4K had a very interesting meeting today at the Halton Conference Centre in Runcorn. We attended an event, alongside other local businesses, to discuss major new redevelopment works in the Halton borough. The Consortia  Halton Transformational Partnership has been appointed to deliver Halton’s multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future Programme.

A significant investment is being made and this will include the building of the Grange school in Runcorn and the refurbishment of Wade Deacon School in Widnes. This is absolutely exciting news as the partnership would like the involvement of local labour in the construction process.

Should Liverpool Builders 4K Construction be fortunate enough to secure work with the partnership, then this  would give us the opportunity to create additional jobs and hopefully allow us to take on 2 new construction apprentices this year.

If you’re a regular reader of our little blog here then I’m sure you will have read some of our posts regarding the struggle apprentices face to get a placement these days. We even recently shared a link about a young kid called Sam who has even started writing his own blog to keep people updated with his time at college as a bricklaying apprentice.

Building work is anticipated to start in April 2011 and will be completed in multiple phases.

With the difficulties currently being faced in the construction sector at present, this news is welcomed and can only prove beneficial to all local Halton builders, tradespersons, and residents.

4K Construction
Exceeding Expectations

We spoke yesterday about identifying dry rot and the effects it has on a property. Today will turn out focus onto wet rot and understanding a little more about it.

Wet rot starts initially from moisture.  This Moisture may come from roof leaks, condensation, penetrating damp or plumbing leaks, but without it no decay can begin.  Moisture content is critical in the germination and development of the fungi.

Strands that look like black ferns can be seen on the surface but do not spread to the adjoining timber but instead confined to the damp area. Some wet rots may result in bleaching of the wood; these are more common in doors and window frames. Commonly joists can be affected by wet rot and this may result in the supporting masonry on the ends of joists becoming damp (either by rising damp or penetrating dampness) thereby transferring moisture to the floor joists.

Survey

It is essential to identify the type of damp correctly so before any treatment is carried out, a surveyor will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the wet rot, and will decide whether there is a need for chemical treatment.  Wet rot can be successfully treated following a detailed inspection by an experienced surveyor in remedial treatments.

The best way to avoid wet rot is to prevent the water gettting at the wood in the first place. Wet rot is the common name given to all wood rotting fungi other than the true dry rot fungus.  If the wet rot is only affecting a small area then you can cut it away and replace it with new wood.  The good thing about wet rot is that unlike dry rot, the fungus does not spread along the wood and will confine itself to the wet areas only.

4K

Liverpool Builders 4K Construction have put this short but informative article together to hopefully assist you in understanding a little about dry rot and how it may affect your property.

What is dry rot?

Dry rot

Dry rot is potentially a cause of seriously damaging decay for timber in both historic and modern buildings, but contrary to belief, it does not have to be devastating or outrageously expensive to repair if caught in time.  It is the most serious type of timber decay and is caused by Serpulalacrymans which is generally considered to be more dangerous than wet rot fungi, since it is less easily controlled by drying regimes.

Decay

After time the decay caused by the rot can cause instability and collapse in houses, and other wooden structures.  The process of wood decay itself produces water but in this respect dry rot is no different from any other wood-rotting fungus and, likewise, its ability to produce moisture in this manner can be negated by ventilation. You may be familiar with seeing airbricks to the underside of timber suspended floors? These airbricks help provide ventilation to timbers.

Eradicating Rot

The treatment for dry rot differs considerably from that for wet rot.  Identifying timber treatment Laboratory testing is important to determine clearly the type and level of timber treatment, because doing this on site can be difficult.  The information will allow conclusions on the: extent of timber damage and therefore extent of replacement timber to be estimated time restrictions to be established for remediation measures to be put in place extent and type of treatment required for replacement timber to be decided.

It is imperative when you find dry rot that you replace or repair it quickly so the fungus will not spread. Dry rot and wet rot can affect buildings of all ages and if decay is discovered it should be identified and remedial action taken without delay.

Information

For further information or help on Dry Rot, or if you suspect your property may require Dry Rot Treatment, call 4K Construction  today on 0151 736 0072.

4K

It’s odd, but you would be surprised just how many contractors there are out there these days who are not registered or even insured. Many homeowners will take some Liverpool builders at face value and just assume that everything else will be all above board.

Don’t

Reputable Liverpool builders will have a track record and should carry the necessary insurances. This will be public liability insurance and additionally employer’s liability insurance. Most reputable Liverpool builders will also be members of a recognised trade union such as The Federation of Master Builders.

Gas & Electricity

Any sub contractors that builders use must carry the necessary qualification of competence. Gas installers must be gas safe registered and Electricians should be Part P registered and a member of NAPIT or NIC EIC.

Don’t take chances on your chosen contractor!

If in doubt, always check!

Kirk

4K