Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently in the process of purchasing. This problem relates to the issue of 'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace property.

The issue: I have had a survey on the property done by a so called 'RICS' surveyor. He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well ventilated. He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front, rear and both sides have damp. He thinks this is because there is no DPC. He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to similar issues people have had. I appreciate that older houses are expected to be able to breath... Would a property of this age have a slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... Would the real solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks


RR1983

On Jan 3, 3:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:
Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. *He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. *He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. * I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... *Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... *Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RR1983

--
RR1983

interior french drains can really solve moisture problems, aso having
ground around homes slope away from house, and not have downspouts
dump water at foundations

I gather the OP isnt from the US?

On Thursday 03 January 2013 20:39 RR1983 wrote in alt.home.repair:


Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.


Hi,

You're clearly in the UK as you mentioned RICS.

1) Beware of "surveyors" "proclaiming damp problems". Sticking a 2 prong
probe into plaster tells you bugger all of any value - especially if the
house has been unheated for a long period.

It's fairly easy to see if there is a DPC - but it would require removal of
a small section of plaster and render in a few test spots - something that's
not particularly easy to get agreement to do if you have not bought the
house. However, you could request it of the seller and see what they say.

2) You are posting via DIYBanter which is not a "forum" - it's a front end
to USENET, a group discussion system that predates the web.

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Usenet

3) Whilst the laws of physics do not change around the world, for more
localised knowledge of the law, surveyors and common victorian era house
problems, you might like to post this to the uk.d-i-y group which is UK
centric.

4) Lack of ventilation in the shower is easy enough to solve - put in an
extractor fan either on a light switch trigger overrun timer, or with a
humidstat (so it run when the air is damp).

The rest of his comments sound like hand waving arse covering as is sadly
common with UK "surveyors" (which I'm loath to call a profession). Really,
the only inspections that are really worthwhile are specialist professional
ones (eg drains CCTV inspections, structural engineering by a structural
engineer, electrician's full test and inspection report and GasSafe
registered member's safety report).

Cheers,

Tim
--
Tim Watts Personal Blog: http://www.dionic.net/tim/

"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."

On Jan 3, 8:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:
Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. *He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. *He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. * I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... *Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... *Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RR1983

--
RR1983

I see you are from the UK? They are mostly US on here where house
construction is vastly different. And crap.
You will get better advice here.
https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=...forum/uk.d-i-y

If the house has been empty for a while, there may be no problem at
all.
Your surveyer is a tosser, he can't actually tell anything in a house
this age if it has been empty for a while. Especially in Winter

You need to get some heat in the place for a few weeks and then do
some further tests.
Make sure no-one has piled earth up around the outside walls too.
Make sure there are no roof leaks/faulty/blocked gutters meanwhile.

Get your own two prong damp meter and read the instruction book. They
are under £20.
You will then know as much as these half wit surveyers on the matter.


Some Victorian houses have a discrete damp course. (usually slates)
some don't. Some rely on (hard) engineering bricks.
Though neither is as good as a modern damp course they are often
adequate.

All showers should be ventilated in any house. The fact that it isn't
may be the cause of all your problems if it was in frequent use.

If you just get a damp specialist firm in they will find a problem for
sure, they are in the business of selling cures for (maybe non-
existent) problems.

If there is a rising damp problem, all the chemical injection
equipment can be hired at the tool hire shop and you can fix it
yourself if cash is a problem, not rocket science.

If there is a penetrating damp problem, you can fix this yourself too.

On Jan 4, 3:24*am, harry wrote:
On Jan 3, 8:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:





Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. *He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. *He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. * I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... *Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... *Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RR1983

--
RR1983

I see you are from the UK? They are mostly US on here where house
construction is vastly different. And crap.
You will get better advice here.https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=...forum/uk.d-i-y

If the house has been empty for a while, there may be no problem at
all.
Your surveyer is a tosser, he can't actually tell anything in a house
this age if it has been empty for a while. *Especially in Winter

You need to get some heat in the place for a few weeks and then do
some further tests.
Make sure no-one has piled earth up around the outside walls too.
Make sure there are no roof leaks/faulty/blocked gutters meanwhile.

Get your own two prong damp meter and read the instruction book. *They
are under £20.
You will then know as much as these half wit surveyers on the matter.

