We all love having trees around us, and in urban areas, they can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. The problem is that tree roots don’t mix well with buildings. If they’re allowed to grow near the foundations, they can cause...
Piling is a construction technique that’s been used for centuries, providing support for structures in soil conditions where shallow, more traditional mass concrete foundations are unsuitable. Piles work by transferring the load of the structure down to a stronger, more stable subsoil. Traditionally, piling has tended to...
Piling has a wide range of uses in construction, and some of these involve creating large structures, such as bridges and oil rigs. For domestic and smaller industrial projects, however, mini-piling is nowadays the go-to solution for anything from underpinning foundations to creating a retaining...
As winter sets in, we’re busy keeping our homes warm, gritting our driveways, and dealing with frosty mornings. But have you ever considered how the cold weather might be affecting your home’s foundations? While the UK doesn’t experience the extreme deep frosts seen in some parts...
Piling is an invaluable technique in construction, whether for a new build or for strengthening an existing structure. The problem, though, is that the equipment is expensive, and you only need to use it occasionally. Your budget might not stretch to buying something that isn’t...
The nature of the construction industry has meant that concerns about physical health and safety have been priorities for longer than in most other industries. However, in recent years, it has been increasingly recognised that maintaining construction workers' mental health and well-being is equally crucial. Figures...
There's plenty of attraction in owning a historic property, but its stonework or masonry is likely to need periodic cleaning. If the building is listed or in a conservation area, this means legal restrictions on the techniques you can use. Even if this isn't the...
Piling is a standard construction technique that can be used for everything from major projects, like bridges or oil rigs, to home extensions. Lately, however, it's become increasingly popular as a means of underpinning unreliable foundations. Whenever you're undertaking any construction project, it's vital to ensure...
In recent months, we've been talking about retrofitting your basement. We've explained what a retrofit basement is and how to tell whether your property is suitable — but is it the right decision to make? How do the costs of a retrofit basement compare with...
A building might suffer from minor defects that can be easily rectified, but some issues are serious enough to threaten the structure's integrity and safety. These are generally referred to as serious structural defects. They may be caused by poor-quality materials or workmanship, but environmental...