Knowledge

Whether the ground floor of a house is suspended or filled, it will include either a solid slab or an oversite layer of concrete laid on compacted hardcore directly on the ground. Both hardcore and soil are potential sources of sulfates and other chemicals harmful to concrete. This programme investigates the hardcore components and soil conditions likely to contain sulfates, explains how concrete is affected by sulfate attack and looks at methods used to prevent such damage.

In this programme we discuss the tell-tale signs of a wood-boring insect infestation and describe how to tell the difference between the four main types of wood-boring beetle common to the UK.

Timber has long been a staple construction material for domestic scale properties, although it is increasingly being used in high-profile structures such as the Weald & Downland Gridshell. However, exposure to the elements can result in changes to the chemical and physical properties of wood, affecting its aesthetics, structure and longevity.

This programme investigates the anticipated new Approved Document G on Sanitation, hot water efficiency and water efficiency, as well as the Water Efficiency Calculator, both of which are devised to monitor the amount of water used in a typical dwelling house.

Carver's Warehouse is one of the most important listed buildings in Manchester's industrial heritage. Built in 1806, the stone-built structure retains virtually all of its original timber and cast iron internal structure. The challenge for owner Town Centre Securities was to restore the building back to its former glory, but to do so in a way that made the development commercially viable. Key to the project was the addition of a new two storey building and atrium of contemporary design linking into the 19th century building.

This programme takes a look at 'Health and wellbeing' – Category 7 in the Code for Sustainable Homes. This category is formed of four parts – daylighting, sound insulation, private space (gardens, patios, etc), and lifetime homes – all of which are explained in the context of Code for Sustainable Homes credits.

RICS damp expert Stephen Boniface defines the commonly accepted definition of rising damp before both he and fellow guest, Jeff Howell, claim ‘true’ rising damp doesn’t exist.

The replacement of the old British Standard BS 6651 with BS EN 62305 will have a significant impact on the design and installation of lightning protection structures. This programme explains why the new standard has been adopted and discusses its key points. The procedures associated with the new standard are examined, while Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) and Lightning Protection Zones (LPZs) are explored in detail.

We start by hearing how the UK's network of 200 fundamental benchmarks all stem from a single 'mother' benchmark at Newlyn in Cornwall. We show how the network expanded and we learn why now, in this highly technical modern age, the humble benchmarks' days are over.

Four classic cases: Moresk Cleaners v Thomas Henwood Hicks, British Steel v Cleveland Bridge, Aluminium Industrie v Romalpa, and Butler Machine Tool Company v Ex-Cell-O Corporation are explained. Roger Knowles talks through the logic behind the judgements and he explains how and why the judges arrived at their decisions.

Four classic case law cases. Roger Knowles talks through the logic behind the judgements and he explains how and why the judges arrived at their decisions.

Commercial property landlords have a duty to maintain, repair and keep in good working order the common parts of the premises. The cost of meeting this obligation is recovered by the landlord through the collection of service charge payments made by the buildings' occupiers.