Some Victorian houses have a discrete damp course. (usually slates)
some don't. Some rely on (hard) engineering bricks.
Though neither is as good as a modern damp course they are often
adequate.

All showers should be ventilated in any house. The fact that it isn't
may be the cause of all your problems if it was in frequent use.

If you just get a damp specialist firm in they will find a problem for
sure, they are in the business of selling cures for (maybe non-
existent) problems.

If there is a rising damp problem, all the chemical injection
equipment can be hired at the tool hire shop and you can fix it
yourself if cash is a problem, *not rocket science.

If there is a penetrating damp problem, you can fix this yourself too.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Please do not use slang or acronyms if you want a sensible answer.
What is a DPC and a RICS, for example!!!!

Indication that the OP isn't US?
KWIM; ROFL.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"hr(bob) " wrote in message
...

Please do not use slang or acronyms if you want a sensible answer.
What is a DPC and a RICS, for example!!!!

On Friday 04 January 2013 16:23 Stormin Mormon wrote in alt.home.repair:

Indication that the OP isn't US?
KWIM; ROFL.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"hr(bob) " wrote in message
...

Please do not use slang or acronyms if you want a sensible answer.
What is a DPC and a RICS, for example!!!!

DPC = Damp Proof Course, eg water/vapour barrier low down in a brick or
block wall, above the ground level (surprised that's not a common
expression).

RICS = a local to UK organisation of surveyors.

Blame the proliferation of stupid web "forums" fronting USENET who think
it's a good idea to blend uk.d-i-y and this group seamlessly into one page.

I hang out here because general building and woodwork is much the same and I
occasionally get good ideas that I might not hear from the UK side. I do
however know to shut about about electrical, gas and law/regulatory stuff -
except in as much as I might be interested in how something is done over
there



--
Tim Watts Personal Blog: http://www.dionic.net/tim/

"It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent
moral busybodies."

On Jan 4, 3:30*pm, "hr(bob) "
wrote:
On Jan 4, 3:24*am, harry wrote:









On Jan 3, 8:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:

Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. *He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. *He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. * I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... *Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... *Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RR1983

--
RR1983

I see you are from the UK? They are mostly US on here where house
construction is vastly different. And crap.
You will get better advice here.https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=...forum/uk.d-i-y

If the house has been empty for a while, there may be no problem at
all.
Your surveyer is a tosser, he can't actually tell anything in a house
this age if it has been empty for a while. *Especially in Winter

You need to get some heat in the place for a few weeks and then do
some further tests.
Make sure no-one has piled earth up around the outside walls too.
Make sure there are no roof leaks/faulty/blocked gutters meanwhile.

Get your own two prong damp meter and read the instruction book. *They
are under £20.
You will then know as much as these half wit surveyers on the matter.

Some Victorian houses have a discrete damp course. (usually slates)
some don't. Some rely on (hard) engineering bricks.
Though neither is as good as a modern damp course they are often
adequate.

All showers should be ventilated in any house. The fact that it isn't
may be the cause of all your problems if it was in frequent use.

If you just get a damp specialist firm in they will find a problem for
sure, they are in the business of selling cures for (maybe non-
existent) problems.

If there is a rising damp problem, all the chemical injection
equipment can be hired at the tool hire shop and you can fix it
yourself if cash is a problem, *not rocket science.

If there is a penetrating damp problem, you can fix this yourself too.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Please do not use slang or acronyms if you want a sensible answer.
What is a DPC and a RICS, for example!!!!

DPC =damp proof course. usually plastic these days.
RICS = Royal Institiute of Chartered Surveyors.

On Fri, 4 Jan 2013 07:30:50 -0800 (PST), "hr(bob) "
wrote:

On Jan 4, 3:24*am, harry wrote:
On Jan 3, 8:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:





Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. *He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. *He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. * I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... *Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... *Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RR1983

--
RR1983

I see you are from the UK? They are mostly US on here where house
construction is vastly different. And crap.
You will get better advice here.https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=...forum/uk.d-i-y

If the house has been empty for a while, there may be no problem at
all.
Your surveyer is a tosser, he can't actually tell anything in a house
this age if it has been empty for a while. *Especially in Winter

You need to get some heat in the place for a few weeks and then do
some further tests.
Make sure no-one has piled earth up around the outside walls too.
Make sure there are no roof leaks/faulty/blocked gutters meanwhile.

