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31st January 2013

Wood burning stoves have become very popular and in this wintry weather they will be doing overtime! Here are some useful tips to keep safe and get the most out of your stove and fuel.

There are lots of different fuels available: briquettes; pellets; woodchip; wood and fossil fuels, e.g. coal.

Ensure that wood is well seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20%. Note that the use of green wood can damage flues and create a potential fire hazard within the chimney.

Ideally a wood burning stove should be kept at between 110-250 ºC to be most efficient - if your wood burning stove does not have a thermometer, a magnetic one can be easily attached.

It is very important to have the flue regularly swept. HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) suggest twice a year in the burning season. Advice recently received from our local fire brigade suggests more frequently if the wood burning stove is in constant use.

Lots of very helpful information and contacts can be obtained from the HETAS website www.hetas.co.uk.

3rd January 2013

When putting your decorations back into the attic, have a peek into your cold water tank - do you really want to brush your teeth using water that has been stored in this?!

30th April 2012

Waterbutts are a great way to collect rainwater for the predicted Summer drought, but if they aren’t properly installed, they can cause damp problems. If waterbutts are connected to the guttering downpipe without a proper overflow, then overflowing water can cause dampness to penetrate through house walls. More seriously, if the water overflows onto the ground for a longer period it can make the ground soft, which can then affect the foundations and cause structural movement in the building. So check that your waterbutt is properly connected! If your waterbutt has a diverter then make sure excess water goes back into the downpipe and to a suitable surface water drainage system. Overflow kits can be bought from most good DIY stores.

19th January 2012

Oil storage facilities should be supported on a sound, level base. The car jack and tree logs that have been used to tip the tank up to release the dregs from the tank and the out of balance of the two block walls is not good. Secondly storage tanks require to be a specified distance away from a combustible material. There is a timber fence to the rear of the tank. This tank is old and rusty and likely to fail. There are significant fines and legislative redress against tanks that leak, particularly where these are close to a water course or could run into drains. There are no indications that this tank has been recently inspected. These indicators would lead the Surveyor to conclude that upgrading is highly likely. Oil storage facilities should be maintained in good condition and periodically checked. For further information see the following useful sources of references:-

A British Standard (BS5410 Part 1 1997) applies to oil storage tanks for home heating in addition to building regulation requirements and most of the guidance produced by OFTEC is based on this.

OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) at Foxwood House, Dobbs Lane, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2QQ. Tel 0845 6585 080 Fax 0845 6585 181 or email enquiries@oftec.org

Approved document Part J of the Building Regulations (2002) Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001

DEFRA guidance note on oil storage

  
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16th November 2011

Tim's sideline in scrap metal dealing was moving upmarket...

20th October 2011
We have seen a lot of properties this year suffering from water damage due to burst pipes and tanks in roof spaces. This was because of the very cold weather during the winter months. Before the cold weather hits us this year, have a look in your loft and check that pipes are lagged and tanks are properly insulated. If the lagging looks old, damaged or loose it should be renewed and further advice should be sought from a plumber.

15th August 2011
Whilst you are pottering around your garden this Summer, cast your eye over the main walls of your house. Check for any cracking or uneven bulging, maintain joints in brickwork and repair any loose or broken rendering. Cut back or remove any plants that are harmful to mortar and render. Keep any soil level well below the level of any damp proof course (150mm minimum recommended) and make sure any ventilation bricks are kept clear.

8th March 2011
Now that Spring is on its way, it's time to think about garden maintenance. Regularly prune trees, shrubs and hedges as necessary. Look out for any overhanging and unsafe branches, loose walls, fences etc. Clear leaves and other debris, moss and algae growth. Make sure all hard surfaces are stable and level, and not slippery or a trip hazard.

24th January 2011
At this time of year our Surveyors deal with lots of queries regarding dampness. Many of these problems are simply due to lack of appropriate heating/ventilation patterns causing condensation i.e. heating on constantly and windows being kept shut. To alleviate this you should open windows as often as possible and use extractor facilities in kitchens/bathrooms. However if damp problems persist, call the experts!

9th December 2010
When you go up in the loft to fetch the Christmas decorations, take the opportunity to check for signs of any leaks (especially now the snow is melting), check for any signs of vermin, rot or decay to timbers. Also look for tears to under-felt, and check pipes, lagging and insulation.

1st December 2010
Clear snow from your conservatory roof - the weight of the snow can cause them to collapse.

18th October 2010
Winter is on its way - its time to prune trees, shrubs and hedges. Whilst you are in the garden look out for any overhanging and unsafe branches, loose walls, fences and ornaments. Storms may loosen roof tiles, aerials, masonry to chimney stacks and the materials used to form the joints with the roof coverings. A little extra vigilance now could save you from accidents or costly repairs in the future!

9th September 2010
Take advantage of the rain over the next few days – take 5 minutes to check your guttering! Water should not overflow or drip from joints, guttering should be clear of debris and downpipes going into gullies in the ground should be clear. Water penetration can cause damp problems internally and externally which can be expensive to repair. However routine maintenance to guttering can prevent these problems!