Damp Proofing surveys & specialists in gloucester cheltenham & stroud

Damp Proofing surveys & specialists in gloucester cheltenham & stroud

Here we enclose some of the best practices of damp proofing in both cheltenham & gloucester.

1. Use mechanical connections – avoid composite connections such as select fittings and custom fasteners as well as adhesives and sealants for they are more difficult to remove and recover reclaimed materials without damaging. Mechanical fasteners and releasable adhesives allow for quick and clean material recovery, improved reusability, reduced toxicity and even reduced initial construction and deconstruction costs.
2. Prefabricated and modular construction – this allows for quick assemble and disassemble on-site as long as the connections are simplified and mechanical. Prefabrication of components and elements off-site improves the quality by consistent fabrication and protection from weathering.
3. Standardize connection details and materials – enhance assembly and disassembly process by specifying fewer connections and standardizing the connection type. Few connections reduce construction and deconstruction times. Specifying standard connection types increase the feasibility of the connection to be used elsewhere in the project. Tools required for fastening the connection ought to be standardized tools.
4. Design with unit sizes and large spans –Designing with material unit sizes greatly reduces the construction waste and construction times while increasing the future usefulness of the product. If there are no unit sizes specified (such as structural steel) design to cover large spans with standard dimensions. Covering long spans in construction reduces interior structural elements while having standard dimensions increases the potential of the elements to be used again.
5. Minimize building components and materials – Reduce the problem of multiple layering of materials by specifying components that have multiple physical properties. Choosing whole materials that are durable and that can have multiple functions will increase the life and use of that component while reducing the fabrication of poor quality products that only serve a single temporary use.
6. Reduce building complexity – buildings with complex structural elements such as pre-stressed and post tensioned beams, cantilevers and undercuts are more difficult to deconstruct and ought to be avoided. Simplify the constructability of the project and separation of materials. Easier construction means easier modification or deconstruction for damp proofing. This includes integration of multiple building services/systems which are entangled into one another.
7. Separate building components and systems – long-lived components must be separated from short-lived components in order to facilitate adaptation for future needs. Typically this means separation of the following building layers; site, structure, skin, building services, space planning, and mobile equipment. This also means that each layer must have proper accessibility, visually and physically, for ease of future modifications. Designing in such a manner will facilitate easier collection process because materials can be removed one at a time. 

Damp Proofing surveys & specialists in gloucester cheltenham & stroud

8. Design to reuse materials - specify construction elements, components and materials which are recoverable and can be either directly reused or fall in one of the product recovery management strategies (Repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, cannibalization or recycling) to aid in closing the material loop. Natural building materials such as (clay, straw, stone, hemp, compacted earth, etc.) fall under the recycling category for they are recovered at a materials level. These materials can be returned to nature without effecting the natural world.

 

9. Design for flexibility and adaptability – design to include an open bay design in which interior operations can adapt to future needs. This design can help improve constructability as well as reduce costs of the life of the building. Flexibility in meeting future code requirements ought to be considered as well. This includes; increased electrical demands, increased insulation demands, increased durability to withstand potential extreme climate changes, etc. 

  

10. Provide a detailed deconstruction plan – create a list and specifications of building elements, components and materials used in the construction project. Include the expected service life, weight, and material recovery strategy. (Ex. direct reuse, product recovery management, or waste management) and recommended handling strategies. The deconstruction plan must also include a set of drawings which include key structural properties, location of wiring systems, details of connections and deconstruction strategies. Also in the deconstruction plan, a list materials that are hazardous to human health or require high levels of safety concerns.