Get your own two prong damp meter and read the instruction book. *They
are under £20.
You will then know as much as these half wit surveyers on the matter.

Some Victorian houses have a discrete damp course. (usually slates)
some don't. Some rely on (hard) engineering bricks.
Though neither is as good as a modern damp course they are often
adequate.

All showers should be ventilated in any house. The fact that it isn't
may be the cause of all your problems if it was in frequent use.

If you just get a damp specialist firm in they will find a problem for
sure, they are in the business of selling cures for (maybe non-
existent) problems.

If there is a rising damp problem, all the chemical injection
equipment can be hired at the tool hire shop and you can fix it
yourself if cash is a problem, *not rocket science.

If there is a penetrating damp problem, you can fix this yourself too.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Please do not use slang or acronyms if you want a sensible answer.
What is a DPC and a RICS, for example!!!!

Any Limey bodger would know.

On Fri, 4 Jan 2013 08:55:12 -0800 (PST), harry
wrote:

On Jan 4, 3:30*pm, "hr(bob) "
wrote:
On Jan 4, 3:24*am, harry wrote:









On Jan 3, 8:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:

Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. *He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. *He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. * I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... *Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... *Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RR1983

--
RR1983

I see you are from the UK? They are mostly US on here where house
construction is vastly different. And crap.
You will get better advice here.https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=...forum/uk.d-i-y

If the house has been empty for a while, there may be no problem at
all.
Your surveyer is a tosser, he can't actually tell anything in a house
this age if it has been empty for a while. *Especially in Winter

You need to get some heat in the place for a few weeks and then do
some further tests.
Make sure no-one has piled earth up around the outside walls too.
Make sure there are no roof leaks/faulty/blocked gutters meanwhile.

Get your own two prong damp meter and read the instruction book. *They
are under £20.
You will then know as much as these half wit surveyers on the matter.

Some Victorian houses have a discrete damp course. (usually slates)
some don't. Some rely on (hard) engineering bricks.
Though neither is as good as a modern damp course they are often
adequate.

All showers should be ventilated in any house. The fact that it isn't
may be the cause of all your problems if it was in frequent use.

If you just get a damp specialist firm in they will find a problem for
sure, they are in the business of selling cures for (maybe non-
existent) problems.

If there is a rising damp problem, all the chemical injection
equipment can be hired at the tool hire shop and you can fix it
yourself if cash is a problem, *not rocket science.

If there is a penetrating damp problem, you can fix this yourself too.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Please do not use slang or acronyms if you want a sensible answer.
What is a DPC and a RICS, for example!!!!

DPC =damp proof course. usually plastic these days.
RICS = Royal Institiute of Chartered Surveyors.
Basically registered and regulated home inspectors.(usually somewhat
educated as well, compared to many over "here".

On Friday 04 January 2013 20:15 wrote in alt.home.repair:


RICS = Royal Institiute of Chartered Surveyors.
Basically registered and regulated home inspectors.

(usually somewhat educated as well,

*splutter!*

Possibly in the same parallel universe where Afganistan is a civilised
democracy.

compared to many over "here".
--
Tim Watts Personal Blog: http://www.dionic.net/tim/

"She got her looks from her father. He's a plastic surgeon."

On 1/4/2013 10:43 AM, Tim Watts wrote:
On Friday 04 January 2013 16:23 Stormin Mormon wrote in alt.home.repair:

Indication that the OP isn't US?
KWIM; ROFL.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"hr(bob) " wrote in message
...

Please do not use slang or acronyms if you want a sensible answer.
What is a DPC and a RICS, for example!!!!

DPC = Damp Proof Course, eg water/vapour barrier low down in a brick or
block wall, above the ground level (surprised that's not a common
expression).

RICS = a local to UK organisation of surveyors.

Blame the proliferation of stupid web "forums" fronting USENET who think
it's a good idea to blend uk.d-i-y and this group seamlessly into one page.

I hang out here because general building and woodwork is much the same and I
occasionally get good ideas that I might not hear from the UK side. I do
however know to shut about about electrical, gas and law/regulatory stuff -
except in as much as I might be interested in how something is done over
there


I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

--
Tim Watts Personal Blog: http://www.dionic.net/tim/

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."

On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:
On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|


I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

On Jan 6, 6:05*am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:









On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:
On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:









On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?


