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Typical Concrete Build
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Poor quality red clay bricks set between the concrete support columns |
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One course of clay bricks only, no cavity or insulation to form walls. Damp, heat and cold allowed to pass through walls
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The drain pipes from the roof are run inside the columns and are left to fall at the base of the property often causing damp problems
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Close up of column showing cracks and poor quality of the concrete |
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Air pockets and steel exposed in main structure encouraging rust problems |
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Only cement render and and paint is used to finish the external walls
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As early as fifteen to twenty years after construction, steel can rust, expand and cause deep cracking
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Example of how steel rusts, expands and pushes render apart |
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This property is only twenty five years old and is in need of some major repairs |
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Facias and Sofits show signs of serious damp and flaking render, no guttering used
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Poor ventilation and insulation of walls causes damp problems and mould to form inside the property
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A typical concrete building site October 2006 |
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Steel Frame Site
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This is a typical steel frame construction site with work in progress
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Neat and tidy. Very straight and square |
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Wall sections made up on site or in a wharehouse. Walls can go up in days
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Strong zinc alloy steel sections form the internal studwork
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Only internal wastepipes or utilities run in walls, all of which are easily accessible |
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A clean and safe working environment. Steel beams provide extra strength allowing a wider floorspan and a sturdy concrete floor to be built
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Cross section to upstairs floor showing steel beam underneath, finished with plasterboard. 2x15mm sheets of osb with lightweight foam concrete on top(no steel needed inside). Floors are strong with no bounce
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Easy to access plumbing and electrical points |
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Curved walls can be formed |
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Windows and door frames are strengthened
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This shows how versatile the steel is |
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4mm felt heat sealed before tiles are set
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Angle beading used on all edges to protect and give a straight finish
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Interior walls without internal insulation |
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Interior walls and ceiling fully insulated |
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All interior walls, partitioning walls fully insulated for heat and sound proofing
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First semi waterproof osb board forms the outer layer fitted to steel frame a waterprood vapour barrier is added over the osb board
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Exterior wall insulation added over osb board |
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Exterior waterproof fibreboard to be coated with grafiato finish
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Finished steel frame home |
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Standard interior finish
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