A to Z of building your own home... W

WallsConstruction of an external wall where a building is near a relevant structure may need fire resistance in order to contain the spread of fire between buildings. In cases where the external wall of the building cannot be wholly protected, the rafter members of the frame, as well as the column members, may need to be fire protected. To prevent the extension of a possible conflagration, materials used for fire-stopping should be reinforced with (or supported by) materials of limited combustibility.Moreover, all new walls constructed within a building for residential purposes shall also meet the laboratory sound insulation values. Impact sound insulation tests should be carried between rooms or spaces that share a common area formed by a separating wall. It is important to note that these tests should be carried out without a soft covering (carpet, foam backed vinyl, etc.) on the floor. Occasionally a higher standard of sound insulation may be required between spaces used for normal domestic purposes and noise generated in and to an adjoining communal or non-domestic space. It would be worth considering to ask for a specialist advice before committing yourself.WorkmanshipWhen carrying works for a new building, it is important to take into consideration the necessities under the Building Regulations for systematic control over the use of materials . It is required that the building works should be carried out with adequate and proper materials which are effectively mixed and prepared for the circumstances in which they are used and are applied, used or fixed in order to perform the functions for which they are designed in a workmanlike manner.The suitability of material use for a specific purpose shall be assessed using the British and European Standards, other national and international technical specifications, technical approvals, CE Marking, UKAS accredited product certification schemes and tests and calculations, past experiences and sampling of materials by local authorities. It is very important to take into consideration that the environmental impact of building work could be minimized if the choice and use of recycled and recyclable materials would be adopted. The use of such materials must not have any adverse implications for the health and safety standards of the building work.