It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD

On Jan 3, 2:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:
Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

He has advised that all the walls in the ground floor lounge, front,
rear and both sides have damp. *He thinks this is because there is no
DPC. *He has advised that I get a specialist damp survey done to look at
th eissues further and provide a break down of any works required.

I have been reading a very many threads on this site in regards to
similar issues people have had. * I appreciate that older houses are
expected to be able to breath... *Would a property of this age have a
slate dpc? (Which the surveyor should know about)... *Would the real
solution be to look at ventilation?

The house has stood empty for 6months approx, could this have lead to
some damp issues?

I'm abit lost at what steps I could take now to resolve this, I'm a bit
reluctant to go taking out more surveys.

Any help any one could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RR1983

--
RR1983

A question about the DPC. Here in the USA, I think the most common
moisture problem is damp/wet ground causing moisture flow through
basement walls that are below ground level. Walls that are above
ground are generally covered with wood, plastic, some type of metal,
from maybe a foot or so above the ground level up to the roof.

If the walls and roof are in good condition, the 1 foot high band
around the entire house is only exposed to moisture when it is
actually raining. The basement walls are continually in contact with
the ground and its moisture and that is usually a much bigger problem
than the moisture seeping thru the 1 foot unprotected band above
ground. Are you saying that in the UK and elsewhere in the EU, for
example, that there is a plastic applied to that unprotected 1-foot
high band around the circumference of the house??

On Jan 3, 3:39*pm, RR1983 wrote:
Hi All,

I am new to this forum so apologies if I have place this thread in the
wrong section.

I am having a bit of a problem at the moment with a house I am currently
in the process of purchasing. *This problem relates to the issue of
'damp'...

The property: 110 years old, 2 bedroom, stone built end of terrace
property.

The issue: *I have had a survey on the property done by a so called
'RICS' surveyor. *He has advised that there is damp in the ground floor
lounge and the ensuit shower.

He has advised that the damp in the ensuit shower room is penetrating
damp but he thinks it could be because the shower room isnt well
ventilated. *He has suggest installing a ventilation fan.

That would make sense IF the house was occupied and
the shower was being used. With a shower being used
and inadequate venting, then you can get moisture build-up. It makes
no sense with a house that has been
empty for 6 months. And if the surveyor was aware of
that fact, it suggest to me that the surveyor is a buffoon.

On Jan 6, 9:03*am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:









On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.
Rarely gets hotter than 95degF here either.
All down to the Atlantic currents. (Gulf Stream.)
I have a solar passive house, it has no heating but for a small wood
stove for sunless periods in the evenings.
I have solar panels and hence no heating or net electricity bills.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive..._and_landscape

A question about the DPC. *Here in the USA, I think the most common
moisture problem is damp/wet ground causing moisture flow through
basement walls that are below ground level. *Walls that are above
ground are generally covered with wood, plastic, some type of metal,
from maybe a foot or so above the ground level up to the roof.

If the walls and roof are in good condition, the 1 foot high band
around the entire house is only exposed to moisture when it is
actually raining. *The basement walls are continually in contact with
the ground and its moisture and that is usually a much bigger problem
than the moisture seeping thru the 1 foot unprotected band above
ground. *Are you saying that in the UK and elsewhere in the EU, for
example, that there is a plastic applied to that unprotected 1-foot
high band around the circumference of the house??

"Rising damp".

The DPC is an impervious horizontal barrier that the whole house sits
on. It stops water from rising from the ground by capilliary
attraction into the structure of the building.
In days of yore, engineering bricks, lead and slate was used.

Mid 20th century reinforced bitumous felt was used

Late 20th century to present plastic sheeting.

This is the stuff that would be incorporated into a brick/block wall
during construction just above ground level..
http://www.wickes.co.uk/polythene-dp...m/invt/226580/

General info about UK house construction re damp prevention.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damp_(structural)


Basements in new houses in the UK are virtually unknown.

From what I have seen in the USA basement walls are usually just
painted outside before backfilling with bitumous paint.

As it happens I do have a subterranean wall. Here I have to apply a
vertical damp proof membrane over the whole external (buried) surface.

On Sun, 6 Jan 2013 10:00:35 -0800 (PST), harry
wrote:

On Jan 6, 9:03*am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:









On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.

