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Fire Risk For London Timber Frame Buildings

On September 18, 2010, In Building, By Tom Doerr

Fire chiefs said they wanted ‘urgent action’ to make timber frame building sites safer following the fire, which spread to two nearby blocks of flats and a pub and led to more than 300 people being evacuated from their homes. The Chief Fire Officers Association is meeting with officials from the Communities and Local Government department and manufacturers’ body the Timber Frame Association.

A spokesperson for the TFA said they would discuss whether building control departments would be willing to automatically notify fire brigades of the building materials – timber frame, brick or steel – used on certain construction sites in their area. ‘They could then liaise more closely with health and safety and building inspectors to make sure guidelines are complied with,’ she said.

The vulnerability to fire of a timber building if it is residential increases tenfold; the question is how at risk are the buildings of catching fire and spreading catastrophically. In 2007 in Croydon, a timber frame block of flats caught fire and spread so rapidly through wall cavities that the entire building was lost. The fire service report claims the fire spread due to poor workmanship during its refurbishment, but there had been no fire risk assessment carried out since.

Although the government claims there is no greater risk of casualty in a timber frame building than in another type, they have acknowledged overwhelming data suggesting the risk of fire and catastrophic damage in timber frame blocks is much greater.

The CFO said the Peckham fire showed the problem of rapid fire spread through part-finished timber frame. It said fire risk reduces significantly once the buildings are complete because fire precautions have been installed. In a statement it said: ‘Fire chiefs are, therefore, calling for all relevant agencies, including the HSE, to redouble their efforts to find a solution to this serious, emerging and developing trend.’

Although most timber framed buildings in London are council owned and used to house those on benefits, some are still private residential buildings which, if suffered from fire risk, could lose their market value at the expense of the homeowners.

The risk of fire has meant that strict rules are set for softwood suppliers about how they treat and prepare their softwood timber.

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Why You Should Use London Window Cleaners To Achieve The Cleanest Windows

On August 30, 2010, In Building, By Brian Shaw

There are many reasons why you should use London window cleaners to get the cleanest Windows. For one thing, these are professionals. This is what they do for a living. They know how to deal with certain dirt and deal with it quickly. In addition to that, they can give you a quotation and stick to the price, as well as guarantee their jobs.

Of course, anyone can do their own windows. Unfortunately, it is not an easy job. Depending on the size of your windows and the styles of them, it can be very difficult, especially if you don’t do it regularly. For example, if you have to remove them from their frames, this job can be extremely tiresome.

Supposing you own a business, you shouldn’t even think of doing your own windows. Nothing screams unprofessional than the owner doing the chores, especially this one where you are easily seen.

Professional window cleaners are quick and efficient. They do the best they can to avoid any disruptions. If any furniture is in the way, they simply move it and then replace it when they are done.

Life is too short to have to do everything that is required of us. Instead of suffering through various chores that will be never ending, hire the right people to do the right job. In the end, you can benefit from clean windows, and you’ll be happy that you won’t have any of the aches and pains that go along with doing the job.

You can easily locate the best London window cleaners, either online or through the telephone book. You can also ask friends and family, who can refer you to those that they may have used and it had the best results with.

There are many reasons why you should call in window cleaners London to get the cleanest Windows in you city. For one thing, these are professional window cleaners . This is what they do everyday, all day!.

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Knowing The Methods Employed By Commercial Window Cleaning Companies

On April 25, 2010, In Building, By Mike Taylor

The methods employed by commercial window cleaning companies include rope access, water fed pole, and cradles. The method used is based on the type of building that needs to be cleaned and deciding which cleaning method will be most effective for the task. A professional, reliable company will be able to utilize the various cleaning methods known throughout the industry.

The water fed pole is one of the safest and cost effective cleaning techniques. This method is usually used to clean commercial buildings no more than four stories high. The system is not as dangerous or risky as the rope access or cradles method because the windows can be cleaned from the ground.

Tap water from the building is poured into a tank that will cleanse the water of any chemicals and minerals. Removing those items from the water will eliminate the appearance of streaks on the windows once they have been cleaned. After the water is purified in the tank, it travels through an extension pole connected to a brush. There is a hose that provides soap for the brush. This method is cheaper than rope access or cradles and is also less time consuming.

The rope access technique is more dangerous than the water fed pole system. It is normally used to clean windows on high rise buildings. Any cleaner using the rope access method should be properly trained and competent to perform the task. The cleaner should also make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. The cleaner needs to ensure any pedestrians and third parties will be protected. The cleaner should be fully aware of any potential hazards before proceeding.

While the worker is suspended on the ropes, there are two attachments holding him in place. The tools the worker needs to clean the windows are connected to his harness and additional tools are on another rope near him. Another worker has to be on the site as well. The second worker will be able to help the worker cleaning the windows if there are any mishaps.

Cradle is another technique used to clean the exterior side of windows for tall buildings. The cradle is also referred to as suspended access equipment. The worker cleans the windows as he stands on the platform with a harness. The worker must make sure all of the equipment, including the safety harness works properly. The person and the tools on the cradle should not exceed the weight capacity that the cradle can safely handle. Cradles should not be used during inclement weather, such as high speed winds, snow or heavy rain.

Water fed pole, rope access and cradles are some of the methods employed by commercial window cleaning companies. Deciding which method is the best one to use depends on various factors, such as the height of the building, work site conditions and the presence of any hazards. All commercial window cleaners should be licensed and able to implement the appropriate safety measures for every assignment.

For those living in the area of London, window cleaning London is very much needed.. If you like having clean windows, then commercial window cleaning is the way to go.

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The Plague Of Plastic Windows In London – Don’t Do It!

On April 21, 2010, In Building, By James Colwell

No matter where you look in the capital city of London in today’s world, there are new, modern structures that are filled with modern features, such as plastic windows. Conservation groups have identified that the plague of plastic windows in London are ruining older, important historical buildings in this traditionally important city.

There are many areas in the city that are considered to be of importance in terms of conservation. With an inundation of double glazing, experts are worried about the effect that this is having on original and traditional buildings. It seems that the other features of a traditional property such as large carved bannisters, delicate cornices and the much sought-after traditional fireplace are being overshadowed by the plight of the original sash window.

There is an argument by many that plastic windows help to reduce Carbon emissions and help to save energy due to a reduction in heat loss from the building. The argument is although they may not fit in with the period features of the property they are helping to reduce costs and save the planet.

Admittedly, these are concerns that can come with having sash windows but there is a counter-argument. It is possible to reduce the amount of heat loss in a property with sash windows by carrying out some draught-stripping. This entails fitting the pair of frames of the window with brush strips, thus creating a tighter seal once the windows are closed. It is also possible to install secondary glazed units on the inside of the original window to help reduce emissions and heat loss.

It is also argued that maintaining sash windows in an old property is costly and that many people cannot afford to have them repaired or replaced. In the long run, it is actually cheaper to repair or replace sash windows than it is to have modern double-glazing fitted, which can run into thousands of Pounds. As long as you maintain the sash windows in the property, they will require little repair and will last for many more years to come.

The main concern about the plague of plastic windows in London is that it is destroying our heritage and our history. Imagine going to visit an old building, expecting it to be full of original features only to find that it has been modernised and has lots its original charm! Another point that experts make is that replacing sash windows with modern materials actually devalues your charming old property – something you need to consider should you ever think about selling your delightful premises!

Enhance the look of your home fast when you employ a reliable sash window restoration companies London today! You can employ a sash window company London for an affordable price and have perfect windows quickly!

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