals to refurbished buildings.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Tech Update: Roof tiling and underlays

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on the 2014 and 2018 changes to BS 5534.
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Technical Manual, Materials

Tech Update: Timber Doors and Window Frames

Published by: Phil Thomas
This LABC Warranty technical update provides additional guidance on the use of timber window and door frames.
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Technical Manual, Roofs

Tech Update: Flashing systems, fake or alternative lead

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on the use of flashing systems, ‘fake’ or ‘alternative lead’, regularly used...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Tech Update: Bricks, rammed earth

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update article provides additional guidance on the use of bricks, rammed earth.
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Electrical consumer units - position in new homes

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update article provides additional guidance on electrical consumer units and their position in new homes.
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Technical Manual, Drainage

Package sewerage treatment plants, septic tanks and cesspools

Published by: Phil Thomas
This knowledge management article provides additional guidance on the use of package sewerage treatment plants, septic tanks and...
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Tech Update: Painting over intumescent strips

Published by: Phil Thomas
This Technical Update article provides additional guidance on painting over intumescent strips.
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Basements

10 basement conversion costs you may need to consider

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this article we look at the basement conversion costs you may never have considered, but need to.
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Technical Manual, Materials

Build walls to last - Guide to laying bricks and blocks

Published by: Phil Thomas
Over recent years there has been a lot of talk about the growth of alternative construction methods. Even so, the...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Acceptable floor levels in modern methods of construction (MMC)

Published by: Phil Thomas
We currently require structural timber or steel to be located at least 150mm above external ground floor level, but noting...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

A practical guide to Structural Lintels and Bearings

Published by: Phil Thomas
Creating openings in walls mean that lintels are a potential weak spot. Defects caused by failing lintels can be complicated and...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

8 handy hints for installing horizontal damp proof course

Published by: Phil Thomas
Getting your damp proof course (DPC) right first time is critical in preventing rising damp in your property.
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Technical Manual, MMC, Materials

Updated Guidance for Magnesium Oxide Boards (MgO)

Published by: Phil Thomas
With effect from 15th April 2020, LABC Warranty no longer accept the use of all types of Magnesium Oxide board (MgO) on any of...
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Technical Manual, Roofs

TRADA span tables

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides additional guidance on the TRADA span tables.
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Technical Manual, Foundations

Piling foundations - 10 documents you need to submit

Published by: Phil Thomas
There are many things that are important to remember when building with piling foundations - learn how to get the design and...
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster

Getting stairs and staircases right in single homes

Published by: Phil Thomas
One of the key areas to the internal superstructure of any home of more than one floor is the staircase. In this article we are...
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Technical Manual, Electrical and mechanical systems

Generating power at home – what you need for structural warranty approval

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this blog you will learn more about what our warranty requirements are for the installation of microgeneration power systems...
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Technical Manual, Pre-plaster, Electrical and mechanical systems

Where should you position electrical sockets and switches?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Approved Document P of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) ensures that domestic electrical installations are installed...
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Technical Manual, Patio Doors

Essential engineering tips for trouble-free patio doors

Published by: Phil Thomas
This article will help you avoid problems with patio doors.
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Technical Manual, Ground

Reducing the effects of ground heave following tree removal

Published by: Phil Thomas
Foundations can be difficult enough to get right without the added problem of nearby or pre-existing trees.
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

How to ensure lateral support to walls when constructing floors and roofs

Published by: Phil Thomas
When constructing floors and roofs it is important to bear in mind that they provide lateral support to walls.
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Technical Manual, Building Regs

Guidance on minimum staircase widths in apartment blocks

Published by: Phil Thomas
With developers under pressure as never before to make the most of every available space, reducing the size of communal areas and...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Damp protection for concrete floor beam systems

Published by: Phil Thomas
Protecting concrete “block and beam” floor systems from damp presents the builder with a challenge, especially at the ends of the...
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Technical Manual, Building Safety

A step by step guide to level thresholds

Published by: Phil Thomas
It can be tricky business to get the design of a level threshold of a property right to make sure it isn’t subject to water...
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Technical Manual

How to avoid water ingress using cavity trays

Published by: Phil Thomas
Most damp ingress occurs around either window/door openings or roof abutments. The correct installation of cavity trays reduces...
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MMC

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this article we discuss the different kinds of MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) being used and look at some key points to...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

How to use cavity wall ties to meet building regulations

Published by: Phil Thomas
Incorrect use of cavity wall ties is one of the common problems found on site by our building control surveyors. The wrong choice...
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Technical Manual, Risks

How to protect your masonry from frost and rain

Published by: Phil Thomas
Learn everything you need to know about working with and protecting masonry in cold weather in this technical blog.
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Technical Manual, Materials

Tech Update: Laminated Glass

Published by: Phil Thomas
Laminated glass is constructed from two or more plies of glass, bonded together with interlayers to form a single pane. The pane...
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Technical Manual, Superstructure

Single glazed windows in conversion schemes

Published by: Phil Thomas
This technical update provides guidance on risk managing single glazed windows in conversions schemes.
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Technical Manual, Materials

Sealant Types and Uses

Published by: Phil Thomas
Whether undertaking a new build or refurbishment project sealant joints are rarely given the attention and budget they require....
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Technical Manual, Engineering

Floor screeds and underfloor heating - a best-practice guide

Published by: Phil Thomas
As a warranty provider we are seeing an increase in the number of claims which relate to the combination of underfloor heating...
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Spandrel panels

Design of spandrel panels in the gables of low-rise housing

Published by: Phil Thomas
This blog lists the important points you need to consider if using spandrel panels in the gables of low-rise housing. Learn more.
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