Same latitude as what part of Canada? Point Pelee or Resolute??
Rarely gets hotter than 95degF here either.
All down to the Atlantic currents. (Gulf Stream.)
I have a solar passive house, it has no heating but for a small wood
stove for sunless periods in the evenings.
I have solar panels and hence no heating or net electricity bills.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive..._and_landscape

On 1/6/2013 12:00 PM, harry wrote:
On Jan 6, 9:03 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:









On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.
Rarely gets hotter than 95degF here either.
All down to the Atlantic currents. (Gulf Stream.)
I have a solar passive house, it has no heating but for a small wood
stove for sunless periods in the evenings.
I have solar panels and hence no heating or net electricity bills.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive..._and_landscape


It's amazing how the Gulf Stream keeps the U.K. and Ireland from turning
into a Popsicle. ^_^

TDD

On Jan 6, 12:23*pm, harry wrote:
A question about the DPC. *Here in the USA, I think the most common
moisture problem is damp/wet ground causing moisture flow through
basement walls that are below ground level. *Walls that are above
ground are generally covered with wood, plastic, some type of metal,
from maybe a foot or so above the ground level up to the roof.

If the walls and roof are in good condition, the 1 foot high band
around the entire house is only exposed to moisture when it is
actually raining. *The basement walls are continually in contact with
the ground and its moisture and that is usually a much bigger problem
than the moisture seeping thru the 1 foot unprotected band above
ground. *Are you saying that in the UK and elsewhere in the EU, for
example, that there is a plastic applied to that unprotected 1-foot
high band around the circumference of the house??

"Rising damp".

The DPC is an impervious horizontal barrier that the whole house sits
on. It stops water from rising from the ground by capilliary
attraction into the structure of the building.
In days of yore, engineering bricks, lead and slate was used.

Mid 20th century reinforced bitumous felt was used

Late 20th century to present plastic sheeting.

This is the stuff that would be incorporated into a brick/block wall
during construction just above ground level..http://www.wickes.co.uk/polythene-dp...m/invt/226580/

General info about UK house construction re damp prevention.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damp_(structural)

Basements in new houses in the UK are virtually unknown.

From what I have seen in the USA basement walls are usually just
painted outside before *backfilling with bitumous paint.

As it happens I do have a subterranean wall. Here I have to apply a
vertical damp proof membrane over the whole external (buried) surface.

OK - What you are saying makes a lot more sense than my
misunderstanding.

If most of the homes in the UK do not have basements, are the homes
on a slab of concrete poured directly on the ground, with a vapor
barrier either under or over the entire concrete, or is there no vapor
barrier. Or, just a plastic film between the concrete and the wood
that rests on the concrete with the rest of the concrete uncovered,
or, are most home built with an exterior concrete wall that rests on
footings to support the whole weight of the house with plastic between
the top of the concrete and the wood that supports the house.

So many different possible combinations, I realize, but we in the USA
don't know that much about UK and other non-USA housing practices.

On Sunday 06 January 2013 23:46 hr(bob) wrote in
alt.home.repair:


OK - What you are saying makes a lot more sense than my
misunderstanding.

If most of the homes in the UK do not have basements, are the homes
on a slab of concrete poured directly on the ground, with a vapor
barrier either under or over the entire concrete, or is there no vapor
barrier. Or, just a plastic film between the concrete and the wood
that rests on the concrete with the rest of the concrete uncovered,
or, are most home built with an exterior concrete wall that rests on
footings to support the whole weight of the house with plastic between
the top of the concrete and the wood that supports the house.

So many different possible combinations, I realize, but we in the USA
don't know that much about UK and other non-USA housing practices.

Depending on age of house, there are about a billion ways it may (or not)
have been done.

New houses are usually:

Hole, "blinding" sand, plastic sheet (DPM), [insulation],concrete,
[insulation], [screed]

[insulation] (foam board) position varies, depending partly on whether
underfloor heating is to be installed and screed is optional in some cases
but is usually used.


1950's house (mine)

earth, 4" concrete, bitumen, 1-2" screed

In one room there was no DPM, so I applied an epoxy paint on DPM (very good)
then topped with special levelling compound.


16th houses might just have flooring bricks laid direct on earth (really).

Many houses from the victorian period to about 1950 ish (which is a real
finger in the air and location dependent) would have had suspended ground
floors - ie 8x2" or similar joists sitting on walls with some sort of damp
proof pad then floorboards on top. Lots of external (airbrick or grate)
underfloor cross-ventilation is needed so these floors run very cold in
winter.

