Useful Insights

Thirty practical reference sheets covering building materials, moisture, insulation, fire, fixings and finishes. Revised 5 October 2026.

Choose a topic to open its individual sheet, or download the complete set.

1. 01

   Choosing building insulation

   Compare the installed system, rather than a manufacturer ranking.

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2. 02

   Airtight window and door junctions

   Keep the air seal continuous while retaining designed ventilation.

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3. 03

   Choosing a Principal Designer

   Building Regulations duties in England: competence for the actual project.

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4. 04

   Buying plywood with confidence

   Grade and intended use matter more than a global company list.

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5. 05

   Acoustic floors: the complete build-up

   An added board is one component of a sound-control system.

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6. 06

   Fire-protective coatings

   Specify a tested application, with the required evidence.

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7. 07

   Roof condensation: assess the build-up

   A reflective roof or a metal fixing does not by itself diagnose the problem.

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8. 08

   Sulfrock boards: selecting an application

   Magnesium sulphate board use must follow the relevant system evidence.

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9. 09

   New materials: promise and proof

   Distinguish research potential from demonstrated product performance.

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10. 10

    Fibre cement: benefits and limits

    Select the exact board and detail the complete construction.

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11. 11

    Damp walls and heat loss

    Moisture changes performance; there is no fixed percentage for every wall.

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12. 12

    Choosing tiles for the job

    Compare intended use, installation and verified performance.

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13. 13

    Waterproofing: checks before handover

    Use a complete compatible system and record concealed work.

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14. 14

    Board fixings: specify the system

    The screw, board and support must work together.

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15. 15

    Coastal homes: moisture and insulation

    Treat exposure, rain control and ventilation as one design problem.

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16. 16

    Wall thickness: design it properly

    Thickness follows structure, insulation, fire and space requirements.

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17. 17

    Plumbing: a project sizing checklist

    Pipe sizes depend on demand, layout and system conditions.

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18. 18

    Rodent signs: investigate safely

    Droppings are a clue; shape and size alone do not confirm the species.

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19. 19

    Modelled and measured energy use

    Both are useful when their purpose and assumptions are understood.

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20. 20

    Concrete cracks: identify and assess

    Appearance alone does not establish the cause or structural significance.

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21. 21

    Facade glazing: combine the properties

    Treatments, coatings and glazing units can be combined.

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22. 22

    Fibre cement installation: key checks

    Use the current instructions for the specific panel and support system.

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23. 23

    Terrix render in coastal locations

    Specify the product and complete system for the exposure.

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24. 24

    Board thickness: select from evidence

    Thickness alone cannot establish an approved use.

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25. 25

    Hemp and steel: compare like for like

    No universal ten-times-strength claim is justified.

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26. 26

    Weather-resistant boards: the whole wall

    A board cannot provide storm or flood protection by itself.

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27. 27

    Airtight homes need designed ventilation

    Comfort, energy performance and fresh air should be planned together.

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28. 28

    Board fixing holes: finishing safely

    Repair and finishing depend on the board and the fixing detail.

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29. 29

    Liquid waterproofing: choose the system

    GRP, polyurethane, PMMA and polyurea are families, not performance guarantees.

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30. 30

    Loft insulation and summer comfort

    A roof can gain heat, but comfort depends on the whole home.

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