There are probaly others and many variations on the above - my sample is
mostly south-east England.

BTW lots of older homes do have basements - in London most victorian and
edwardian period properties do, with a coal-chute coveredd with a 12" iron
manhole cover in the pavement (cellars extended slightly forward of house)

After all - needed somewhere for the servants! (seriously) :-
--
Tim Watts Personal Blog: http://www.dionic.net/tim/

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."

On Jan 6, 11:46*pm, "hr(bob) "
wrote:
On Jan 6, 12:23*pm, harry wrote:









A question about the DPC. *Here in the USA, I think the most common
moisture problem is damp/wet ground causing moisture flow through
basement walls that are below ground level. *Walls that are above
ground are generally covered with wood, plastic, some type of metal,
from maybe a foot or so above the ground level up to the roof.

If the walls and roof are in good condition, the 1 foot high band
around the entire house is only exposed to moisture when it is
actually raining. *The basement walls are continually in contact with
the ground and its moisture and that is usually a much bigger problem
than the moisture seeping thru the 1 foot unprotected band above
ground. *Are you saying that in the UK and elsewhere in the EU, for
example, that there is a plastic applied to that unprotected 1-foot
high band around the circumference of the house??

"Rising damp".

The DPC is an impervious horizontal barrier that the whole house sits
on. It stops water from rising from the ground by capilliary
attraction into the structure of the building.
In days of yore, engineering bricks, lead and slate was used.

Mid 20th century reinforced bitumous felt was used

Late 20th century to present plastic sheeting.

This is the stuff that would be incorporated into a brick/block wall
during construction just above ground level..http://www.wickes.co.uk/polythene-dp...m/invt/226580/

General info about UK house construction re damp prevention.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damp_(structural)

Basements in new houses in the UK are virtually unknown.

From what I have seen in the USA basement walls are usually just
painted outside before *backfilling with bitumous paint.

As it happens I do have a subterranean wall. Here I have to apply a
vertical damp proof membrane over the whole external (buried) surface.

OK - What you are saying makes a lot more sense than my
misunderstanding.

*If most of the homes in the UK do not have basements, are the homes
on a slab of concrete poured directly on the ground, with a vapor
barrier either under or over the entire concrete, or is there no vapor
barrier. Or, *just a plastic film between the concrete and the wood
that rests on the concrete with the rest of the concrete uncovered,
or, are most home built with an exterior concrete wall that rests on
footings to support the whole weight of the house with plastic between
the top of the concrete and the wood that supports the house.

So many different possible combinations, I realize, but we in the USA
don't know that much about UK and other non-USA housing practices.

The foundations depend on ground conditions.
They mostly fall into two classifications.
Strip foundations.
http://www.buildingregs4plans.co.uk/..._3d_detail.php
These are most common.


Raft foundation.
http://environment.uwe.ac.uk/geocal/...s/Fountype.htm

Where ground conditions are not good.

Or piles occasionally.
Where ground conditions are bad.

A lot more insulation is incorporated nowadays than was usual in days
gone by.

On Jan 6, 7:46*pm, wrote:
On Sun, 6 Jan 2013 10:00:35 -0800 (PST), harry









wrote:
On Jan 6, 9:03*am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:

On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff..

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F *which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.

Same latitude as what part of Canada? *Point Pelee or Resolute??




Southern edge of Hudson bay.

On Jan 6, 8:48*pm, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:00 PM, harry wrote:









On Jan 6, 9:03 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:

On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances.. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F *which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.
Rarely gets hotter than 95degF here either.
All down to the Atlantic currents. (Gulf Stream.)
I have a solar passive house, it has no heating but for a small wood
stove for sunless periods in the evenings.
* I have solar panels and hence no heating or net electricity bills.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive...r_design_and_l...

It's amazing how the Gulf Stream keeps the U.K. and Ireland from turning
into a Popsicle. ^_^

TDD

There is a theory that global warming may cause the Gulf stream to
stop if enough of the ice melts at the North Pole.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutdow...ne_circulation

On 1/7/2013 4:34 AM, harry wrote:
On Jan 6, 8:48 pm, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:00 PM, harry wrote:









On Jan 6, 9:03 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:

On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.
Rarely gets hotter than 95degF here either.
All down to the Atlantic currents. (Gulf Stream.)
I have a solar passive house, it has no heating but for a small wood
stove for sunless periods in the evenings.
I have solar panels and hence no heating or net electricity bills.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive...r_design_and_l...

It's amazing how the Gulf Stream keeps the U.K. and Ireland from turning
into a Popsicle. ^_^

TDD

There is a theory that global warming may cause the Gulf stream to
stop if enough of the ice melts at the North Pole.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutdow...ne_circulation


Limeysicles, a frozen treat for the polar bears that will migrate into
The British Isles when Global Warming causes England to freeze. ^_^

TDD

On Mon, 07 Jan 2013 07:52:00 -0600, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

On 1/7/2013 4:34 AM, harry wrote:
On Jan 6, 8:48 pm, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:00 PM, harry wrote:









On Jan 6, 9:03 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:

On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.
Rarely gets hotter than 95degF here either.
All down to the Atlantic currents. (Gulf Stream.)
I have a solar passive house, it has no heating but for a small wood
stove for sunless periods in the evenings.
I have solar panels and hence no heating or net electricity bills.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive...r_design_and_l...

It's amazing how the Gulf Stream keeps the U.K. and Ireland from turning
into a Popsicle. ^_^

TDD

There is a theory that global warming may cause the Gulf stream to
stop if enough of the ice melts at the North Pole.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutdow...ne_circulation


Limeysicles, a frozen treat for the polar bears that will migrate into
The British Isles when Global Warming causes England to freeze. ^_^

Sounds like a good idea. The Brits haven't paid their heating bill.

On Mon, 7 Jan 2013 02:28:52 -0800 (PST), harry
wrote:

On Jan 6, 7:46*pm, wrote:
On Sun, 6 Jan 2013 10:00:35 -0800 (PST), harry









wrote:
On Jan 6, 9:03*am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:

On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt.home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F *which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.

Same latitude as what part of Canada? *Point Pelee or Resolute??




Southern edge of Hudson bay.
Basicslly the uninhabited area of Canada.

On Jan 7, 3:39*pm, wrote:
On Mon, 7 Jan 2013 02:28:52 -0800 (PST), harry









wrote:
On Jan 6, 7:46*pm, wrote:
On Sun, 6 Jan 2013 10:00:35 -0800 (PST), harry

wrote:
On Jan 6, 9:03*am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/6/2013 12:51 AM, harry wrote:

On Jan 6, 6:05 am, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 1/5/2013 12:37 PM, Tim Watts wrote:

On Saturday 05 January 2013 16:59 The Daring Dufas wrote in alt..home.repair:

I have no problem with my U.K. cousins, heck, just because you may do
things differently across the pond doesn't mean you can''t learn
something new and share ideas. The main thing most folks don't
understand about construction standards in Europe is the fact that the
cost of energy is so much higher that more attention to energy saving
is considered more important than it may be here in The U.S.. I would
think the payoff for more insulation and more elaborate weather sealing
plus more expensive multi-pane windows is a lot quicker. ^_^

TDD

Yes indeed :-)

Ironically Building Regulations (aka "Code") in England (jocks and the welsh
are diverging slightly) are still only requiring double glazed windows (well
a U-Value of 1.6J/Km2 which is double glazed with approproate coatings) and
yet will a require a massively better value for the walls. I was horrified
when I did calcs for my house and found out how much was going out the
windows relative to a cavity wall that was retro-filled with fluff.

Waiting for triple glazing to become mandatory :-|

I suppose you can use heavy curtains for slowing heat loss on very cold
nights? Here in Alabamastan we have abundant supplies of natural gas and
electricity prices are lower than a lot of other states but most folks
are still interested in energy saving homes and efficient appliances. ^_^

TDD

How cold does it get there?

It's only 41°F right now but in rare unusually cold weather temps can
dip as low as 10°F *which is when folks wind up with burst pipes if the
temperature stays that low for more than a day. Snow is fairly rare
around here too in central Alabamastan. ^_^

TDD
That's about the same as it gets here and we are on the same latitude
as Canada.

Same latitude as what part of Canada? *Point Pelee or Resolute??

Southern edge of Hudson bay.

* Basicslly the uninhabited area of Canada.

But we are the sceptred isle.
Caution intellectual link.
http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/25255.htmllink.